“The risk of exposure to COVID-19 is just one of the concerns for people fleeing wildfires this summer, according to Dr. Stephanie Christenson, an assistant professor of medicine at UCSF Medical Center.
She said wildfire smoke, heat and COVID have created a “perfect storm” of risk for certain groups of people with underlying health problems.”
“The effects of wildfire smoke may make people more susceptible to COVID-19 and worsen their symptoms, she said.
People with underlying health problems such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure are especially at risk for symptoms being further exacerbated by smoke and COVID, she said.”
You can read the full article here. You can also access the Health Consumer Alliance’s COVID-19 resource page for more information on how to access substance use and other behavioral health services in California during the COVID-19 pandemic.
