As to people filling hospitals, I am sure they are sick, but how sick? Are they keeping them in a bed just because they are infectious and can't let them run loose?
I started feeling a cold coming on recently, so I went and got tested for COVID. The automatic online check boxes to get an appointment for test and boiler plate info was pretty simple. Take Tylenol, fluids and other cold remedies, get tested and only go to the hospital if you are severely winded after 40 steps. When they tell you test results it says 'negative, but you still might have COVID, stay away from people for 4 days, Tylenol fluids etc.
CDC information came out yesterday said 80% of people Hospitalized and ventilated for COVID had diabetes, obesity issues or both.
The media narrative doesn't match the actual medical advice you get when seeking care.