The number of Americans who have had COVID-19 is a constantly evolving figure, as the pandemic continues to spread and new cases are reported daily. As of March 8, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 147 million people in the United States, or about 44% of the population, have been infected with COVID-19.
This estimate is based on data from a variety of sources, including laboratory-confirmed cases, seroprevalence surveys, and modeling studies. The CDC notes that the actual number of people who have had COVID-19 is likely higher than the official tally, as many cases are mild or asymptomatic and go unreported.
The percentage of Americans who have had COVID-19 varies significantly by age, race, and ethnicity. For example, as of March 2023, the CDC estimates that 59% of adults aged 65 and older have had COVID-19, compared to 35% of adults aged 18-49. Similarly, Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to have had COVID-19 than White Americans.
what percentage of americans have had covid
As of March 2023, the CDC estimates that 147 million Americans, or about 44% of the population, have been infected with COVID-19.
- 44% of Americans have had COVID-19.
- Estimate based on various data sources.
- Actual number likely higher due to unreported cases.
- Percentage varies by age, race, and ethnicity.
- Higher among older adults and Black/Hispanic Americans.
- CDC continues to monitor and update estimates.
- Vaccination and boosters remain important.
- Precautions still needed to reduce spread.
- Stay informed about latest guidance.
The CDC continues to monitor and update its estimates as new data becomes available. Vaccination and boosters remain important tools for reducing the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. Precautions such as mask-wearing and social distancing are still needed to help reduce the spread of the virus. Staying informed about the latest guidance from the CDC and other public health authorities is essential for protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.
44% of Americans have had COVID-19.
As of March 8, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 147 million people in the United States, or about 44% of the population, have been infected with COVID-19. This estimate is based on data from a variety of sources, including laboratory-confirmed cases, seroprevalence surveys, and modeling studies. The CDC notes that the actual number of people who have had COVID-19 is likely higher than the official tally, as many cases are mild or asymptomatic and go unreported.
The percentage of Americans who have had COVID-19 varies significantly by age, race, and ethnicity. For example, as of March 2023, the CDC estimates that 59% of adults aged 65 and older have had COVID-19, compared to 35% of adults aged 18-49. Similarly, Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to have had COVID-19 than White Americans. These disparities are due to a number of factors, including socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and underlying health conditions.
The CDC continues to monitor and update its estimates as new data becomes available. Vaccination and boosters remain important tools for reducing the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. Precautions such as mask-wearing and social distancing are still needed to help reduce the spread of the virus. Staying informed about the latest guidance from the CDC and other public health authorities is essential for protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.
It is important to note that the percentage of Americans who have had COVID-19 is a constantly evolving figure, as the pandemic continues to spread and new cases are reported daily. The CDC recommends that everyone stay up-to-date on the latest guidance and take precautions to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
Estimate based on various data sources.
The CDC's estimate of the percentage of Americans who have had COVID-19 is based on data from a variety of sources, including:
- Laboratory-confirmed cases: This includes people who have tested positive for COVID-19 through a PCR or antigen test.
- Serology surveys: These surveys test people's blood for antibodies to COVID-19. Antibodies are produced by the body's immune system in response to an infection. By testing for antibodies, serology surveys can estimate the number of people who have been infected with COVID-19, even if they never had symptoms or were never tested.
- Modeling studies: These studies use mathematical models to estimate the number of people who have been infected with COVID-19. Models can be used to account for factors such as the number of people who are vaccinated, the number of people who are immune due to a previous infection, and the rate of transmission of the virus.
The CDC combines data from all of these sources to estimate the percentage of Americans who have had COVID-19. The CDC's estimate is updated regularly as new data becomes available.
Actual number likely higher due to unreported cases.
The CDC estimates that the actual number of Americans who have had COVID-19 is likely higher than the official tally of reported cases. This is because many cases of COVID-19 are mild or asymptomatic, and people may not seek testing if they do not have symptoms. Additionally, some people may have had COVID-19 but never got tested, or their test results may have been lost or delayed.
- Mild or asymptomatic cases: Many people who have COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or cough. Some people may even be asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms at all. These cases are less likely to be reported to health authorities.
- Lack of testing: In the early stages of the pandemic, testing for COVID-19 was limited. As a result, many people who had COVID-19 may not have been tested. Additionally, some people may have been reluctant to get tested due to concerns about privacy or stigma.
- Lost or delayed test results: In some cases, test results for COVID-19 may be lost or delayed. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as human error or problems with laboratory equipment. As a result, some people who have COVID-19 may never receive a positive test result.
The CDC's estimate of the percentage of Americans who have had COVID-19 includes an adjustment for unreported cases. However, it is difficult to know exactly how many unreported cases there are. As a result, the actual number of Americans who have had COVID-19 is likely higher than the official tally.
Percentage varies by age, race, and ethnicity.
The percentage of Americans who have had COVID-19 varies significantly by age, race, and ethnicity. This is due to a number of factors, including socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and underlying health conditions.
- Age: Older adults are more likely to have had COVID-19 than younger adults. This is because older adults are more likely to have underlying health conditions that increase their risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Additionally, older adults may be more likely to live in congregate settings, such as nursing homes, where the virus can spread more easily.
- Race and ethnicity: Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to have had COVID-19 than White Americans. This is due to a number of factors, including socioeconomic disparities, underlying health conditions, and access to healthcare. Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to live in poverty and have jobs that make it difficult to social distance. They are also more likely to have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, that increase their risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
The CDC continues to monitor and update its estimates of the percentage of Americans who have had COVID-19 by age, race, and ethnicity. This information is important for understanding the impact of the pandemic on different populations and for developing targeted interventions to reduce disparities.