Many people in the US are still losing their lives to Covid-19 every week.

After over three years since the COVID-19 pandemic first began, the United States is still grappling with the devastating effects of the virus. Despite the availability of vaccines and treatments, thousands of Americans are still succumbing to COVID-19 each week. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were 1614 deaths from COVID-19 in the last week of complete data, with an average of 1488 deaths per week in the past four weeks. In comparison, there were only 163 weekly deaths from the flu during the same time period.

Although the current COVID death rates are significantly lower than the record high of 25,974 in January 2021, experts warn that complacency and vaccine fatigue may be contributing to the recent surge in cases. Dr. Shivanjali Shankaran, an infectious disease expert from Rush University Medical Center, emphasized the importance of utilizing the available resources, such as vaccines and treatments, to help make a difference in controlling the spread of the virus.

The latest vaccine is specifically designed to combat the XBB variant, which currently makes up about 61.6% of COVID cases in the US. While the CDC has suggested that this variant may be more contagious, there is no evidence that the available vaccines are not effective against it. However, experts caution that the longer someone goes without receiving a booster or encountering the virus, the more likely they are to experience a breakthrough case that could result in hospitalization.

Dr. Cameron Wolfe, an infectious disease professor at Duke University, explained that the vaccines may not provide long-term protection and individuals may still need follow-up treatment even after receiving the initial doses. The latest data from the CDC shows that only 19.4% of adults aged 18 and older have received the updated vaccine, and 38% of adults aged 65 and older, who are at a higher risk for severe illness, have been vaccinated.

As we enter a new year, it is crucial to remain vigilant and continue utilizing all available resources to combat the ongoing threat of COVID-19. With vaccines and treatments readily available, it is important for individuals to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect themselves and their communities from the virus.

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