Black Americans and COVID-19

The Black community is at a higher risk of getting sick from and/or dying from COVID-19 due to multiple factors including racial and economic discrimination, health inequities, and chronic diseases.

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Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19

Take Care of Your Physical Health

People with one or more of the following conditions should be extra careful to protect their health from COVID-19:
  • Asthma and lung disease
  • Heart Disease
  • Unmanaged diabetes
  • Severe Obesity (BMI>40)
  • Weakened Immune Systems due to HIV or cancer treatment
  • People Who are Pregnant

You can help protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 by managing your chronic diseases and educating others on how to manage theirs.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and how it can help protect you from the disease.

Tips for Managing Chronic Diseases

You don’t have to go at it alone. Find an accountability partner to hold you accountable for managing your chronic disease.

I Have Diabetes

I Have Asthma

I Have Heart Disease

I Have Cancer

I Have Diabetes

Black adults are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. Managing diabetes and helping your loved ones manage theirs is a key step in preventing COVID-19. When people with diabetes do not properly manage their blood sugar levels, they weaken their chances of fighting off COVID-19. People with poorly controlled diabetes are more likely to become very ill and/or die from COVID-19.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Stay on top of monitoring your blood sugar regularly and take your medications regularly, as directed
  • Contact your physician and request an emergency supply of medications
  • Choose healthy food options that don’t spike your blood sugar
  • Increase your physical activity, consider at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day
  • Create a plan to stop smoking, as smoking increasing your chance of having a heart attack or stroke

I Have Asthma

Black Americans are 42% more likely to have asthma. Asthma coupled with COVID-19 can be deadly.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Create an Asthma Action Plan, visit www.cdc.gov/asthma/actionplan.html
  • Take your medications as directed
  • Contact your physician and request an emergency supply of medications
  • Stop smoking and using e-cigarettes, which can cause lung damage, making you vulnerable to COVID-19

I Have Heart Disease

Black Americans between the ages of 18-49 are 2 times more likely to die from heart disease. COVID-19 can cause strain on all of the systems in the body, which puts additional strain on the heart.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Work with your doctor to create a treatment plan
  • Take your medications as directed
  • Keep up the healthy habits that your doctor recommends, including healthy eating, exercise, getting enough sleep, and managing stress
  • Stay up-to-date on other vaccinations that can protect you from diseases that stress your heart, including pneumonia and the flu
  • Make sure to go to the Emergency Room if you think you’re having a heart attack or stroke.

I Have Cancer

Some types of cancer and cancer treatments can weaken people’s immune systems and can make them more likely to get very ill from COVID-19.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Work with your doctor to identify ways to keep you safe from COVID-19 so you can continue your treatment
  • Contact your pharmacy to see if your medications can be mailed to you
  • Consider ways to isolate yourself from others to avoid getting COVID-19
  • Schedule your annual breast or colon cancer screenings on time

Quitting tobacco use now can help you improve your health. People with chronic diseases who use tobacco are most likely to have life-threatening health issues. If you use tobacco, make the commitment today to quit. Call the free quitline today to get started at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

We’re in this together, wear a mask over your mouth and nose in public settings and crowded settings, including family gatherings and living in multi-family homes.

How COVID-19 Can Impact You and Your Loved Ones

COVID-19 is a new kind of illness caused by a virus. People can carry and spread the virus without feeling sick. It causes fever, coughing, and trouble breathing. According to the CDC Black Americans are 2.8x more likely to die from COVID-19. Managing chronic diseases is one of many ways for Black Americans to avoid COVID-19.

Protect Your Immune System

Making healthy food and lifestyle choices can help people prevent and improve their chronic disease as well as their overall well-being. Some of the most important healthy choices include:

  • Quit Tobacco Use
  • Do more physical activity
  • Eat nutritious meals and snacks

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and how it can help protect you from the disease.

The Truth about Black Americans &
COVID-19

Black Americans are dying at an alarming rate from COVID-19.

According to the CDC, Black Americans are 2.8 times more likely to die from COVID-19. Early studies have found a connection, Black Americans with chronic diseases are more likely to have a more serious illness or die from COVID-19.

Managing chronic diseases is one of many ways Black Americans can help to avoid COVID-19.

Help Stop the Spread

  • Avoid crowded places
  • Stay at least two arm’s length away from other people
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have soap and water, use hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with the inside of your elbow

Key Resources

Endorsements

The Your Health Beyond COVID website is proud to have its content endorsed by several prominent Black medical organizations:

“Whether you make the decision to quit smoking, choose fruit instead of your regular snack, or take some light exercise during TV commercial breaks, it’s never too late to try something new to improve your well-being.”

– John W. Robitscher, MPH, CEO, National Association of Chronic Disease Directors