COVID-19 & Death

COVID-19 emerged as a major viral player in March 2020, claiming one and a half million lives around the world. Over the past nine months, we have produced several blogs covering the subject. However, we have yet to discuss the actual morbidity rate relative to SARS-CoV-2. Therein lies the focus of this week’s post.

COVID-19 & Morbidity

COVID-19 affects people in myriad ways. In fact, infected persons report a wide range of associated symptoms ranging from the absence of any known side effect to severe illness and even, death.

Consider the symptoms that often accompany infection:

• Bluish lips or face
• Congestion or runny nose
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever or chills
• Headache
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Muscle or body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• New confusion
• New loss of taste or smell
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Trouble breathing

COVID-19 Virus Variation

How can a virus react so differently depending on its host? How can one person who contracts COVID-19 perish in the hospital while someone else with the same virus remains absolutely unaware that they have contracted it at all?

According to Alyssa Billingsley, a pharmacist and contributor to GoodRx.com, “We know that certain factors like age and underlying conditions can play a large role, with older people and those with weakened immune systems at higher risk. However, this does not account for everything that we’ve seen so far, and scientists are still stumped.”

Serious Coronavirus Symptoms

The good news is that the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as forty percent of those infected with SARS-CoV2 remain asymptomatic. What’s more, only ten percent of patients require a ventilator and admission to Intensive Care.

COVID-19 Demographics

• Age
  The risk for severe COVID-19 increases with age. In fact, 8 out of 10 Coronavirus-related deaths occurred in adults over the age of 65.
• Health
  Clearly, people with weakened immune systems face an increased risk of severe illness if they contract the Coronavirus. The most serious secondary health issues result when people have lung function limitations. Other health conditions that worsen the effects of COVID-19 include asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, COPD, donor organ receipt, high blood pressure, metabolic conditions, neurological conditions, obesity, Sickle cell disease, and Type II Diabetes.
  
• Race
  Racial backgrounds seems to play a role in susceptibility. For example, black people die from COVID-19 at 2.4 times and Hispanic or Latino people die at 1.5 times the rate of white people.
• Smoking
  Since smoking doubles the risk of someone developing respiratory conditions, it naturally follows that smokers face more serious side effects from COVID-19 than their non-smoking peers. What’s more, smoking apparently exacerbates symptoms in Coronavirus patients.
• Vaccination History
  Some studies suggest the vaccination for Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) may help prevent some of the most serious symptoms associated with COVID-19.

COVID-19 Death

Although figures change constantly, the CDC and Worldometer attempt to stay on top of Coronavirus case count and death figures. As of the time of this writing, the worldwide death toll is 1,523,227. This is out of 67 million confirmed cases. According to that raw data, the percentage of people with COVID-19 who have died is 2.3. That means the survival rate is 97.7 percent, overall. Of course, that figure is lower for people with co-morbidities, as described above. So, it is not something to be taken lightly. Still, we offer this information as a way to encourage you not to fear the pandemic. Enjoy the holiday season. And do your best to stay healthy.

About Foothill Funeral & Cremation in Glendora, California

If you know someone who has died, whether or not as a result of the Coronavirus, we would count it an honor to help you during this difficult time. Feel free to contact us now to pre-plan your own memorial or at your time of need (626) 335-0615. Our relationship with the United Methodist Church and Sacred Heart (which currently allows a maximum of 65 people) provides great places for mourners to host funerals and memorials. You’ll love the grandiose yet intimate settings in both locations.