Using a sparse predictive model using the covariates of interest (C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, ferritin, age, BMI, non-white, diabetes mellitus, male, symptom duration before admission, and bilateral chest x-ray infiltrates), C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase and diabetes mellitus were selected by the model as the most predictive factors for predicting the need for intubation. This evidence concerns the gene CRP and diabetes mellitus.