Pandemic Predictions Could Mean A Somewhat New-Normal for US

As the cold slowly drops away into the warmth of spring and summer, along with the dropping of hospitalizations and COVID cases, seasonal change now brings with it a possible new-normal for U.S. citizens. 

Based on current pandemic trends and predictions, health experts across the globe predict a better COVID year for those in the U.S. Now “variant depending” predictions showcase an optimistic year ahead.

Starting the Third COVID Year Off on Firm Footing

• U.S. citizens have built up strong immunity through vaccination, infection, or a combination of the two.
• Now, more access to tests and treatments means the country is better prepared for a fall or winter surge than in previous years. 
• The U.S. has pledged to send more vaccines overseas to help countries with low vaccination rates. 
• Currently, the country boasts high vaccination rates, low hospitalizations, and deaths while increasing access to COVID testing and treatments
• Only 2% of the country’s population lives in a county with a “high” COVID-19 community level with the rest standing at “low” or “medium” community levels

What Lies Ahead for the U.S. in 2022 

• 2022 is forecasted to boast a further decrease in hospitalizations and deaths. This is due to weather improvements. With better weather, citizens are expected to return to spring and summer activities. With better weather, improved physical health and mental health are expected. 
•  A national mental health strategy will come into play and will try to address some provider and program shortages to address their needs to boost mental health.
• U.S. citizens may require a fourth shot of the COVID vaccine due to possible weakened immune systems. 
• More vaccines will be tuned to the variant or variants in circulation, with current testing of vaccines underway. Furthermore, new data from Pfizer may reveal more considerations for vaccine doses.
• Pfizer and Moderna are expected to report results from their trials involving children under the age of five in the next few weeks. According to CNN, Pfizer is also working on trials of a third vaccine dose for children ages 5 to 11.
• In April 2022, a vaccine may be authorized for kids under five. 
• An increase in vaccine updates is expected
• CNN reports that there are 23 antivirals and 63 other treatments in late-stage clinical trials, with progress expected to reveal results.
• Treatments for children will continue to remain limited. However, trial phases in clinical tests are continuing at the current pace. 
• The Biden administration’s new test-to-treat program will continue to allow pharmacies with clinics to test individuals for COVID and immediately prescribe medication if they test positive.
• States in the country will continue to end indoor mask mandates, however, mask-wearing will continue on public transportation
• Funds for mitigation measures, while currently stable, may flounder, but rural “safety nets” will continue to pop up for those in need.
• 30% of individuals who previously tested positive for the virus may have long-term symptoms during the year, and alongside this, mental health (anxiety) may continue to be an ongoing challenge for adults and kids during the pandemic. 

The Year Ahead May Give Answers 

With continued research into the COVID pandemic this year; new answers may be revealed that have been asked for some time. 

• Could COVID eventually become seasonal like flu?
• Will there be future surges? In summer? And in winter? Will this be due to virus mutations?
• Will the pandemic move into an endemic phase?
• Will the U.S. see similar trends currently happening in the UK with rising cases and hospitalizations due to waning immunity and virus mutations?
• Will COVID ever cease and go away?
• Does normal mean a return to pre-2020 life?
• Will a variant emerge that escapes the vaccines? Will this mean that vaccines are then modified?
• In the long view, will eradication of the virus be possible?

A Cautionary Word of Warning 

A word of caution as CNN points out, “If living in a COVID world has taught us anything, however, it’s that the coronavirus can surprise even the smartest public health experts, and the world certainly isn’t out of the woods yet.” 

With this, citizens are advised to: 

• Continue following health and safety guidelines that are recommended by The World Health Organization and the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention 
• Be flexible and not let their guard down
• Not relax measures at the wrong time
• Base decisions on risk assessments and health data 
• Continue with vaccination series and boosters
• Pay attention to immediate surroundings and global news and numbers
• Take prevention measures like washing hands frequently

This will hopefully help avoid a new variant from developing and will set the country back to pre-pandemic life..