Dr. Sanjay Gupta is chief CNN medical correspondent, and may know as much as any about the coronavirus pandemic. He believes the Delta has set us back, despite being better prepared than last year. He wonders whether COVID will join the ranks of other respiratory diseases we have learned to live with. We have been dancing with colds and flu, and now COVID may be next he says.
We Are Not Going to Stamp the Virus Out
‘It’s becoming clear we will not eliminate the virus completely,’ Dr. Sanjay Gupta continues. ‘It’s likely to become endemic, like the other common-cold coronaviruses in circulation.’
Prof Linsey Marr is professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech. She is also an acknowledged expert in transmission of infectious diseases via aerosols. And she believes it’s more likely the virus will settle into a semi-seasonal pattern just like flu and colds.
The Prof explains the disease is still rippling through the population, with many people still not immune. However, in five years’ time this reality will have changed. Because we will have much greater immunity by then, either through vaccination or by natural infection.
We Will Be Dancing with Colds, Flu, and COVID By Then
The two experts may have a watertight argument between them. Their new normal will require a delicate balance between tight controls, and respect of the rights of individuals.
Dancing with colds and flu, and now COVID may become a matter of being diligent with masks and vaccines. While otherwise being free to enjoy life’s pleasures while socializing together.
‘Let’s be creative with making adjustments to life, rather than saying it’s all or none,’ suggests Dr. Jeremy Faust. ‘Because that was kind of the feeling last year.’ Jeremy is an emergency physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and an instructor at Harvard Medical School so he knows.
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