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New tool helps calculate risk factors for developing severe illness from COVID-19

Many factors impact risk

DETROIT – Since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we’ve learned so much about the risk factors for developing severe illness from COVID-19.

But the list includes many factors: Age, race, symptoms, other medical problems. It’s hard to know how exactly how much each one might impact your risk.

READ: State of Michigan updates COVID-19 hospitalization data

There’s a new online tool to help anyone figure out it -- and it’s free. The tool was built to calculate a persons risk of requiring hospitalization after they were diagnosed with COVID-19.

As your risk for being hospitalized increases, so does your risk of developing severe disease. For anyone with COVID-19, this can provide some insight into the severity of your situation.

Using data from more than 4,500 patients treated at Cleveland Clinic sites in Cleveland and Florida, researchers have developed an online risk prediction model to help identify which patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 are most likely to be hospitalized.

READ: Vaping might increase risk of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19) in teens, young adults

The study identified several risk factors that have not been seen in other models. Former smokers were more likely to be hospitalized than current smokers. Certain medications like NSAIDS, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization. Race was also found to be a factor. African Americans are more likely to require hospitalization.

The online tool was designed for doctors, but anyone can use it. It’s important to note that it’s only an estimate and it is expected to go through further refinement and validation over time.

Click here to view the online tool


About the Authors
Frank McGeorge, MD headshot

Dr. McGeorge can be seen on Local 4 News helping Metro Detroiters with health concerns when he isn't helping save lives in the emergency room at Henry Ford Hospital.

Kayla Clarke headshot

Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.

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