underlying conditions

the NYT story is that people should be concerned because most Americans are afflicted with one of the following underlying conditions that could put people at risk of swine flu:

diabetes, asthma, heart disease, lung disease, a weakened immune system and, possibly, obesity[...] pregnancy, being younger than 2, or being older than 65.

this possibly could be a blessing in disguise as people might try to remedy their afflictions by eating better and more healthful foods and exercising.