The impact of covid-19 still casts a shadow over the United States. Recent research indicates that this viral illness continues to sicken and claim a significant number of lives each year.
Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other institutions examined covid-19 surveillance data from 2022 onward. Their findings suggest that the virus leads to millions of doctor visits, about a million hospitalizations, and close to 100,000 deaths annually. The elderly population, particularly those over 65, seems to be the most affected, which points to the ongoing need for interventions like booster shots, as highlighted by these researchers and experts.
“Even though the Public Health Emergency for covid-19 concluded in May 2023, this study indicates that covid-19 remains a significant factor in mortality and hospital use among older adults,” said David C. Grabowski, a Harvard Medical School professor not involved in the study.
Still a Threat
The covid-19 pandemic brought immense devastation after it was first detected in late 2019. In its initial three years, it likely resulted in the deaths of over 20 million people worldwide, with over a million fatalities attributed to it in the U.S., marking the highest toll for any pandemic in American history. Many have experienced severe illnesses that necessitated hospitalization, while others suffer from chronic health issues linked to the virus.
The most concerning aspect of covid-19 was its novelty. However, the rapid rollout of vaccines in early 2021 played a crucial role in diminishing the disease’s dangers, along with the immunity gained from previous infections. As a result, serious complications and deaths related to covid-19 have decreased significantly over the past few years.
That said, covid-19 isn’t completely eradicated. It has become an endemic illness, joining the array of respiratory viruses that can occasionally affect our health. Thus, understanding the ongoing burden of covid-19 in the U.S. remains important.
In this recent study, researchers from the CDC focused on data from COVID-NET, a program that tracks hospitalizations related to covid-19. Their analysis covered two periods: roughly a year each from October 2022 to September 2023, and October 2023 to September 2024.
The estimates reveal that between 2022 and 2023, covid-19 caused illness in 43 million Americans, resulting in 10 million doctor visits, 1.1 million hospital admissions, and 101,300 deaths. Between 2023 and 2024, it’s estimated that 33 million Americans contracted the virus, leading to 7.7 million outpatient visits, 879,100 hospitalizations, and 100,800 deaths.
Although these figures are lower than during the pandemic’s peak in the U.S.—for instance, over 400,000 deaths in 2021—the annual toll from covid-19 between late 2022 and 2024 still likely exceeds that of any other single infectious disease (with last winter’s severe flu season perhaps being an exception).
“Even with decreases in cases, doctor visits, and hospitalizations during 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, covid-19 still had a considerable annual impact in the U.S.,” the authors noted in their study published on Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Addressing Covid-19
While covid-19 poses a risk to anyone, certain groups are particularly vulnerable, especially older adults. This risk remains unchanged.
From 2023 to 2024, those over 65 accounted for nearly half of all covid-19 infections, about two-thirds of hospitalizations, and more than 80% of deaths, the research found.
There is also some indication that covid-19’s severity may be diminishing. CDC’s provisional data suggests that in 2025, only about 20,000 deaths might be attributed to covid-19.
These ongoing dangers, though reduced, are still real and often preventable. Research shows that booster vaccinations can significantly decrease the likelihood of severe illness, particularly in older populations. Additionally, there are antiviral treatments available that may help prevent severe cases if administered early.
Grabowski points out that many vulnerable individuals, like those in nursing homes, are not keeping up with their booster vaccinations. His research has indicated that nursing home residents often do not receive antivirals when they become ill. There’s a clear need for more effort to promote these interventions and improve conditions in these care facilities.
“Older adults should aim to avoid overcrowded nursing homes and group living situations where COVID-19 could spread rapidly. Finding places with single occupancy rooms, better ventilation, and enhanced infection control practices is advisable,” noted Grabowski, who contributed an editorial to accompany the study.
Covid-19 may no longer be the catastrophic event it was at first, but it remains a persistent issue that continues to affect many people.
