Latest health fast facts
Healthy Aging
Hobbies are fun, and they’re also an important part of healthy aging. Research shows that older adults who engage in personally meaningful activities live longer, are less likely to develop certain diseases, and are happier, less depressed, and more resilient.
Source: National Institute on AgingLoneliness and social isolation
1/3
1 in 3 adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated.
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicinemosquitos
3.5K
There are more than 3,500 types of mosquitoes.
Source: CDCMigraine Trainer
10%
Did you know? Ten percent of children ages 5 to 15 have migraine. Migraine Trainer® is an app developed by NINDS to help teens ages 13 and up understand possible causes of their migraine attacks and create an individual migraine management plan with support from their parents and health care providers.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeMigraine
A typical migraine attack can last between 4 and 72 hours if it’s not treated.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokePhysical Activity
Adults need around 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week, about 20 minutes per day, to stay healthy.
Source: NIHObesity in Children
1/5
Childhood obesity affects 1 in 5 children in the United States.
Source: CDCMultisystem inflammatory syndrome
20%
Less than 20% of reported COVID-19 cases in the United States are in children under age 18.
Source: CDCLong COVID-19
Long COVID can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Source: HHSPregSource
73%
In an NIH study of more than 8,000 women, 73% gained more than the recommended amount of weight.
Source: NICHDMultiple sclerosis: What you need to know
400K
An estimated 400,000 Americans are currently living with MS.
Source: NINDSDe-stigmatize depression and anxiety
1/3
During parts of the pandemic, more than a third of American adults reported having symptoms of anxiety.
Source: US Census BureauGetting help for mental health
1/5
In 2020, 1 in 5 adults experienced a mental illness, but less than half of them received treatment for it.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationGene Therapies
7K
There are about 7,000 known rare diseases, but only a few have treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Source: National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.Exercise
Less than a quarter of children ages 6 to 17 get 60 minutes of exercise each day.
Source: CDCHeart Attacks
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
Source: CDCRelapsing Polychondritis
Only about 3 people out of a million are diagnosed with relapsing polychondritis each year.
Source: National Center for Advancing Translational SciencesRare Disease and COVID-19
People with underlying conditions are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAsthma
25M
In the United States, nearly 25 million people have asthma, of which 5.5 million are children.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionWinter viruses
36K
The flu kills more than 36,000 people each year.
Source: National Institutes of HealthEczema
30%
30% of children with eczema also have a food allergy.
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesBurns
86%
86% of burns are heat-related. 4% are electrical burns, and 3% are chemical burns.
Source: National Library of MedicineFrostbite
68°
Hypothermia doesn’t just occur in frigid weather. Living in a poorly-heated home kept below 68 degrees F can be a risk for older populations.
Source: National Institute on AgingRare Disease Day
1/10
1 in 10 people are affected by a rare disease.
Source: National Center for Advancing Translational SciencesCOVID Test Tool
When To Test also has a tool for organizations like schools and workplaces and resources to help them develop and implement testing programs for COVID-19.
Source: National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and BioengineeringCOVID-19 and risk of early birth
Pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk for preterm birth.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionPreeclampsia in the U.S.
1/25
Preeclampsia happens in about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionVaccines during pregnancy
Did you know? Vaccines can help protect you and your developing baby against serious diseases. Talk to your health care provider about which ones are right for you.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionGestational diabetes in the U.S.
In the U.S., about 6% to 9% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionStillbirth disparity in United States
2X
In the U.S., stillbirths are more than twice as likely among Black women than among white women.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionX and Y chromosomes
Did you know? Females have two copies of the X chromosome, while males have one X and one Y chromosome.
Source: MedlinePlusMigraine in last three months
15%
Over 15% of Americans aged 18 or older report having had a migraine or a severe headache in the last three months.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionBlack women and pregnancy complications
4X
Black women are three to four times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCancer in children
Cancer is the leading cause of death from disease among children.
Source: National Cancer InstituteRMS is often diagnosed in kids and teens
Most cases of RMS are diagnosed in children and teens, with more than half in children under 10.
Source: National Cancer InstituteChildhood cancer diagnosis
15k
About 15,000 children under age 20 are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHeadaches and emergency care
Headaches overall account for about 3% of all emergency department visits annually in the United States.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTrigger foods for migraines
Certain foods—like alcohol, chocolate, cheese, and yeast—can trigger migraines, especially when combined with other triggers.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionLength of juvenile arthritis symptoms
The symptoms of juvenile arthritis may last a few months or years, or throughout a child's life.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesJuvenile idiopathic arthritis happens before age 16
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, begins in children and adolescents before they turn 16.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesSprain or strain?
A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, which connects bones at a joint. Ankle and wrist sprains are common. Strains are a torn muscle or tendon that often happen while playing a sport. Back and hamstring muscle strains are common.
Source: MedlinePlusTreat sports injuries with RICE
Sports injuries are first treated with
R-I-C-E: Rest, Ice, Compression (pressure on the injury), Elevation (raise the injured area above the heart).
Cystic fibrosis diagnosed by 2 years of age
Most people with cystic fibrosis are diagnosed before age 2, but some people are also diagnosed as adults.
Source: Cystic Fibrosis FoundationAdult fruit and vegetable recommendation
For adults, the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables is 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables.
Source: National Institutes of HealthType 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in kids and teens, but it can develop at any age.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHypothyroidism is most common in women
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is most common in women and in people over the age of 60.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesThyroid hormones affect energy and weight
Thyroid hormones affect a person's physical energy, temperature, weight, and mood.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionOvarian cancer mortality
Ovarian cancer causes more deaths each year in the U.S. than any other gynecologic cancer.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionChance of getting ovarian cancer
A woman's risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about
1 in 78.
Ovarian cancer survival rate
The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 49%.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionPrevalence of ovarian cancer in U.S.
Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMedicine and surgery manage most epilepsies
For roughly 70 percent of people with epilepsy, seizures can be controlled with modern medicines and surgery.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokePeople with epilepsy in U.S.
2.3 million adults and more than 450,000 kids and teens in the U.S. live with epilepsy.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeSeizures have multiple causes
Having a seizure does not mean someone has epilepsy. Other causes can include very high blood sugar in diabetics or eclampsia during or after pregnancy.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeMore than 500,000 people will participate in RADx-UP testing program
500k
Did you know? It's estimated that more than 500,000 people across 33 states will participate in the RADx-UP COVID-19 testing program.
Source: National Institutes of HealthFunding for COVID-19 research
$3.6b
Did you know? As of March 2021, NIH has received more than $3.6 billion to fund important COVID-19 research.
Source: National Institutes of HealthLong COVID symptoms
Long COVID is a range of symptoms that can last weeks or months after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
Source: National Institutes of HealthDepression affects about 16 million adults
16m
Depression affects about 16 million U.S. adults every year.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMask guidelines if you’re not fully vaccinated
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that those who are not fully vaccinated from COVID-19 continue to wear masks in many situations. Check the CDC for the latest guidance.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionResearch Studies
Research studies are conducted in 50 states and in 219 countries.
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAntibodies are proteins that fight infection
Antibodies are proteins made by our immune systems that can fight infection and help prevent future infections.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Health disparities in COVID-19 hospitalizations
4x
African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native people are around four times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than White people.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCOVID-19 vaccine does not change your DNA
COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionPossible COVID-19 vaccine side effects
Possible COVID-19 vaccine side effects are swelling and redness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, or slight fever. These are normal signs that your body is building protection.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionStuttering in children
10%
Approximately 5% to 10% of all children will stutter for some period in their life.
Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication DisordersCOVID-19 testing locations
Did you know? COVID-19 testing can take place in a lab, during a health visit with your provider, or at home.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionWash your hands
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionDepression symptoms
Depression can happen at any age, but often symptoms begin in the teens or early 20s or 30s.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionDepression and anxiety diagnoses often increase with age
Diagnoses of depression and anxiety are more common with increased age.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention11.2% of adults have regular feelings of anxiety
11.2%
11.2% of adults 18 and over have regular feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxiety.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMore than 7% of children have anxiety
7%
More than 7% of children aged 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with anxiety in the U.S.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionThe National Library of Medicine Network
Did you know? The National Library of Medicine coordinates a network of more than 8,000 academic health science libraries, hospitals and public libraries, and community organizations to promote health literacy and provide access to health information across the U.S.
Source: National Library of MedicineWhen you’ve been fully vaccinated
Generally, you are considered fully vaccinated either two weeks after your second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or two weeks after your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionPalliative care support for siblings
Did you know? Pediatric palliative care can include support for siblings.
Source: National Institute of Nursing Research20% of people develop chronic low back pain
20%
About 20% of people with acute low back pain develop chronic low back pain at one year.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokePhysical activity can help with sleep
Did you know? Exercise can help you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Source: MedlinePlusChanging activity due to low back pain
Between 6% and 10% of workers stopped working, changed jobs, or made a change in activity because of low back pain.
Source: National Health Interview SurveyLosing 10% of weight can delay disease
5% to 10%
If you have obesity, losing even 5% to 10% of your weight can delay or prevent diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and arthritis.
Source: MedlinePlusBalance exercises can prevent falls
Did you know? Doing Tai Chi or other balance exercises can help prevent falls.
Source: MedlinePlusKidney transplant wait times can vary widely
Wait times for a kidney transplant can range from a few months to years.
Source: National Institute on Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases1 in 4 working adults has low back pain
More than one in four working adults experience low back pain.
Source: National Health Interview Survey7% of children and teens have high total cholesterol
7%
7% of U.S. children and adolescents have high total cholesterol.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionYour age, sex, and eating patterns affect cholesterol
Age, sex, eating patterns, and physical activity level can affect cholesterol levels.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute1 in 6 adults has high cholesterol
1 in 6
One in every six U.S. adults has high cholesterol.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionLoneliness linked to higher risk for dementia
Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to poorer cognitive function and higher risk for dementia, including and especially for Alzheimer's disease.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHealthy food may reduce chances of colon polyps
Research suggests eating more fruits, vegetables, and fiber may reduce your chances of developing colon polyps.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesAdults have about 2 to 3 colds per year
Every year, adults have an average of 2 to 3 colds, and children have even more.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionFrequency of adult cholesterol testing
Roughly two-thirds of U.S. adults report getting their cholesterol checked in the last 5 years.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionOpioid use during pregnancy in 2019
7%
According to 2019 self-reported data, about 7% of women used prescription opioid pain relievers while pregnant.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 in 500 babies are born hard-of-hearing
1 in 500 babies in the U.S. are born deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Source: Centers for Disease Control PreventionAmerican Heart Month
Did you know? February marks American Heart Month.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstitutePhysical activity can improve mood
Did you know that staying active can improve your mood and reduce feelings of depression?
Source: National Institute on AgingPalliative care is different from hospice care
Did you know? Palliative care can be given at any age and at any stage of an illness, while hospice care focuses on a person’s final stages of life.
Source: National Institute of Nursing ResearchTreating dry skin
Have dry skin? Lotions and creams, a humidifier, and avoiding hot showers can help.
Source: National Institute on AgingPalliative Care and Your Health Care Provider
You do not give up your own health care provider to get palliative care.
Source: National Institute of Nursing ResearchMore than 80 autoimmune conditions
>80
More than 80 diseases occur as a result of the immune system attacking the body's own organs, tissues, and cells.
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesHealth disparities in pregnancy-related deaths
3x
Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are about three times as likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause, compared with white women.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionBreast cancer 5 year survival rate is 99 percent
99%
If breast cancer is confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 99%.
Source: National Cancer InstituteMore than 1 in 5 students reported bullying
More than 1 in 5 middle school and high school students reported being bullied at school in the last year.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics20.4% of adults have chronic pain
20.4%
In 2016, 20.4% of U.S. adults reported having chronic pain.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention