Population-Based Model of the Fraction of Incidental COVID-19 Hospitalizations during the Omicron BA.1 Wave in the United States

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

In this study is to inquire whether the gap in our understanding of the extent of incidental hospitalizations during the Omicron BA.1 wave in the United States can be filled with the tools of integrative epidemiology. The author found that the burden of patients admitted for complications of their viral infections was far greater. The proposed model is interesting, but I have some comments:

Title: Include the study design in the title. For example: Population-Based Estimation of the Fraction of Incidental COVID-19 Hospitalizations During the Omicron BA.1 Wave in the United States: A modelling study 

Results. 

Include a table with the distribution of positive cases and hospitalized population to make projections.

I suggest include the Fig. A1. U.S. "Continental Map Showing Locations of 249 of the 250 High-Volume Hospitals" in the manuscript.

Discussion

The author have reported the statistical findings in the discussion but have not explained the significance of their findings.

The implications of their findings for public health and future health policies are not discussed.

The main limitation that it is a modeled study. The author does not describe or discuss the limitations of his study. 

I suggest removing self-citations, and review more literature. There are 6 cites included from the same author (References section).

Author Response

See attached PDF, which contains responses to all three reviewers.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript has significance data which is acceptable. However, the full text need gramatical revision. Also the discussion need more related studis evaluation in subject.

Author Response

See attached PDF, which contains responses to all three reviewers.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

As a reviewer with an interest in COVID-19 I began reading this paper witrh great curiosity. The introduction, discussion and conclusion held my attention however, I do not feel adqautely qualified to comment on the remaining sections of the paper. 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

See attached PDF, which contains responses to all three reviewers.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

I suggest including a conclusion section.

Author Response

Per the reviewer's suggestion, a Conclusion has been added.

Reviewer 3 Report

This paper is now much more reader friendly. I believe that it presents some interesting and valuable data.

Author Response

No reply is necessary. Thank you for your valuable input.