People who were unvaccinated were more than seven times more likely to die from COVID-19 in Los Angeles County than those who gained an updated booster at the last coronavirus spike, highlighting the potential for benefits from an additional vaccine even as pandemic measures improve. .
In the consistent 30-day period ending Jan. 3, which covers most of the coronavirus outbreak after Thanksgiving, the death rate among unvaccinated Angelenos was 16. 6, equivalent to 100,000 people, according to research by the county’s public fitness department. Having gained an updated bivalent reminder, the comparable rate was particularly lower: 2. 3 deaths consistent with a population of 100,000.
For every 100,000 people vaccinated who have not yet gained the updated booster, just under five have died.
The knowledge illustrates “the very genuine coverage presented through boosters and bivalent vaccines, even as opposed to the new variants that are now circulating,” said Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County director of public health.
“People mistakenly think they don’t want up-to-date coverage because they’ve already become inflamed with COVID. Or they don’t realize they’re eligible for the updated withdrawal,” he said Thursday. “If you haven’t had a COVID reminder since August 2022, or if it’s been more than 3 months since you had a COVID-19 infection, it’s time to update the reminder. “
The county’s research adds to findings recently published through the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. UU. de that the COVID-19 booster vaccine update helped save the disease from XBB-related subvariants, the newest members of the expanding Omicron family.
According to the most recent information from the state, unvaccinated Californians were about 3 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those who had obtained at least a first round of vaccines in November.
XBB. 1. 5 is now estimated to be the dominant subvariant in the country, with the maximum likely accounting for more than 60% of coronavirus cases during the last maximum week available. The California Department of Public Health recently estimated its statewide share at 33. 9 percent.
It’s very likely that many of those who died from COVID-19 in the December wave had already battled the disease, Ferrer said, given that most people caught the coronavirus.
Surviving a brush with COVID-19 confers some degree of coverage compared to a long-term infection, the duration depends on a number of factors.
But some studies suggest that surviving COVID-19 does not necessarily preclude serious illness or death from subsequent infection. A study published in the journal Nature in November suggested that repeated coronavirus infection “contributes to increased risks of death. “
“Evidence shows that reinfection further increases threats of death, hospitalization and [damage to] organ systems,” according to the study, such as the lungs, heart, blood, gastrointestinal, renal, musculoskeletal and neurological systems, and this increases the threat. of diabetes and intellectual fitness disorders.
About 73 percent of Los Angeles County citizens have completed their number one immunization series, and 81 percent of citizens have gained at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the data. But only 22% of Los Angeles County citizens over the age of five are eligible for the updated retirement has earned. Coverage is higher for seniors, with 39% of eligible seniors age 6 and older rolling up their sleeves.
COVID-19 deaths remain the highest compared to last summer. Los Angeles County averaged 140 week-consistent deaths for nearly a month, up from last summer’s peak of 122 but lower than last winter’s peak of 513. The peak of the pandemic was 1,625 deaths during a steady week in mid-January 2021, a time when hospital morgues were littered with corpses.
Ferrer said a more reassuring weekly death rate would be around 35. That number might still be hard to accept, especially since many deaths are now largely preventable with vaccines, yet it would constitute stability and “indicate that our protections are working. “extremely good. “
Los Angeles County reached those grades twice in 2022. There were 24 COVID-19 deaths recorded over a week in May and the first week of November.
“We remain aware that this virus is still harmful and remains one of the leading causes of death in Los Angeles County,” he said.
For those who do get sick, Ferrer said, it’s vital that they get checked and treated if they qualify. families have become eligible again this winter for 4 loose COVID checks at home, which can be ordered covid. gov/checksou by calling (800) 232-0233. In addition, the federal government has ordered fitness insurers to reimburse consumers for the charge of 8 home COVID checks consistent with the month, up to $12 consistent with the check, consistent with the covered user, as long as COVID-19 remains a public fitness emergency, which will expire on May 11.
Treatment is also vital for many other people inflamed with the coronavirus, Ferrer said. Two oral medications are available: Paxlovid, for ages 12 and up; and molnupiravir, for use in adults only. Medications should be started within five days of the onset of symptoms.
A third drug, remdesivir, can be given intravenously in a gym to anyone who is at least 28 days old. A course of this medication begins within seven days of the onset of symptoms.
There are more than 1,100 sites in L. A. County. where others can get COVID-19 medications, and more than 130 are “test to treat” sites where you can get tested for the coronavirus, contact a physical care provider, and, if eligible, get the prescription and medication at the same visit. A list can be found on ph. lacounty. gov/covidmedicines.
Los Angeles County citizens can also apply for telefitness by calling the county’s public fitness branch at (833) 540-0473, seven days a week, from 8 a. m. M. A 8:30 p. m. The branch provides support in multiple languages. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus will be connected to a health care provider free of charge, regardless of insurance or immigration status, and if the provider prescribes treatment, citizens can obtain loose medication through overnight shipping.
Between April and December, more than 6300 citizens accessed county telehealth and more than 5300 received medications to treat COVID-19, Ferrer said. points like poverty.
“If your COVID test is positive or you have probable symptoms, it’s smart to check with a provider to see if you’re eligible for the remedy,” he said. “I think many more people are eligible for the remedy than they think they are. “
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