# CDC browser-visible context

Captured: 2026-08-19
URL: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html#cdc_generic_section_7-demographic-factors

Browser-visible page title: Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19 | Covid | CDC

Relevant visible points:

- CDC describes COVID-19 as a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.
- CDC says age is the strongest risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
- CDC says being unvaccinated or not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations also increases risk of severe outcomes.
- CDC’s demographic section says studies have shown COVID-19 does not affect all population groups equally, naming age, race and ethnicity as important factors.
- CDC says the pandemic highlighted racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths.
- CDC frames racial/ethnic disparities partly through barriers to health care including insurance, transportation, child care and ability to take time off work.
- CDC says racial and ethnic minority groups were more likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and, once infected, more likely to be hospitalized, admitted to ICU and die from COVID-19 at younger ages.

Editorial note: This CDC page documents disparities in outcomes and access/barriers. It does not say SARS-CoV-2 was genetically engineered or intentionally ethnically targeted.