Most of the COVID-19 cases among active-duty military personnel have occurred in patients with pre-existing conditions, according to Military Times, which cites recent DOD data that one Army official said “was kind of a relief.”

Like in the civilian community, those most at risk of COVID-19 seem to be people with underlying health concerns such as obesity or high blood pressure, the findings said.

“It tells us there’s no factor that’s changing outcomes in the military population,” said Dr. John Armbrose, a senior epidemiologist with the Army Public Health Center. “And so we know we can effect public health mitigation measures and interventions.”

The study focused on more than 200 active-duty service members who tested positive for COVID-19.

Ambrose cautioned that young, healthy service members without pre-existing conditions should not assume they are immune.

“I think you should definitely take public health precautions,” he said. “You do put yourself at risk for severe outcomes, and you can still put those you care about at risk.”

Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Anthony Nelson Jr.