COVID-19 trends in morbidity, lingering conditions

A large majority of people who died from COVID-19 during the latest Omicron wave were elderly, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which underscores the value of a second booster shot in this population. Repeat infections of COVID-19 may become more common as the virus transitions into one of several respiratory viruses. Other evidence suggests the virus may be seasonal. COVID-19 survivors had twice the risk for developing pulmonary embolism or respiratory conditions as other adults, the CDC recently reported. An estimated 38% of adult COVID-19 survivors experienced at least one condition that could be attributable to a previous COVID-19 infection, compared with 16% of other patients. The authors suggest routinely assessing survivors for post-COVID-19 conditions, especially older patients. (CDC Morbidity and Mortality report, 5/27/22)