Health Disparities

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Title: Severe Outcomes Among Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Date: March 18, 2020
STEEP Categories: Social, Environmental, Economic
Link: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6912e2.htm?s_cid=mm6912e2_w
Brief Description: What's already known regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is that in China, majority of the deaths from this virus occur amongst adults over the age of 60. With approximately 49 million Americans being age 65 or older, this makes many, if not all, of these adults at a higher risk of severe complications if the virus is contracted. Currently, in the United States the mortality patterns are just about the same as China; with >80% deaths among adults aged 65 or older. The highest percentile being among ages 85 and older. 
Future Implications: COVID-19 can result in severe disease, including hospitalization, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), and death, especially among older adults. In order to help slow the spread of coronavirus, everyone should take actions such as social distancing to "flatten the curve". Also, these actions will help protect the health care system as well as vulnerable older adults. 
Overall Effect: This trend confirms a new scenario where due to lack of safety precautions from Americans such as social distancing and self-quarantine, this puts many vulnerable individuals at risk of coming into contact with the coronavirus which can lead to serious complications and/or death. As the number of confirmed cases continue to skyrocket on almost a daily basis, the death toll also increases. With older adults being most vulnerable, it puts a harsh impact on the health disparities between young and older Americans. 
Timeliness (0-5): 5
Impact (0-5): 5
Scope (0-5): 5
Likelihood (0-5): 5
Urgency (0-5): 5