COVID-19 was the single biggest health crisis to impact the modern world, leading to a worldwide disruption of life as we know it. While the pandemic is now under control, COVID-19 remains an ongoing concern in 2024, though the impact varies widely across the United States. While some states are seeing a significant rise in cases, others are experiencing stabilization or even a decline. Currently, cases are growing in 20 states, which means healthcare systems in those areas are under increased pressure. In contrast, 9 states are seeing a reduction in cases, which may lead to less strain on healthcare resources. Meanwhile, 18 states are maintaining a steady number of cases where the virus is neither significantly increasing nor decreasing.

As a nurse, it is essential to stay informed about these variations because they affect how you care for patients. In states where cases are rising, you may need to focus more on preventive care, patient education, and managing higher volumes of patients. Understanding the trends in your area also allows you to anticipate the resources and support your facility may need to handle the ongoing demands.

Symptoms of COVID-19 in 2024

COVID-19 presents a wide range of symptoms in 2024, many of which are familiar from previous years. However, keeping track of any new developments in symptoms is important for nurses, as timely identification can lead to better patient outcomes. Understanding the progression of symptoms from mild to severe allows you to provide targeted care, reduce complications, and help patients recover more quickly.

Common Symptoms of COVID-19 in 2024

The most frequently reported symptoms of COVID-19 remain consistent in 2024. These include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Headaches

Many patients may experience these symptoms mildly, but they can still lead to serious health issues if not managed properly. Monitoring patients closely for any changes is crucial, as symptoms can vary between individuals.

Severe Symptoms of COVID-19

As in previous years, the COVID-19 strain in 2024 is also resulting in cases with severe symptoms which include:

• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain

These symptoms indicate the infection is progressing, requiring immediate medical intervention. High-risk patients, such as those with underlying health conditions or the elderly, are particularly vulnerable. Early recognition of these severe symptoms is critical to ensuring patients receive prompt treatment.

Deaths from COVID-19 (2023-2024)

The number of deaths from COVID-19 remains a significant concern, even as we move towards 2025. Although widespread vaccination and improved treatments have helped reduce the overall mortality rate, the virus continues to claim lives, particularly in vulnerable populations. As a nurse, understanding the factors contributing to COVID-19 deaths in the past year can help you better serve your patients and reduce risks for those most at risk of severe illness or death.

U.S. Mortality Trends

From 2023 to 2024, mortality trends have shown a slight decrease in overall deaths compared to the earlier years of the pandemic. This decline is largely due to the increasing number of people vaccinated and improvements in COVID-19 treatments, including antiviral medications and monoclonal antibody therapies. Despite these advancements, certain regions in the U.S. continue to experience higher mortality rates. Rural areas and regions with lower vaccination rates remain more vulnerable, and deaths in these areas are often linked to a lack of access to timely healthcare.

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to the ongoing deaths from COVID-19, particularly in high-risk groups. Older adults, especially those over the age of 65, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disorders remain at the greatest risk. Other contributing factors include socioeconomic conditions, which affect a patient’s access to healthcare, ability to receive vaccinations, and opportunities for early treatment. The combination of chronic illness, advanced age, and delayed treatment continues to be the primary driver of COVID-19 fatalities.

Reducing Mortality

As a nurse, you play a critical role in reducing COVID-19 deaths. You can significantly impact patient outcomes by staying informed about the latest treatments and ensuring your patients understand the importance of early intervention. Educating patients about vaccination, symptom monitoring, and when to seek medical help is essential in preventing deaths, particularly in high-risk groups. Encouraging your patients to stay current with recommended vaccines and seek care as soon as symptoms develop can help reduce severe cases and ultimately save lives.

New Strain of COVID-19 in 2024

In 2024, a new strain of COVID-19 has emerged, raising concerns for both healthcare providers and the general population. This new variant has been identified as more contagious than previous strains, which means it can spread more easily, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas. Although the new strain shares many similarities with older variants, it is important to be aware of any differences in how it affects patients.

The new strain has not shown a significant increase in disease severity for most people, but it still poses a high risk to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. These patients may experience more severe symptoms, including respiratory issues that can lead to hospitalization if not treated quickly.

One of the main concerns with this new strain is its ability to partially evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations. This makes booster shots and updated vaccines even more critical for maintaining protection. As a nurse, it’s important to stay updated on the latest guidelines regarding this new strain, ensure patients are aware of the risks, and encourage continued vaccination to help prevent serious illness and control the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 Vaccines in 2024

In 2024, several updated COVID-19 vaccines have been approved to provide better protection against the circulating strains of the virus. The FDA has authorized Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax vaccines for use in the 2024-2025 vaccination campaign. These vaccines have been adjusted to target new variants, including the KP.2 strain, which is now widespread. The Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) vaccines are also approved for use, with updated formulas designed to improve immunity against new strains.

The vaccines are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations such as seniors, immunocompromised individuals, and young children. The updated vaccines help prevent severe illness and hospitalization and reduce the risk of long-term complications from COVID-19. Booster shots are encouraged for high-risk groups to maintain immunity and combat any waning vaccine effectiveness over time.

Staying current with these vaccines is critical for maintaining strong protection against evolving variants and preventing serious illness​

Managing COVID-19 

As a nurse, you play a key role in managing COVID-19 by educating patients, providing timely care, and promoting prevention strategies. Ensuring patients understand the importance of vaccination, symptom monitoring, and early treatment can make a significant difference in outcomes. You are also responsible for maintaining proper hygiene and infection control protocols in healthcare settings to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Continuing education is vital to keep up with evolving guidelines and treatments, allowing you to provide the best care possible during this pandemic. If you have not completed your nursing continuing education requirements to renew your license and want to learn more about providing care for your patients, online nursing CEUs offered by Cheap CE For Nurses can help.

Looking for a simple, affordable way to complete your nursing CEUs? Get started with flexible, self-paced courses at Cheap CE For Nurses → Enroll Now.