Five years after Covid-19 first disrupted the world, the virus remains a global presence, though its impact has diminished significantly compared to the height of the pandemic. However, experts stress that the virus is still with us and continues to cause infections and deaths.
Current Situation
As of now, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that there have been approximately 777 million cases and over seven million deaths linked to Covid-19 since the virus was first identified in December 2019. The true toll, however, is likely much higher. The pandemic not only overwhelmed healthcare systems but also caused widespread economic turmoil and triggered lockdowns in numerous countries.
By the latter half of 2022, infection and death rates began to decrease, thanks to rising immunity from vaccinations and prior infections. The virus mutated into less severe forms, further contributing to a drop in serious cases. In May 2023, the WHO declared that the emergency phase of the pandemic had ended, signaling that Covid-19 had become endemic, with sporadic resurgences similar to the flu.
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The Pandemic’s Lingering Impact
Although Covid-19 has receded from the public’s focus, it has not disappeared. WHO pandemic preparedness director Maria Van Kerkhove noted that many people wish to forget the trauma caused by the pandemic and treat it as a past event, even though the virus remains active. In October and November of last year, more than 3,000 deaths from Covid were recorded across 27 countries, even though most deaths occurred between 2020 and 2022.
Variants and Vaccines
The Omicron variant, which emerged in late 2021, has led to a series of subvariants that continue to dominate globally. Currently, the Omicron subvariant KP.3.1.1 is the most prevalent. Although no subsequent Omicron subvariant has been significantly more severe, experts caution that future strains could potentially be more transmissible or dangerous.
Vaccination campaigns have been a major tool in fighting Covid-19, with over 13.6 billion doses administered globally. However, initial supply imbalances saw wealthier countries securing the majority of doses, leaving poorer nations at a disadvantage. Booster shots, particularly those targeting the JN.1 Omicron subvariant, are recommended, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Unfortunately, uptake of these boosters has been low, even among healthcare workers.
Long Covid
Long Covid, a condition where symptoms persist for months after the initial infection, continues to affect millions of people worldwide. Symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath remain common, and around 6% of people infected with the virus develop long Covid. Despite its prevalence, little is understood about the condition, and there are no tests or definitive treatments. Multiple infections appear to increase the risk of developing long Covid, adding an additional burden on healthcare systems.
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Preparing for Future Pandemics
Scientists have warned that another pandemic is inevitable, urging global leaders to learn from the Covid-19 crisis and prepare for future threats. Bird flu (H5N1) has recently drawn attention, particularly after the first human death in the US from the virus was reported. While experts have emphasized that there is currently no evidence of person-to-person transmission, concerns remain about the potential for the virus to mutate.
Negotiations for a global pandemic prevention treaty are ongoing, but an agreement has yet to be reached. A key issue lies in ensuring equitable access for developing countries during future health crises. The Covid-19 pandemic also fueled a rise in vaccine skepticism and misinformation, raising concerns about how future responses might be hindered by public distrust in health measures.
As the world continues to grapple with the lingering effects of Covid-19, experts stress the need for vigilance and preparedness for future health emergencies.
