By now, we know that COVID-19 affects people differently. Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting health conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Given the drastic steps taken by President Trump and multiple governors this week, the new reality posed by the latest pandemic means we must keep calm but be prepared to take precautionary measures. That’s doubly true for those at the highest risk.

In the past 24 hours, the CDC released a list of conditions that increase the likelihood of a severe manifestation of the novel coronavirus. 

The list includes the following nine conditions. (The Motley Fool)

• Blood disorders

• Chronic kidney disease

• Compromised immune system

• Pregnancy (current or recent)

• Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes)

• Metabolic disorders

• Heart disease

• Lung disease

• Neurological conditions 

So far, no vaccine or treatment has been approved by health regulators for the new coronavirus. And while a bit more than of half of all people with confirmed COVID-19 infections so far have already recovered, those who have died from it have mostly been older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Currently, biotech companies such as Inovio Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:INO), Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA), and Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX) are trying to develop vaccines for COVID-19. And Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) is the leader in the race to find a treatment for the rapidly spreading disease. The CDC recently said that Gilead’s antiviral drug remdesivir is being used to treat some COVID-19 patients, but it isn’t yet clear how effective it is.