Viruses are tiny, practically invisible particles that are often difficult to control. Most people cannot even comprehend their microscopic size. In the case of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, a recent article by a mathematical biologist shared the shocking news that all of the coronavirus in the world would fit into a soda can. That’s how tiny the particles are.

Given the fact that we’re fighting an invisible enemy, it might feel as though we’re all powerless to stop Covid-19. But that’s not entirely true. While the actual enemy itself can be difficult to target, we do know that certain underlying conditions make individuals especially vulnerable to the disease. So, while you can’t exactly fight the virus itself, you can take steps to make your body less hospitable to the virus and lower your risk of serious complications.

So, what are those underlying conditions? Doctors say they are most worried about patients who have one or more of the following conditions:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure

None of these conditions can be cured overnight, and type 1 diabetes is not curable at all. However, obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes can often be reduced or managed by taking the right steps and closely monitoring medications.

Obesity seems to be the main target of preventive efforts, because losing weight can often bring type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure under control. A healthy diet and regular exercise are two positive steps that you can take to reduce your risk of these conditions, along with others such as heart disease.

Talk to your doctor about your own risk factors and seek referrals to specialists when necessary. With dedicated effort and the right support, you can take charge of your own health, reduce your Covid risk, and enjoy more peace of mind as we weather this pandemic together.