Still, the country is considered to be in a better position than it was last year, with more than 62% of Americans vaccinated. Early evidence and reports from South Africa suggest that vaccinations and boosters are helping to prevent serious illness and death in Omicron cases, which spreads more easily than Delta and COVID but causes milder symptoms.

Additionally, while hospitalizations are rising and average more than 71,000 a day, they are far below peak levels. Deaths are also increasing, with the daily average of 1,243, but this too is well below the record of 3,342 reported on January 26.


It should be noted, however, that the virus and variants have become responsible for a greater share of deaths among young people, particularly middle-aged white people, says The Times.

As for healthcare staff, many were praised last year, with people banging pots and pans, applauding and holding up signs in support of their efforts. They were even called "superheroes" in the media. While well-intended, these behaviors may have contributed to the pressures healthcare professionals face now, with many burned-out from fears of failing or not putting their own needs first, said Dr. Jamlik-Omari Johnson, director of emergency and trauma imaging at the Emory School of Medicine, in a 2021 RSNA presentation.

"When we think about Wonder Woman, or we think about Superman … failure is generally not an option," he explained. "So, if you're a healthcare hero, how do you manage your patients dying ... when you're no longer able to save them? How do you manage being tired or emotional? That’s not something heroes often experience.”

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