Hospitalization Rates: According to recent data, COVID-19-associated hospitalization rates remain higher among adults aged 65 and above compared to younger adults, adolescents, and children. During October 2023-January 2024, 67% of all COVID-19-associated hospitalizations were among persons aged 65 and above.
Emergency Department Visits: Emergency department visits in the U.S. have increased by 13.5% in the most recent week, with 1.9% of all emergency department visits being COVID-19 patients (as of July 2024).
Long COVID: A study published in July 2024 in the New England Journal of Medicine tracked a steady decline in the incidence of Long COVID from 2020 to 2022. Among people who got COVID-19 during the Delta era, 5.3% of those who were vaccinated and 9.5% of those who were unvaccinated had Long COVID symptoms a year later.
Vaccine Availability: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that vaccine availability has declined substantially over the last 12 to 18 months due to a decrease in the number of vaccine producers.
Current COVID Symptoms: The most current COVID-19 symptoms in 2024 include those associated with the “FLiRT” variants (KP.1.1 and KP.2 strains). These symptoms are generally similar to those experienced during previous waves, with the exception of less frequently reported loss of taste and smell.
COVID Hotspots: As of August 2024, COVID-19 hotspots in the U.S. include Florida, Oregon, Washington, and other states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wastewater data suggests that these areas are experiencing higher COVID-19 rates.
Summer Surge: The U.S. is currently experiencing a summer wave of COVID-19, driven by the highly contagious FLiRT variants. Data from the CDC and emergency room visits indicate that this surge began in early June 2024.
Key Recommendations: To mitigate the risk of infection and severe disease, the WHO advises:
- Ensuring COVID-19 vaccination doses are up-to-date, especially for high-risk groups
- Testing if symptoms or exposure occur
- Staying home until symptoms improve and fever-free for at least 24 hours
- Taking additional precautions, including masking, for at least five days afterward
- Improving ventilation and practicing social distancing, especially for high-risk groups or those in close contact with high-risk individuals.
Note: These statistics are based on available data as of August 2024 and may not reflect the most up-to-date information.
