CDC looks at U.S. hospitalizations for COVID-19

About 80% of deaths and 45% of hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the U.S. are among adults aged 65 or older, with the risk of serious illness and death increasing with age, according to a report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings are similar to data from China, the agency said. While severe COVID-19 illness leading to hospitalization can occur at any age, children appear to have milder illness, with almost no hospitalizations for those under age 19, CDC said. According to the report, an estimated 21% to 31% of U.S. COVID-19 patients between Feb. 12 and March 16 were hospitalized, with 5% to 12% admitted to an intensive care unit. An estimated 1.8% to 3.4% of U.S. COVID-19 patients died over the period.