CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More than 41% of all North Carolinians have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Roughly 37% of the population is fully vaccinated.
While that rate rises a little every day, there are some who say the vaccine is not necessary, citing a popular online claim that says a person's chance of surviving the coronavirus is quite high.
The Question
Is the survivability rate of COVID-19 close to 100%?
The Answer
According to coronavirus data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there have been more than 992,000 COVID-19 cases statewide since the pandemic's start. To date, there have been close to 13,000 coronavirus-related deaths.
That would make the percentage of infections resulting in survival close to 99%. However, doctors say that number does not tell the full story.
Dr. Katie Passaretti, an infectious disease specialist with Atrium Health, says that 99% contains a wide variety of unpleasant, and even near-fatal experiences, including long-term hospital stays, and lingering effects, even after mild infection.
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"So-called long-haulers after COVID that are healthy people but have the consequences of COVID that can last," Passaretti describes. "Yes, they survived, but it impacts quality of life, function and what-not."
She reminds, there is also a bigger picture too, and said the vaccine is important to not only increasing chances of surviving but also surviving well.
"This isn't just about the individual," Passaretti said. "It's about protecting the community and those most at risk in our community."
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Contact Vanessa Ruffes at vruffes@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.