While older individuals and those with underlying health conditions are still most at risk from COVID-19, more than one-third of those who have contracted the virus are aged 44 years and below. This age group also accounts for 20 percent of all hospitalizations and 12 percent of ICU admissions. None of us can be complacent about taking care to prevent transmission and getting sick – not just because we don’t want to further the risk for those most vulnerable, but also because there is still a risk for younger individuals. Note that in children and adolescents the risk is still holding extremely low – no ICU admissions or deaths reported in those aged 19 years and below.
Younger adults are also impacted by COVID in the US
