NEWS

This IFH’s study aimed to investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on respiratory features, mortality, and the effect of vaccination status. The researchers conducted a retrospective review of medical records from the University of California Health Covid Research Data Set (UC CORDS) to identify respiratory features, vaccination status, and mortality in hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study period ranged from January 1, 2020, to April 26, 2022.

The study found that SARS-CoV-2 has caused over 80 million infections and 973,000 deaths in the United States. The virus has undergone mutations that are associated with increased transmissibility. The researchers analyzed data on four variants: Founder, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron. With each variant, there was a reduction in severe lower respiratory tract issues compared to the Delta variant.

Vaccination was shown to be the best protection against severe illness and mortality, as well as post-COVID conditions. The study revealed that approximately 63% of the US population was fully vaccinated. Barriers to vaccination included structural issues such as cost and convenience, as well as attitudinal barriers like perceived risks and misinformation.

Severe COVID-19 infection can lead to complications such as viral pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic cough, respiratory fatigue, and fibrotic lung disease. The respiratory system plays a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent COVID-19 diseases. More detail can be found here.