COVID-19 dropped out of the world’s 10 leading causes of death in 2023 for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020, killing an estimated 0.9 million people directly and ranking 14th globally, according to new World Health Organization estimates reported by Health Policy Watch. The decline follows revised figures showing the virus directly caused 9.4 million deaths in 2021 as the leading global killer, alongside 5.3 million deaths in 2020, bringing the two-year direct total to 14.7 million before global life expectancy climbed back near pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
Covid-19 death tolls decline sharply by 2023
The updated World Health Organization estimates place COVID-19 at 9.4 million direct deaths for 2021, marking an upward revision from earlier estimates that had positioned the virus second that year. By 2023, direct deaths fell to 0.9 million, pushing the virus down to the 14th leading cause of death globally. Health Policy Watch reported that these figures coincided with the World Health Organization declaring an end to COVID-19 as a global health emergency in May 2023.
Experts urge patients to get annual flu shots
Deborah Plate, a family physician at Cleveland Clinic, told Yahoo News that flu activity is already rearing its head early and urged patients to get an annual flu shot as soon as possible. Because respiratory viruses mutate annually, experts update vaccines using data from the Southern Hemisphere winter. Ashanti Woods, a Baltimore pediatrician, noted that the immunization lowers a person’s chance of a flu-related doctor visit by 40% to 60% and protects vulnerable, immunocompromised community members.
Comprehensive Protection Against Respiratory Illnesses
Health professionals emphasize that preparation for respiratory virus season extends beyond a single vaccination. Ahmad noted that community pharmacists can help patients identify gaps in protection, particularly in rural and underserved areas facing transportation and travel barriers.
Why adults over 65 need higher-dose flu vaccines
Why is an annual flu shot necessary?
According to Deborah Plate at Cleveland Clinic, respiratory viruses mutate and evolve differently every year, requiring vaccine updates based on Southern Hemisphere data.
Who should receive a higher-dose flu vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend that adults over 65 receive a higher-dose flu vaccine rather than a standard one due to increased complication risks.
What four major illnesses should individuals monitor during respiratory season?
Nadia Ahmad with the American Pharmacists Association said people should evaluate protection against the flu, RSV, COVID-19, and pneumonia.