CHICO — Nearly everyone in the nation has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in some way, but for certain individuals, the cause for concern is greater.

Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis, two conditions affecting the lungs, Chico resident Jannette Matrai kept a close eye on the virus as it traveled across the globe.

“My lungs are already severely compromised so it made me nervous,” Matrai said.

According to the CDC, older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions, including lung diseases, are at higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19.

As the cases rose and the virus inched closer to California, Matrai began preparing for the inevitable by wearing masks, gloves and wiping down anything touched with disinfectants.

The 54-year-old is no stranger to major medical issues.

“My life has been a constant challenge, but I have outlived and survived,” Matrai said.

Three weeks after her birth, Matrai contracted a rare form of Salmonella which lasted nearly two years. She also dealt with asthma and “lung issues” through the majority of her childhood.

Then at 23, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Frequent chemotherapy and surgeries followed Matrai into her twenties and thirties.

Finally cured of cancer in 2006, Matrai was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis in 2016.

The lung diseases could result in additional obstacles should she contract COVID-19.

“It’s harder to tell if you have it when you already have a chronic cough and chronic lung secretions from the cystic fibrosis,” Matrai said.

Matrai, who visits the Enloe Regional Cancer Center three days out of the week for infusion therapy, relies on the nurses for advice on any changes in her cough.

Despite the years of ailments, Matrai tries to look for the positive in each situation.

She found hope late Saturday afternoon after watching the news conference of the first case of COVID-19 in Butte County.

“It’s encouraging for me to hear that he’s doing OK and it starts to release that death sentence feel,” Matrai said. “It doesn’t make me take any less precautions, but helps me not have that anxiety every day.”

Moving forward, Matrai plans to limit access outside her home even more and experiment with the “senior-only” hours offered by local stores.

Her family members, cognizant of the risk they may pose, have also been leaving the house only if necessary.

Matrai’s husband Robert works from home and wears masks and gloves whenever in public. Her sons, two Chico State students, leave the house only for work.

“Our family routine has changed a little, but we have always been a bit more cautious given my lungs and health started getting worse,” Matrai said. “I want to do whatever possible to still have a life as normal as possible in a very un-normal living situation.”

Matrai recommends at-risk individuals explain to the people around them the seriousness of guarding their health, but also try “not to get so drawn into the fear of it.”