COVID-19: Our New Normal

The summer surge of COVID-19 has hit the U.S. hard, and even Olympic athletes like Noah Lyles aren’t immune. Lyles recently competed in the 200-meter race while dealing with an active COVID infection, yet he managed to win a bronze medal. It seems that masks are still a good idea when in risky situations.

After four years of battling this virus, U.S. health officials now say COVID-19 has become endemic. This means it’s here to stay and we need to learn how to live with it, just like we do with other diseases. According to a deputy director at the CDC, COVID-19 can be described as something we’ll manage on an ongoing basis.

The change in terminology doesn’t affect health guidelines, but it highlights the importance of vaccinations and other precautions as the virus continues to circulate. With the virus being a significant problem still, our approach to it will mirror how we confront other endemic diseases.

Interestingly, while daily life has returned to a sense of normalcy for many, COVID is still spreading widely. That’s evident as Lyles raced and President Biden worked from home during his own COVID infection. Despite the normalization, experts caution that COVID still poses risks to public health.

Some experts believe we’re not quite at the point of calling COVID completely predictable. An epidemiologist pointed out that the current surge has taken many by surprise. There’s still a lot that’s unpredictable about the virus, and scientists believe it will take years for it to settle into a predictable pattern.

However, there is agreement among some officials that COVID is likely to remain a regular part of life, with ongoing epidemics. This unpredictability emphasizes how important it is to maintain vigilance and ongoing monitoring.

Even as COVID becomes endemic, it still causes serious health issues. It’s not a mild infection for everyone and continues to be a serious threat, especially for older adults and those with pre-existing health problems. COVID remains a top cause of death, and even younger, healthier individuals can face significant challenges when infected.

Experts stress the importance of vaccinations and other protective measures like masking during high-risk situations. Ongoing advancements in treatments and vaccines could also help in controlling the spread of the virus, alongside better ventilation in public spaces.

As we look to the future, experts agree that monitoring the virus’s evolution and the emergence of new variants is critical. COVID is something we will have to live with, meaning it will be another factor to consider in our daily lives.