Tom Hanks 'twice as likely' to develop serious coronavirus outcomes due to his age and diabetes
Tom Hanks is a diabetic and over 60—which means he may have twice the risk of developing serious coronavirus complications.
The 63-year-old Hollywood veteran announced on Wednesday how he and wife Rita Wilson had contracted the deadly virus.
However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hanks is "twice as likely to develop serious outcomes" owing to his age and pre-existing diabetes, per The Sun.
Earlier this month, the CDC addressed concerns in a press briefing citing a report out of China.
"Older people and people with underlying health conditions, like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, for example, were about twice as likely to develop serious outcomes versus otherwise younger, healthier people," they said. "We are particularly concerned about these people given the growing number of cases in the United States as well as those with suspected community spread."
Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, advised people over 60 and anyone with underlying medical conditions to be prepared for lengthy isolation at home.
“This seems to be a disease that affects adults and most seriously older adults," she told reporters. "Starting at age 60, there is an increasing risk of disease and the risk increases with age."
The Forrest Gump star announced his diagnosis on Instagram Wednesday, saying he sought medical advice after feeling tired and suffering from "body aches" while filming in Australia.
After testing positive for the virus, both Tom and Rita have been placed in isolation at a Gold Coast hospital.
"We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches," Tom told his millions of Instagram followers. "Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive."
"Well now. What to do next? The Medical Officials have protocols that must be followed," he continued. "We Hanks will be tested, observed, and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires."
"Not much more to it than a one-day-at-a-time approach, no?" the Castaway star added. "We'll keep the world posted and updated. Take care of yourselves! Hanx!"
Tom's is currently working on director Baz Luhrmann’s untitled Elvis Presley film, which sees him play The King's manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
The movie was originally slated for release on October 1, 2021, but could be delayed due to Hank's current predicament.
