Analysis Of Recent COVID Deaths Reinforces Care Needs: Marin Co.

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Marin County health officials said this week that a new analysis of recent COVID-19 deaths reinforces the need for renewed attention to medical care and recovery treatment along with broader adoption of COVID-19 booster shots.

On Friday, the county health department's weekly COVID-19 casualty report revealed 15 additional deaths, resulting in a total of 24 residents who have died from COVID-19 complications between January and Feb. 12.

"It's not uncommon to see an increase in deaths linked to a surge," said Dr. Lisa Santora, the county's deputy public health officer. "We generally see a time lag in hospitalization and death rates after a spike in COVID-19 cases. What is different this time around is that the highly contagious nature of the Omicron variant raised the death toll higher than past waves. Fortunately, high vaccination and booster rates protected our community from greater losses."

Of the deaths included in the report, the majority were adults, age 75 or older, with severe "end of life" from a clinical perspective, meaning they had been on hospice or comfort care over the last three to five months. Deaths are to be expected among this group due to elderly adults having higher risk factors when at the end of their lives. On average, Marin County sees about five "end of life" deaths every day. However, in this situation, the Omicron variant has accelerated the death rate for these vulnerable adults.

Three of the newly reported deaths were among residents under the age 70 who did not have full vaccine protection or had known risk factors.

Research has shown that poor COVID outcomes, including hospitalizations and deaths, are linked to lifestyle diseases including obesity, diabetes, smoking, and substance use disorders.

Prolonged exposure to modifiable lifestyle behaviors, including smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use damages the immune system and weakens a body's immune response to infection.

"The takeaway message to stay vigilant on booster shots and stay focused on our community's recovery from the pandemic," Santora said.

"Many adults have been in isolation, which can be mentally and physically devastating. Check on your neighbors and relatives, help them see their doctor, catch up on deferred medical care, or find the treatment assistance they need. These factors can be hidden behind closed doors but can be a recipe for severe illness when co-mingled with Omicron or future variants."

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