Title: Older Adults Account for Majority of Covid-19 Hospitalizations in the US, CDC Reports
In a recent report, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted the alarming trend of older adults being disproportionately affected by Covid-19 in the United States. The findings reveal that individuals aged 65 and older accounted for nearly two-thirds of Covid-19 hospitalizations this year.
According to the CDC, from January through August, older adults represented approximately 63% of all Covid-19 hospitalizations, 61% of intensive care unit admissions, and a staggering 88% of in-hospital deaths associated with the virus. The majority of these hospitalized individuals had underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disorders, which increased their vulnerability to severe illness.
The report also reveals that less than one-quarter of hospitalized older adults had received the recommended bivalent vaccine at the time. With a significant number of older adults remaining unvaccinated, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of vaccination as a key preventive measure against severe Covid-19. CDC researchers stress the necessity for older adults to reduce their risk by getting vaccinated, adopting preventive measures to minimize exposure to the virus, and seeking prompt outpatient antiviral treatment after testing positive.
While hospitalization rates for Covid-19 have decreased among adults of all ages, they remain alarmingly high among individuals aged 65 and older. In the summer months, hospitalization rates for older adults more than doubled, reaching levels nine times higher than those of individuals aged 18 to 64, and 16 times higher than those under 18.
Compared to the period between March 2020 and December 2022, the percentage of Covid-19 hospitalizations in older adults has increased by a third. Shockingly, three-quarters of older adults hospitalized for Covid-19 from January through June were unvaccinated, with 16% having received no Covid-19 vaccine at all.
Health officials express deep concern regarding the low vaccination rates among older adults, as well as their lack of vaccination against other respiratory illnesses such as the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Older adults, particularly those with underlying health conditions, are at a significantly higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or even death from these respiratory illnesses.
The CDC report underscores the urgency of encouraging older adults to receive the fall booster vaccine and take preventive measures to safeguard themselves against respiratory illnesses. By prioritizing vaccination and adopting preventive practices, older adults can significantly reduce their risk of severe illness and protect their overall health and well-being.
Source: Hollywood Crap
