Test positivity, emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths are increasing as expert warns: ‘It’s still dangerous’

Summary

Covid cases are surging across the U.S. post-holidays, with rising test positivity, hospitalizations, and deaths, while booster uptake remains low.

Only 21.4% of adults and 10.3% of children have received the latest booster, leaving vulnerable groups, including the elderly, at higher risk.

Experts warn of continued dangers from Covid, including long Covid and economic impacts, as the virus has not yet reached an endemic state.

With uncertain federal priorities, researchers stress the importance of monitoring infections, updating vaccines, and using preventive measures to mitigate future waves.

    • @[email protected]
      -8•2 days ago

      It’s one of those things were if you’re unlucky enough to get long covid and unlucky enough to get something severe out of it it really sucks, but also vast majority aren’t that unlucky so most aren’t that terrified of it.

      And with how seemingly up to chance getting the whole covid is to begin with, it’s not something people are actively afraid of, imo for a reason since not much you can do, other than getting boosters maybe but even that doesn’t guarantee anything.

      • @[email protected]
        4•2 days ago

        It’s absolutely fine if you and others aren’t concerned.

        However, the study I linked says that more than 10% of Covid patients develop long covid. Of those cognitive impairment is measurable 141 days post-infection on average, and 26% show impairment after 9 months. We’re really not talking about a small portion of a small portion.

        As discussed in the other publication I linked, the best way to mitigate your risk is with vaccinations.

        • @[email protected]
          -2•2 days ago

          The more recent studies I’ve found (from 2024 or so) have put the risk much lower than 10%. The risk was much higher early on and has got much smaller over time. Not to mention the by far most common symptom was fatigue or dry cough lasting for a short time. Which, after having been sick, yeah.

          It’s understandably not a risk that keeps many people up at night. At least not more than say influenza A, that can cause seizures and shit. Not at all often, which is why it doesn’t really worry people, unless they’re otherwise at heightened risk.