Health officials warn the novel coronavirus is more dangerous for adults older than 65, but younger people are also becoming severely sick with COVID-19, according to hospital reports.
In the United States, roughly 38 percent of hospitalized coronavirus patients—from February 12 through March 16—were under the age of 54, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New York City data shows that 26 percent of the 1,160 people who were hospitalized from COVID-19 symptoms were between ages 18 and 49, The City reported.
Oxiris Barbot, M.D., New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner, explained to The City that younger people shouldn’t take coronavirus lightly.
“We have had young people not only infected but also have been ill. No one, literally, is immune to this. This is a novel virus that we have never seen before and everyone is at risk for being infected,” said Barbot.
And the coronavirus isn’t just deadly for older adults. In Los Angeles, a teen died of COVID-19 complications. In New York City, a 36-year-old school principal died after being hospitalized with COVID-19. So far, 5 people under the age of 45 have died in New York City, The New York Times reported.
In Miami, 75 healthcare professionals banned together urging everyone—including young, healthy adults—to take coronavirus seriously.
“Young and otherwise healthy people are also becoming severely ill from COVID-19. This is not just a problem for the elderly and chronically-ill. It is a dangerous threat to all of us,” they wrote in an open letter.
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