Trends in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Mortality Within a US Academic Health System, 2020-2025

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presented a significant mortality risk compared to other respiratory viruses.
• Understanding evolving COVID-19 mortality trends is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in 30-day mortality rates for patients testing positive for COVID-19.
• To compare COVID-19 mortality trends with influenza within an academic health system.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patient data within a single academic health system.
• Assessment of crude and adjusted 30-day mortality rates following a positive COVID-19 test.
• Comparative analysis with historical influenza mortality data.

Main Results:

• A notable decrease in both crude and adjusted 30-day mortality rates was observed among individuals with COVID-19.
• Despite the decrease, COVID-19 30-day mortality rates remain numerically similar to or higher than influenza mortality rates.
• Trends were assessed within a specific academic health system, providing localized insights.

Conclusions:

• While COVID-19 mortality has improved, it continues to pose a comparable or greater risk than influenza.
• Ongoing monitoring of COVID-19 mortality trends is essential, even within healthcare systems experiencing declines.
• The findings highlight the persistent public health challenge posed by COVID-19 relative to seasonal influenza.