Sicker and Younger Unvaccinated People Drive New Hospitalization Trend in Alaska

Alaska’s latest and still growing COVID-19 wave involves a jarring new trend: younger hospital patients, at times sicker than the older people who needed medical care last year, according to ADN.

COVID-19 patients between 35 and 50 are showing up at the ER in greater numbers, getting admitted, and needing more complicated care, hospital and health officials say. Even those who aren’t staying for long run the risk of complications like prolonged breathing difficulties or heart problems.

“What we are seeing is hospitalizations are increasing in younger people, not only in Alaska but nationally,” state epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin said at a Thursday media briefing. “This probably has a lot to do with the fact that younger people in general tend to be less vaccinated.”

In July, 36% of people hospitalized in Alaska with COVID-19 are under 50, compared to 23% in November, according to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. People under 40 make up a quarter of patients, compared to 14% last year.