What alarming statistic was found about COVID-19 patients not hospitalized according to a CDC survey?

The selection that highlights the fact that 35% of COVID-19 patients who were not hospitalized reported they were not back to normal effectively underscores the lasting impacts of the virus beyond acute illness. This statistic illustrates the phenomenon often referred to as "long COVID," where individuals experience ongoing health issues long after the initial infection has resolved.

Finding that over a third of patients did not return to their baseline level of health emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the long-term effects of COVID-19, which can include fatigue, cognitive impairments, and other symptoms. This statistic serves as a crucial reminder for healthcare providers and public health officials to consider the extended care and support needed for those recovering from COVID-19, even if they were not hospitalized.

The other statistics, while significant in their own contexts, do not capture the broader scope of ongoing health issues that a considerable number of individuals face after their initial recovery from COVID-19.