While the virus hasn’t gone away, here are tips to navigate our new normal.
In early 2020, our worlds were turned upside down when the COVID-19 virus was labeled a pandemic, causing disruption and upheaval to life as we once knew it. Thankfully, life has returned to some sense of normalcy, even though the virus is far from being gone.
The best way to describe the current state of the COVID-19 virus is that it’s on its way to reaching endemic status. This means the disease is still around (and is expected to remain indefinitely), but is not causing significant disruption to our daily lives. Hospitals are no longer reaching critical capacity. Schools and businesses are not closed. But there’s still the possibility of contracting the virus and getting sick.
“In an endemic, the disease (COVID) is considered more stable and manageable, but we still have many people being diagnosed with COVID-19 infection,” said Deborah Goldsmith, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Maury Regional Health. “We expect this virus, in its various strains, to continue to cause infection in the months to years to come. We hope to avoid the large surges of ill people as more people carry at least some immunity against the virus.”
Endemics are nothing new. There are many viruses that are endemic in our community, including influenza (the flu), rhinovirus (the common cold) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These viruses circulate and get people sick but they don’t stop us from living our lives. That’s what we’re facing with COVID-19, too.
What do we do if COVID-19 is endemic?
We live with endemics by protecting ourselves as much as possible. In the case of COVID-19, that includes getting vaccinated and boosted as recommended. Immunity from vaccinations, as well as from natural infection, wanes over time and does not guarantee you won’t catch the virus. But data shows vaccines do a good job of protecting against serious illness, hospitalization and death, so they’re still worth it.
“Advances in vaccines and treatments have lowered the risk of death, hospitalization and severe disease from COVID-19,” Goldsmith said. “Keeping up to date on COVID-19 vaccine and boosters is the best way to prevent severe COVID disease.”
Having treatment options available also helps us deal with endemics. People at high risk who contract COVID-19 may be advised to take a drug like Paxlovid to reduce symptoms and lower the chance of serious illness. As different variants of the virus emerge and our knowledge about the disease increases, other treatment options will likely be available in the future.
While we would like to imagine a world where COVID-19 doesn’t exist anymore, that is not our reality. That means we have to find ways to go about our daily lives in as close to a normal fashion as possible while taking steps to avoid illness. These tips can help protect you from being severely impacted by COVID-19:
∙ Continue to get boosted. Updated vaccine boosters are available to better protect against newer omicron variants. Find retail locations offering the latest COVID-19 booster at Vaccines.gov. Although it’s not known yet how often boosters will be recommended, it’s likely we’ll have to continue to get them regularly. This is something we already do with other viruses. For example, every year flu shots are recommended. Other vaccines require periodic boosters as well.
∙ Take precautions in high-risk situations. The same steps that protected you during the pandemic will help you now. Steer clear of anyone you know who has COVID-19 or those who appear to have symptoms. Consider wearing masks when you are in large crowds, especially indoors. Wash your hands often.
∙ Boost your immunity. Take steps to keep your immune system strong. Filling your plate with healthy foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, not smoking or vaping, and reducing stress are all ways to boost your immunity so you can better fight COVID-19 or any other illness you may get. As an added bonus, you’ll improve your overall health in the process.
Deborah Goldsmith, MD, is an infectious disease specialist at Maury Regional Health.
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Date Last Reviewed: August 12, 2022
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