Covid severity and spread decline as immunity rises and Omicron variants dominate
Updated
Updated · STAT · Apr 27
Covid severity and spread decline as immunity rises and Omicron variants dominate
4 articles · Updated · STAT · Apr 27
Recent CDC data show Covid dropped to the 15th leading cause of death among US adults in 2024, with estimated deaths between 45,000-64,000 from October 2024 to September 2025.
Wastewater surveillance reports the lowest SARS-CoV-2 levels to date, and most experts now consider Covid a nuisance virus for the general population, though risks remain for the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised.
Covid booster uptake has sharply declined worldwide, with only 22.1% of US seniors and 13% of older adults globally vaccinated in 2024, while long Covid and severe outcomes persist mainly among vulnerable groups.
What new defenses exist for those still at high risk from Covid?
Why has the world largely given up on getting Covid boosters?
Has our immunity from Covid built a shield against the next pandemic?
Millions still suffer from Long Covid. Is it a lifelong condition?
Has the pandemic permanently scrambled the seasons for flu and RSV?
A new variant evades vaccines. Are we prepared for the next wave?