Individuals with compromised immune systems are most at risk of infection. This includes people who are immunosuppressed due to underlying medical conditions, medications (like chemotherapy), or other factors. The severity of risk varies depending on the specific condition and its impact on the immune response. Infants, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are also particularly vulnerable. Specific high-risk groups vary depending on the infectious agent; for example, men who have sex with men face a higher risk of contracting mpox, while those who inject drugs have an increased risk of hepatitis B.
High-Risk Groups: A Detailed Look
Several factors significantly increase an individual's susceptibility to infection:
-
Immunosuppression: People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, or those with autoimmune diseases, are highly vulnerable. As stated in a source from September 12th, 2024, most people in this group are under specialist care and have received advice regarding their risks.
-
Age: Infants and the elderly often have less robust immune systems, making them more susceptible to a wide range of infections. The CDC highlights that those younger than 2 years old are at the highest risk of serious flu complications. (September 11th, 2024)
-
Pre-existing Health Conditions: Chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and kidney disease can impair the body's ability to fight off infections, increasing the risk of severe illness. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that individuals aged 65 and older are at higher risk of serious COVID-19 infection. (December 8th, 2021)
-
Specific Behaviors and Exposures: Certain behaviors increase the risk of contracting specific infections. For instance, injecting drug use elevates the risk of hepatitis B, while unprotected sex increases the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. A source highlights anal sex as the highest-risk behavior for HIV transmission. (June 15th, 2022)
-
Healthcare Settings: Individuals in hospitals or other healthcare settings are at increased risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly very young people.
Understanding Infection Risk
It's crucial to remember that infection risk is not solely determined by individual factors. The prevalence of infectious agents in the community, hygiene practices, and access to healthcare all play significant roles.
