The ongoing impact of COVID-19 is a stark reminder that this virus is far from gone. Despite the world's collective sigh of relief as the pandemic seemed to wane, the reality is that COVID-19 continues to claim lives and cause significant illness in the United States. A recent study has shed light on this disturbing trend, revealing a substantial toll on the nation's health.
Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other institutions delved into surveillance data, uncovering some eye-opening statistics. From 2022 to 2023, COVID-19 sickened an estimated 43 million Americans, leading to 10 million doctor visits, over a million hospitalizations, and a tragic 101,300 deaths. These numbers are a stark reminder of the virus's reach and impact.
But here's where it gets controversial: even as the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 ended in May 2023, the study suggests that the virus's impact on mortality and hospital use among older adults remains significant. David C. Grabowski, a professor at Harvard Medical School, emphasizes this point, stating that COVID-19 "remains a major driver of mortality and hospital use among older adults."
The novelty of COVID-19 was initially its most dangerous aspect, but with the development of vaccines and natural immunity, the threat has diminished. However, COVID-19 is now an endemic disease, joining the ranks of other respiratory viruses that regularly cause illness and, sadly, death.
The study's authors analyzed data from COVID-NET, a surveillance program tracking COVID-related hospitalizations. They compared two time periods, each spanning about a year: October 2022 to September 2023 and October 2023 to September 2024. The results showed a decline in cases and hospitalizations, but the annual death toll from COVID-19 during these periods likely surpassed that of any other single infectious disease, with the possible exception of the particularly severe flu season last winter.
"Despite declines in illnesses and hospitalizations, COVID-19 imposed a large annual impact in the US," the authors wrote in their paper published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
COVID-19 poses a higher risk to certain populations, particularly the elderly. During the study period, Americans over 65 represented nearly half of all COVID-19 infections, two-thirds of hospitalizations, and over 80% of all deaths. This highlights the continued vulnerability of this age group.
There is some good news: provisional data from the CDC suggests that COVID-19-related deaths may have decreased to around 20,000 in 2025. This reduction is a positive development, but it's important to remember that these harms are still very real and, in many cases, preventable.
Studies have shown that booster vaccinations can significantly lower the risk of severe COVID-19, especially in older individuals. Additionally, antiviral treatments are available that can prevent severe illness if taken promptly after infection. However, Grabowski notes that many vulnerable Americans, such as nursing home residents, are not keeping up with their booster doses, and antiviral treatments are often not administered to those who need them.
"Older adults should seek out single-occupancy rooms, improved ventilation, and better infection control practices to minimize their risk," Grabowski advises.
While COVID-19 is no longer the catastrophic disaster it once was, it continues to affect many lives. The study's findings emphasize the need for continued vigilance, especially in vulnerable populations, and the importance of utilizing available interventions to mitigate the impact of this enduring virus.
