COVID-19 case count continues to escalate

A Lower COVID-19 Hospitalization Rate Might Mean a Less Severe Peak, Says Official

• By Lee I-chia / Staff reporter

COVID-19 case count continues to escalate

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 62,755 hospital visits for COVID-19 last week, the highest weekly number this year. However, a recent decrease in the rate of hospital visits could indicate a less severe peak than initially anticipated, according to an official.

Hospital visits increased 49 percent last week, CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center Director Guo Hung-wei (郭宏偉) said. A total of 132 people were hospitalized from Tuesday last week to Monday, with 86.4 percent of them not having received the JN.1-adapted vaccine, Guo added.

Of the 564 severe cases of COVID-19 this year, 75.7 percent are people aged 65 or older, 84.8 percent had underlying health conditions, and 89 percent were not up to date on vaccines, he noted.

The youngest hospitalized case last week was a five-month-old child, who was not old enough to get vaccinated, CDC physician Lin Yung-ching (林詠青) explained. The child had cold-like symptoms at a clinic and was later hospitalized due to pulmonary infiltrates observed on a chest X-ray.

The drop in the rate of hospital visits might be due to many clinics and hospitals being closed during the Dragon Boat Festival weekend, CDC Deputy Director-General Philip Lo (羅一鈞) speculated. While there was a lower increase in weekly hospital visits last week, this week is still crucial, he emphasized.

"This week is critical," Lo said. "If the rate of hospital visits remains lower this week, the peak of the wave might not be as high as estimated, and the burden on the healthcare system would also be lighter than expected."

The CDC encourages people to get vaccinated and wear masks in high-risk environments. Elderly people, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions should do a rapid COVID-19 test when they develop respiratory symptoms, and seek medical care as soon as possible if they test positive to receive antiviral drugs, Lo advised.

People who are not at high risk of developing severe complications from infection should also wear a mask in crowded places and seek medical attention at a clinic when they develop mild respiratory symptoms, he added.

Meanwhile, the CDC reported that 69 imported dengue fever cases have been reported this year as of Monday, which is the second-highest number in the same period in six years. To prevent dengue fever, people are advised to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, especially during the plum rain season.

According to the CDC, some countries in the Western Pacific and Americas have shown an increasing trend in hospitalizations and ICU admissions. Historically, COVID-19 cases can surge during certain times of the year, while advanced forecasting models can help predict hospital admission peaks. Effective mitigation strategies, such as utilizing real-time data, vaccination campaigns, and community education, are essential to managing healthcare resources during COVID-19 peaks.

1. Science has revealed that chronic diseases like cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues are often complex, requiring therapies and treatments for effective management.
2. Sleep is crucial in workplace-wellness programs, as it significantly impacts concentration, productivity, and mental health.
3. Aging is associated with a higher risk of medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular health issues.
4. Climate change poses challenges to environmental science, particularly in understanding its impact on health and wellness, such as respiratory conditions and skin conditions.
5. Fitness and exercise play a vital role in maintaining skin care, as regular physical activity helps keep the skin healthy and youthful.
6. Proper nutrition is essential for eye-health, hearing, and sexual-health, as it provides the necessary nutrients for the body's various systems to function optimally.
7. The manufacturing industry is heavily regulated to ensure worker safety, particularly in the presence of hazardous materials and potential environmental harm.
8. Mental-health issues, including depression and anxiety, are increasingly being recognized as a significant challenge in the workforce, affecting careers and productivity.
9. Men's health encompasses a wide range of topics, including prostate health, testicular cancer, and hormonal imbalances.
10. Skin-care products continue to evolve with advancements in science, now incorporating ingredients like CBD for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
11. The finance industry, including banking and insurance, plays a crucial role in supporting health-and-wellness initiatives, such as venture-capital investments in life sciences and health tech.
12. Space and astronomy, a branch of science, offers unique insights into climate change, as it allows us to study Earth's atmosphere and observe the impacts of global warming.
13. Retail businesses, especially in the health-and-wellness sector, have seen a surge in consumer demand for sustainability and eco-friendly products, such as natural skin-care and home-cleaning solutions.
14. Entrepreneurship in the health-and-wellness space is on the rise, with innovation in areas like fitness-and-exercise technology, nutrition, and mental-health apps.
15. Transportation and logistics must consider environmental factors, like energy consumption and carbon emissions, to align with the goals of sustainable development.
16. Leadership in the healthcare industry requires a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion, ensuring access to care for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender.
17. Small-business owners are encouraged to seek advice and resources for wealth-management, saving, debt-management, and budgeting to ensure their long-term financial stability.
18. Personal-finance advisors play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the complex world of investing, insurance, and real-estate.
19. Businesses must stay up to date on banking and insurance regulations to effectively manage risks and investments, particularly in industries like venture-capital and private-equity.
20. The stock market is influenced by various factors, including global economic trends, political events, and the performance of individual companies, like those in the healthcare and biotech sectors.
21. Energy consumption plays a critical role in the healthcare industry, both in terms of the manufacturing of medical equipment and the operation of healthcare facilities.
22. Aging populations and rising healthcare costs require governments to implement policies relating to Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care.
23. Hearing loss is a common issue among the elderly, often related to age-related changes in the inner ear and can be managed through various interventions, including hearing aids.
24. Women's health encompasses a diverse range of issues, including reproductive health, breast cancer, and osteoporosis, with each requiring unique therapies and treatments.
25. Parenting is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, with a significant focus on children's physical health, mental health, and educational needs.
26. Weight-management is an important aspect of personal health, requiring a balance of nutrition, exercise, and sometimes professional therapies and treatments.
27. Access to quality healthcare and wellness resources is essential for managing chronic diseases, mental-health issues, and overall health and well-being, particularly for underserved communities.

Read also: