Generally, elderly people and those with underlying conditions (e.g. hypertension, heart disorders, diabetes, liver disorders, and respiratory disease) are expected to be more at risk of developing severe symptoms.
The vast majority of cases in China — 87% — were in people ages 30 to 79, the China Center for Disease Control reported last month based on data from all 72,314 of those diagnosed with Covid-19 as of Feb. 11.
That probably reflects something about biology more than lifestyle, such as being in frequent contact with other people. Teens and people in their 20s also encounter many others, at school and work and on public transit, yet they don’t seem to be contracting the disease at significant rates: Only 8.1% of cases were 20-somethings, 1.2% were teens, and 0.9% were 9 or younger.
The World Health Organization mission to China found that 78% of the cases reported as of Feb. 20 were in people ages 30 to 69.
All you need to know on Coronavirus
Where do Coronaviruses come from?
What is COVID-19? What is SARS-CoV-2?
Is this coronavirus comparable to SARS or to the seasonal flu (influenza)?
What is the mode of transmission?
How (easily) does Coronavirus spread?
Can someone spread the coronavirus without being sick?
Are some people at more coronavirus risk than others?
Is there a treatment for the COVID-19 disease?
When should I be tested for COVID-19?
How does the Coronavirus spread?
Have there been other coronaviruses?