There's been a change in the demographics of people hospitalized with COVID-19 with hospitals now seeing more younger patients.
As of January 1 of this year, people seventy and older made up half of all COVID hospitalizations in North Carolina.
By last week, the number was down to about 25%. That's now a smaller percentage than the group of patients in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
One explanation is that older people were the first to be vaccinated.
Dr. David Priest is an infectious disease specialist with Novant Health. He says a loosening of rules and the fact that younger people are more likely to socialize has aided in the spread.
"Couple that with the B.1.1.7 variants in our communities, it's more contagious and potentially more serious for people,” he says. “It's not surprising that the disease burden has shifted to younger and younger folks."
Priest says most, but not all of the younger patients will survive. But many will have serious COVID-related complications.
He says everyone should continue to use social distancing precautions and get vaccinated if they haven't been already.