COVID-19 Update: CDC Reveals Patients With Underlying Conditions 12 Times More Likely To Die

The stakes may have risen. A new analysis released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that coronavirus patients who have existing underlying health conditions have a higher risk of dying and of getting hospitalized.

According to the report released by CDC on Monday, these patients are 12 times more likely to die and six times more likely to be hospitalized. The three conditions pointed out by the health authority are cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lung disease.

The Stats

The CDC’s study involved 1.3 million COVID-19 cases. Their analysis showed that 5% of the patients got hospitalized but 15% died. They indicated though that the actual fatality rate could be lower since those who are asymptomatic are unlikely to get tested.

As per The Hill, the report highlighted that death and severe illness also increase as one age. Men are said to be at a higher risk. Patients, who are 80 years old and above, are more susceptible to dying without factoring in any underlying health condition into the equation.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS) reported how COVID-19 hit nursing homes, which killed around 32,000 residents at the very least. This coincides with the CDC’s findings that age is a huge factor to consider in coronavirus-related deaths. The elderly usually have weakened immune systems as well as pre-existing health issues.

CDC said that the pandemic continues to be severe. It also underscored how this remains true in particular population groups. Although the daily reported coronavirus cases on the average show a decline, there is still community transmission that is ongoing.

The Incidence Rates

The report indicated that there is a higher incidence of COVID-19 in the age group between 40 and 59 as compared to those in the group between 60 and 79. However, there was no explanation as to why this is so. Still, the highest incidence rates were in the group of 80 years old and above. Out of 100,000 people, 900 belong to the 80s age group. Children have the lowest rates, most likely because they do not show symptoms or they are just suffering from a mild illness.

This, however, does not mean that younger people are already immune to COVID-19. They can still get infected especially if they have underlying health problems.

Those who are between 20 and 29 years old make up 14% of confirmed infections. Out of this group, there was 4% who needed to be hospitalized. The group between 30 and 39 make up 16% of the cases. On the overall, severe cases involve male patients although there was no explanation yet why.