Share of U.S. COVID-19 cases resulting in hospitalization from Feb.12-Mar.16, by age

In the United States between February 12 and March 16, 2020, the percentage of COVID-19 patients hospitalized with the disease increased with age. Findings estimated that up to 70 percent of adults aged 85 years and older were hospitalized.

Who is at higher risk from COVID-19?

The same study also found that coronavirus patients aged 85 and older were at the highest risk of death. There are other risk factors besides age that can lead to serious illness. People with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease, can develop more severe symptoms. In the U.S. between January and May 2020, case fatality rates among confirmed COVID-19 patients were higher for those with underlying health conditions.

How long should you self-isolate?

As of August 24, 2020, more than 16 million people worldwide had recovered from COVID-19 disease, which includes patients in health care settings and those isolating at home. The criteria for discharging patients from isolation varies by country, but asymptomatic carriers of the virus can generally be released ten days after their positive case was confirmed. For patients showing signs of the illness, they must isolate for at least ten days after symptom onset and also remain in isolation for a short period after the symptoms have disappeared.