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Five years ago, COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency in the US. Experts say the virus remains a significant threat, claiming thousands of lives annually.
Dr. William Schaffner, a preventive medicine professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, emphasizes that COVID-19 is now integrated into our lives and isn’t going away.
While the global pandemic declaration has ended, COVID-19 remains a persistent concern. New York University nursing professor Sean Clarke stresses that the virus is still circulating and impacting communities.
Since 2020, over seven million lives have been lost globally. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus no longer a global health emergency in 2023, the WHO Director-General cautioned that it remains a global health threat.
Recent data shows thousands of global COVID-19 deaths in the past month, with the US accounting for a large portion. Hospitalizations and emergency room visits are increasing, and the death rate remains concerning.
Despite research advancements, Dr. Schaffner predicts COVID-19 will persist, with anticipated peaks in summer and winter. He believes vaccination remains the most critical preventive measure.
Currently, adult vaccination rates for the updated COVID-19 vaccine are low. Dr. Schaffner highlights the vulnerability of unvaccinated individuals and those not up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Long COVID, with symptoms persisting for years, is another ongoing concern. Dr. Schaffner believes vaccinations can reduce the risk of both initial infection and long COVID.
Looking ahead, Dr. Schaffner anticipates annual updates to COVID-19 vaccines to address viral mutations. He also warns of the potential for the virus to mutate into a more severe form, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of viruses.