Are you at a higher risk for COVID-19 because of your SCI?

Author: SCIRE Professional Team | Reviewers: Cynthia Morin , Andrea Townson | Published: 4 August 2020 | Updated: ~

Historical pandemic information reproduced with its original publication context.

What we know about the risks for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) is based on how SCI and COVID-19 both affect the body.

Everyone with SCI has some level of impairment in respiratory function given how SCI weakens breathing muscles, however people with cervical and upper thoracic levels of injury may have greater impairments than those with lower thoracic levels of injury. Still, all levels of SCI above T12 have a reduced ability to both inspire air maximally and to forcefully expel air through coughing. With an impaired cough, individuals are less able to manage respiratory secretions.

• Some complications (common secondary health issues of SCI), such as cardiovascular disease or higher body mass index (BMI), may increase the risks of a more serious case of COVID-19.

People with SCI may also have a greater risk of exposure to COVID-19, as those who require assistance cannot avoid contact with caregivers.