Health articles
How did COVID-19 affect people in the US?
Note: This page is no longer being updated. This data was aggregated from national and state sources. As of July 2023, data collection and updates by federal, state, and local agencies was less comprehensive than in previous years.
Just the Facts about US healthcare and the health of Americans
Americans have faced many health challenges in recent years, from opioid addiction to COVID-19. And accidental deaths are rising. So what does the government spend on health for its citizens?
How does the government count COVID-19 deaths?
Medical conditions or injuries at an individual’s time of death are not automatically official causes of death for the purpose of government statistics. That includes COVID-19.
How prepared is the US for COVID-19 and who's at risk?
As COVID-19 spreads throughout the country, we're tracking the top numbers to watch to best understand the virus's impact. How prepared are our hospitals? Who's at risk?
How has COVID-19 impacted air travel?
September passenger levels are down 65% compared to last year, according to preliminary data.
Who is eligible for the second COVID-19 booster?
19.9 million Americans received their second booster by the end of July 2022.
What’s the state of telehealth after COVID-19?
At the beginning of the pandemic, telehealth visits increased from about 5 million to more than 53 million among Medicare recipients alone. 80% of physicians plan to continue using it.
Has COVID-19 disproportionately affected Black and Hispanic Americans?
A roundup of how the State of the Union looks through the lens of race and ethnicity.
How much is spent on personal healthcare in the US?
National spending on personal healthcare per person has increased 1,306% since 1980 — over three times faster than inflation. More than $4.5 trillion total was spent in 2024.
48% of Americans are feeling down, depressed, or hopeless during the COVID-19 pandemic
An experimental weekly survey started by the US Census Bureau in April 2020 also reports that lower-income households report the highest levels of anxiety and depression.
How COVID-19 is changing primary voting—and the November election
Some states are extending deadlines and eligibility for mail-in ballots. Such measures may provide insight in how people vote in the November general election.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic change America, according to new Census data?
The percentage of people working from home tripled between 2019 and 2021, while housing got more expensive relative to income.
Six charts about COVID-19 vaccines: 24% of Americans 12 to 17 have started their vaccinations
Other charts show how much the vaccination rate fell and where adults are hesitant about the shots.
How widespread is the flu right now?
Influenza and other flu-like illness accounted for about 4.6% of all doctor’s visits during the week ending February 7, 2026. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu patients occupied 1.6% of hospital beds nationwide, and one state has “high” or “very high” levels of respiratory illness including flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
The state of healthcare at the end of 2020
Americans — and their government — are paying more for health insurance at a time of uneven health risks across demographic groups and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $2 trillion CARES Act, a response to COVID-19, is equivalent to 45% of all 2019 federal spending
Learn about the individuals and industries who will benefit from the most recent Congressional action
Eight ways the pandemic affected American life in data
Government data shows how COVID-19 intersected with everything from the economy to how people watch television.
What are the leading causes of death by age?
Heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19 remain the leading causes of death among adults in the US.
Which vaccines are recommended for American adults?
The CDC recommends annual flu shots and COVID-19 boosters for all adults, but vaccination rates differ by age and state.
What are the leading causes of death in the US?
The leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer, and accidents in 2024. Out of the nearly 3.1 million deaths in 2024, over 1.5 million, or 49%, were due to one of these three causes. The fourth, fifth, and sixth most common causes were cerebrovascular diseases, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and Alzheimer's disease.