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Analysis: A dive into updated CDC guidance on COVID-19 IFRs

Chris Graham
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The CDC, quietly, earlier this month, updated its COVID-19 infection fatality ratio parameter to include age-specific estimates.

Based on the new IFR parameters, survival rates for the under-70 population range from a low of 99.5 percent for ages 50-69 to 99.997 percent for ages 0-19.

CDC Infection Fatality Ratio (updated Sept. 10)

  • 0-19 years: 0.00003
  • 20-49 years: 0.0002
  • 50-69 years: 0.005
  • 70+ years: 0.054

The survival rate for 70+ is alarming, at 94.6 percent, reflective of how the virus, from months of data, is particularly dangerous for the aged, most notably those in nursing homes.

According to CDC data, 57.5 percent of the deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the U.S. to date have come among those 75 and older, with 31.0 percent of the COVID-19 deaths being among those 85 and older.

Story by Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham, the king of "fringe media," a zero-time Virginia Sportswriter of the Year, and a member of zero Halls of Fame, is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].