From the Guidelines
The total global deaths from COVID-19 have exceeded 4 million people, as of the latest available data from 2022. This number is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which reported more than four million deaths due to COVID-19 worldwide 1. The death toll varies significantly by country, with some nations reporting higher numbers than others. These figures represent confirmed deaths directly attributed to COVID-19, though the actual number is likely higher due to underreporting in some regions, limited testing capacity early in the pandemic, and different methodologies for classifying COVID-19 deaths. Some key points to consider include:
- The virus has proven particularly deadly for elderly populations, those with underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Vaccination campaigns, improved treatment protocols, and better understanding of the virus have helped reduce mortality rates over time, but COVID-19 remains a significant global health concern with ongoing fatalities.
- The mortality rate in those requiring hospitalisation ranges from 5% to 25% 1, with risk factors for hospitalisation and mortality defined, including increased age, male sex, number of comorbidities, increased respiratory rate, oxygen saturations, Glasgow coma scale, urea and C-reactive protein 1. The total number of deaths is likely to continue rising, albeit at a slower rate than during peak pandemic periods, as the virus continues to spread and evolve.
From the Research
Total Deaths from COVID-19
- The total number of deaths from COVID-19 is not directly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies provide information on the mortality risk associated with COVID-19 and the effectiveness of certain treatments in reducing mortality.
- A study published in 2021 found that 92.8% of COVID-19 deaths were associated with a pre-existing comorbidity, with the top four comorbidities being hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease 4.
- Another study published in 2022 found that treatment with remdesivir plus dexamethasone was associated with a significant reduction in 30-day mortality compared to dexamethasone alone in COVID-19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen therapy 5.
- A post hoc analysis of the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial-1 cohort data found that remdesivir had a treatment effect on progression to invasive mechanical ventilation or death, with the highest risk group deriving the greatest treatment effect 6.
Mortality Risk Factors
- Age-related comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, are associated with a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 4.
- The use of remdesivir plus dexamethasone has been shown to reduce mortality risk in COVID-19 patients, particularly those requiring supplemental oxygen therapy 3, 5.
- Vaccination status has also been shown to be an independent factor associated with lower progression to mechanical ventilation or death in COVID-19 patients 3.
Treatment Outcomes
- Remdesivir plus dexamethasone has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients, including reduced mortality, faster viral clearance, and improved respiratory function 3, 5.
- The combination of remdesivir and dexamethasone has been found to be more effective than dexamethasone alone in reducing mortality and improving clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients 2, 3, 5.