After two years since the pandemic began, we’ve seen statistics rise and fall. As we begin to think the pandemic might finally be over, it always manages to come back stronger than before. But where are we now within the pandemic? Are we slowly returning back to normal, or is COVID here to stay? This article will give you COVID-19 updates, as well as some healthcare news to keep you informed of recent happenings.
To recap, since the pandemic began in early 2020, many thought the whole issue would blow over within a week. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. As cases began to rise, so did the deaths of many Americans across the country. Becoming the third lead cause of death in America; COVID-19 ranked number 1 on the list of disasters in the United States by death toll. As we entered 2021, cases sharply rose to an all-time high. 3.5 million people died from COVID-19 in 2021, with 50,000 people dying every week. This was a higher death toll than HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined deaths in 2020. Fortunately, the vaccines began to roll out, making them accessible to everyone. Cases began to slowly decline as more and more became vaccinated, but things took a sharp turn near the end of 2021. The number of cases began to rise during the holiday season, but not as drastically as in late 2020.
We then enter 2022, 66% of Americans are vaccinated for COVID-19. We have reached a slow decline in cases, and mask mandates are being lifted one by one. While many still take precautions, many choose to finally roam around mask-free. But the question still stands, have we really returned to our normal pre-pandemic lifestyle, and is it even possible to do so? Many give their input on the frustrating debate, but at least 59% of adults claim that they have not fully returned to their pre-pandemic life. Some believe we still need to continue mandating masks and vaccinations, while others believe COVID has completely disappeared by now. Many scientists claim we’re inching closer and closer to normalcy, as students are returning to in-person school and the unemployment rate begins to decline. Does this mean we should continue taking precautions to stay healthy and keep loved ones and others safe?
How the Pandemic Affected The Healthcare Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic has heavily burdened the healthcare field as we know it. With a sharp drop in revenue and employment, the lack of proper protective equipment, the increase in COVID patients, and the nursing burnout and turnover it seemed like there was no end in sight. Hospitals prioritized life-saving over urgent treatments, as many surgeries were canceled or delayed.
Many healthcare facilities took advantage of healthcare staffing tools, such as healthcare staffing apps to help with the increasing nursing shortage across the country. Virtual care became a key tool for many care physicians, improving convenience and access to care. This increased flexibility has allowed for reduced travel, decreased costs, and increased access to many patients.
How Do We Continue Staying Healthy?
- Booster Shots And Their Effectiveness
- Due to the new variants of COVID-19, more booster shots are becoming available for those who are already vaccinated. The CDC recommends everyone ages 12 and older receive a COVID-19 booster after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. The CDC also recommends staying up to date with their vaccines, including additional doses for individuals who are immunocompromised or booster doses at regular time points.
- Rapid At-Home Testing And Their Results
- The rapid at-home COVID testing kits have proven to be a very useful tool during the surges of new cases. Results from rapid tests are provided in as little as 15 minutes. A popular rapid COVID testing kit is a polymerase chain reaction(PCR). It’s considered the gold standard of diagnoses by the CDC. Antigen tests are also proven useful, as they search for certain molecules found on the surface of the theSARS-CoV-2 virus. Where can I find these tests? Most doctors' offices, pharmacies, and school clinics provide these tests ready to be used. While the results may be quick, they aren’t as accurate as laboratory tests. This is because they require more of the virus in a sample to report a positive result.
- Continuing To Practice Basic Precautions And Hygiene
- Reducing the spread of COVID-19 starts with basic hygiene. Washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, avoiding touching your face, and staying home when you’re sick are the simplest ways to help contribute to reducing the spread of COVID. Remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds, while using soap and warm water. While basic hygiene may seem obvious, they remain important. It’s the other little things you need to remember as well. Such as remembering to take a mask with you to crowded areas, and carrying hand sanitizer with you. Keeping a mask with you in public, or in crowded areas helps reduce the risk of infection. Allowing you to safely travel without the possibility of catching COVID-19. and sanitizer can help cut the risk of infection. Our hands touch everything, including our faces. Our hands can get covered in so many germs, and sometimes we can’t help ourselves but touch our face to scratch that annoying itch. Remembering to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth can help reduce the chance of infection.
