A virus that is endemic is one that belongs to a particular people or country and travels in established patterns only. This also means that the virus isn’t going anywhere; it will continue to exist in the population and that stage has already been reached.
So, in the future, you will see flareups, new variants and waves of COVID-19, but they will not spread from one country to another in the way that they have in the past. In fact, according to some researchers, COVID-19 will become as common as the flu and governments will not spend all their resources to control its spread or impose lockdowns and curfews. Just like we have flu seasons, we will now have COVID seasons. However, an endemic virus mutates a lot to help it increase its spread.
What does that mean for us?
- Quite simply, you need to take your health into your hands.
- Take your vaccinations and boosters.
- Corbevax is now approved for children aged between five and 12 years and Covaxin for those between six and 12 years.
- Though the government has lifted the mask mandate, for your own good health, continue to wear masks in very crowded areas.
- If you have a cold, cough, fever or body ache, take a test or stay away from your grandparents and the very young.
- Also, it’s best to stay away from your school friends when you are not well.
