We have known since the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic that persons over the age of 65 are especially at risk, the head infectology physician of the South Pest Central Hospital (Szent László Hospital) said at the Sunday online press conference of the Operational Group responsible for the containment of the coronavirus epidemic.

Among risk factors that could aggravate the progression of coronavirus infection, János Szlávik first mentioned age. He highlighted that the average age of women who have died of the disease in Hungary is 81, while the average age among men is 77 years. However, the head physician is also aware a person aged 102 who has recovered without residual symptoms, while many elderly people have survived the disease without symptoms or with extremely mild symptoms.

The head physician further mentioned among high-risk persons patients suffering from cardiovascular conditions and lung diseases, with special regard to those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney patients in need of dialysis treatment, and diabetes patients using insulin. Cancer patients, patients who received radiation therapy and extremely obese people are also high-risk individuals as are persons suffering from different autoimmune diseases.

He said high blood pressure does not in itself constitute a risk factor; a well-medicated blood pressure patient’s condition will not be any more severe when infected with the coronavirus. He refuted claims that one of the most frequently used blood pressure medicines could aggravate the progression of the disease. At the same time, he asked people suffering from high blood pressure not to change the medications prescribed by their physicians.

Mr Szlávik pointed out that the number of fatalities caused by coronavirus infection among children was very low. In this regard he said, however, that news reports from Italy and the United States suggest that children infected with the virus display the symptoms of a rare disease called Kawasaki syndrome. This is a disease involving a high temperature, swollen lymph glands in the neck, rash and redness of the whites of the eyes. It has been diagnosed in one hundred children infected with the coronavirus in New York; three of them have died.

Mr Szlávik said they are investigating also at present whether there is a connection between coronavirus and the development of Kawasaki syndrome. At present, it is not proven yet, but “based on the logic of high numbers” there may be a connection. In Hungary this disease is “extremely rare” and can be treated well with medicinal therapy, he highlighted.

The head physician mentioned the third Sunday of May was World Remembrance Day of AIDS Victims. He said AIDS and HIV infection do not in themselves present a risk in the context of the virus, and attempts are being made to cure coronavirus patients with drugs used in HIV therapy. As a result, drug treatment could give HIV patients a degree of immunity.

Mr Szlávik asked members of the public to continue to take good care of themselves, to maintain social distancing, to continue disinfecting and to wear face masks regardless of how favourable the latest epidemic figures are.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)