Who Is Most Likely to Die From COVID, According to CDC
Who is Dying From COVID-19?
In summary, older people, men, minorities and those with preexisting health conditions are the most likely to die from COVID-19, according to the CDC. In total, since January 2020 (when the first U.S. case was confirmed) there have been 30,085,827 COVID-19 confirmed cases in the U.S. So far the virus took the life of 546,704 Americans. The 7-day moving average for cases is 61,632, from March 28th, as well as 1,023 deaths.
Older People
"Surveillance at all levels of government, and its continued modernization, is critical for monitoring COVID-19 trends and identifying groups at risk for infection and severe outcomes," the CDC explains. "These findings highlight the continued need for community mitigation strategies, especially for vulnerable populations, to slow COVID-19 transmission."
Even if people over 65+ count for only 14.2% of reported COVID cases, they count for a staggering 59.6% of COVID deaths. In comparison, young people between ages 18 and 29 count for a notable 22.3%—almost a quarter of cases—but only 0.5% deaths.
People in Middle Age
Age was obviously a factor as well, with a higher incidence for people over 80 and the lowest being the age group of 17 and below. However, the death rate among people in the group of adults aged 50-64 is alarmingly high at 14.6% (60,481 deaths).
Men
It has been widely reported that COVID-19 disproportionately impacts women. On top of that, the CDC reports that women are slightly more likely to get infected with COVID-19 with a rate of 52.2%. However, it's men who were more prone to die from the effect of COVID-19 infection (54.3% respectively, of 45.7% women).
Minorities
Race and ethnicity was also a major factor, with minorities being impacted by the pandemic at an alarming rate. According to CDC data, 12.2% of people who died of COVID-19 were Black and 21.2% Hispanic/Latino, 3.6% Asian, 1.1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.3% Native Hawaiian, and 5.9% of other minorities.
"With health disparities, we have a situation among minority populations, particularly African American and Latino, because they are suffering more than three times as many deaths," Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert and director of the National Institutes of Health said in a Q&A with The Highlands Current.
"In part, that's due to the reality that people of color are more likely to be in face-to-face jobs with others, so their chances of getting infected are far greater than for you and I, sitting in front of a computer, safely talking to each other," Fauci pointed out.
People With These Underlying Conditions
According to an earlier CDC report, those with underlying conditions — the most common being cardiovascular disease (32%), diabetes (30%) and chronic lung disease (18%) — were overwhelmingly more likely to suffer serious illness, as they were six times more likely to be hospitalized and 12 times more likely to die.
People in Jails and Prisons
The CDC reported 484,462 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in US correctional and detention facilities (397,038 resident cases and 87,424 of staff) and 2,656 deaths (2,514 residents and 142 of staff).
Healthcare Personnel
COVID-19 hit hard people who are on the front line of the battle against the pandemic. The CDC recorded 454,627 coronavirus cases and 1,509 deaths among health care workers.
How to Survive the Pandemic—and Stop Infections From Spreading
No matter your age, race or where you live, do everything you can to prevent getting—and spreading—COVID-19 in the first place: The nation's top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci strongly recommends you wear your face mask and avoid crowds, get vaccinated ASAP, social distance, only run essential errands, wash your hands frequently, and to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
