In times of emergency, misperceptions can prove deadly. That’s certainly the case today, amid widespread belief that COVID-19 mainly threatens older Americans.

In reality, those of any age suffering from an underlying health condition are at significant risk of complications from COVID-19. And when these patients fail to take proper precautions, they put their own lives -- and the health of millions of people -- in jeopardy.

By and large, younger Americans have been the slowest to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many in this group continue to frequent bars, attend parties, travel, and eat in...