A startling report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that nearly 60% of American adults were infected with COVID-19 during the Omicron variant wave between December 2021 and February 2022.
The Atlanta-based health agency's blood sample analysis shows infection rates were particularly high among younger adults aged 18-49, with approximately 64% showing antibodies from prior infection. This compares to 50% among those aged 50-64 and 33% in the 65+ demographic.
Key Findings from the Study
- Overall seroprevalence increased from 34% in December to 58% in February
- Children showed the highest infection rates at 75%
- Black Americans had the highest seroprevalence at 63%
- Urban and rural areas showed similar infection patterns
The CDC emphasised that while infection-derived immunity provides some protection, vaccination remains the safest strategy against severe outcomes. 'These findings illustrate the incredibly high infection rates during the Omicron wave,' said Dr. Kristie Clarke, co-lead for the CDC's COVID-19 Epidemiology and Surveillance Taskforce.
What This Means for Future Waves
Public health experts warn that hybrid immunity (from both vaccination and prior infection) doesn't guarantee protection against future variants. The study comes as US health officials monitor new Omicron subvariants that show increased immune evasion capabilities.
The CDC continues to recommend vaccination for all eligible individuals, including booster doses, particularly for high-risk groups. Researchers note that while the population now has substantial immunity, the long-term health impacts of repeated COVID-19 infections remain unclear.
