Sarah Hyland says she's panicked as health issues put her at greater risk of coronavirus

Modern Family actress, Sarah Hyland, has opened up about her panic regarding the coronavirus as cases continue to soar globally.

Hyland has previously opened up about her health conditions - she suffers from kidney dysplasia and has had to have 16 surgeries and two kidney transplants because of it. As COVID-19 is incredibly easy to transmit and poses a greater risk to those who are elderly, immunocomprised, or have pre-existing health conditions, the 29-year-old is right to be concerned.

This man reveals the symptoms of the coronavirus: 

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"I am obviously immunocompromised with my transplant history, and am on immunosuppressants," she said during an appearance on the Brad Behaviour podcast. She then went onto explain that while a "24-hour bug" is not a big deal for many people, it can seriously affect her.

"I get it for a week or more. For me, it's really dangerous," she stated. "My panic level is pretty high. But I also have a lot of health issues that are very susceptible to stress, so I'm trying to remain calm."

Hyland said that her plan is to practice social distancing, and wear a face mask and gloves when she has to attend her doctor's appointments. She also called out all the "young, healthy people" who are stockpiling groceries, and not leaving enough supplies for those in need, asserting "it's really an important time to practice compassion, love, generosity".

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In a report from the World Health Organization last Wednesday (11 March), WHO declared that the COVID-19 outbreak is now being officially recognized as a pandemic:

"WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction.

We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic. 

Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death."

Per CNN, there have, at the time of writing, been at least 168,019 cases of the coronavirus and 6,610 deaths worldwide.