According to a recent report released by the CDC, Covid deaths in the U.S. fell by 69% from 2022 to 2023, making it the 10th leading cause of death last year, down from 4th in 2022. Covid was the underlying or contributing cause of over 76,000 deaths in 2023, compared to around 245,000 in 2022. Deaths decreased across all age and racial groups, with those aged 85 and older still being disproportionately affected.
White people had the highest rate of Covid deaths in 2023, compared to American Indian and Alaska Native people during the pandemic. The decrease in Covid deaths is attributed to widespread immunity from vaccines and prior infections, as well as the availability of antiviral medication like Paxlovid. However, the CDC warns that the virus still poses a threat, especially to older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.
The CDC recommends getting an updated Covid vaccine when available, as immunity wanes over time. In 2023, heart disease remained the leading cause of death, followed by cancer and unintentional injuries. While heart disease deaths decreased slightly, cancer deaths increased. The pandemic may still be impacting other leading causes of death, such as drug overdoses and alcohol-related diseases, which could continue to affect unintentional injuries and chronic liver disease. The CDC plans to release a final report later this year after further analysis of the data.
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