NPR

Omicron, health care and what's really going on in America's hospitals

With the omicron wave, hospitals have been crushed by the surge in patients. But COVID is a symptom, not the cause of hospitals being overwhelmed. What needs to change?
An ICU floor at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Once again, hospitals across the country are swamped by COVID. But omicron is not the whole story.

“COVID has put a huge strain on the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
Got Brothers Or Sisters? Warm Sibling Bonds Help Booster Happiness As You Age
Researchers have found that a warm, close bond with a sibling in early adult life is predictive of good emotional health later in life, with less loneliness, anxiety and depression.
NPR4 min read
We Asked, You Answered: Let's Make A Toast To The Ways You Keep Calm And Carry On
Our readers responded to our callout, sharing the strategies they use to lift their spirits in the face of setbacks and woes. And yes, one way is: A jam happy face on toast!
NPR3 min readInternational Relations
World Central Kitchen Says It Will Resume Operations In Gaza
The aid group said the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire and that it has almost 8 million meals ready to distribute. The group halted efforts after Israeli strikes killed seven workers.

Related Books & Audiobooks