Maroc - dailynews.co.za - Lifestyle - 06/Mar 05:26

5 years on: What's the real truth about Covid-19?

  It has been five years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020, a decision that would alter the course of history. For South Africans, like billions of others around the globe, the pandemic brought life to a standstill. From stringent lockdown restrictions to mask mandates and curfews, the "new normal" became a phrase that defined our collective experience. But as we look back, with the benefit of time and science, one question looms large: Are we any closer to truly understanding COVID-19?When COVID-19 first emerged, it was shrouded in mystery. Scientists raced to understand its origins, transmission, and effects. Social media quickly became a double-edged sword: a platform for sharing vital information but also a breeding ground for misinformation. In South Africa, public health measures, including one of the strictest lockdowns in the world, were implemented to slow the spread of the virus. For many, this meant job losses, school closures, and isolation all of which had profound social and economic consequences.Fast forward to today, and while much has been learned, the virus continues to surprise us. Variants such as Delta, Omicron, and their sublineages have taught us that COVID-19 is as much an evolutionary lesson as it is a public health challenge. But the question remains: Have we done enough with the lessons we've learned?What we know about COVID-19 today1. The virus is here to stay.COVID-19 is no longer viewed as a crisis but rather as an endemic virus like influenza. This means it is expected to circulate in the population for years to come. According to the South African Department of Health, while infection rates have stabilised compared to the pandemic's peak, periodic surges still occur, particularly during winter months.Experts, such as Dr Glenda Gray of the South African Medical Research Council, emphasise that the virus has taught us to adapt. "We’ve gone from trying to eradicate it to learning how to live with it," she said in the anniversary of South Africa’s Covid19 initial lockdown. This shift in mindset has been critical in shaping global and local health strategies.2. Vaccines as our most powerful tool even though new evidence is coming forward about rare side effects emergingOne of the pandemic's most significant achievements is the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. Five years later, vaccines remain the cornerstone of the fight against the virus. Over 40 million doses have been administered in South Africa since the rollout began in early 2021. Despite vaccine hesitancy in some communities, the numbers show a robust uptake, especially among older adults.However, the question of booster shots remains contentious. While wealthier countries have embraced multiple booster campaigns, many South Africans are skeptical of the need for repeated doses. A 2023 study by the Human Sciences Research Council revealed that 38% of South Africans feel "vaccine fatigue," leading to slower booster uptake.Showing us that we still have a long way to go to understand everything about the pandemic, is a recent peer-reviewed study that revealed rare occurrences of heart, brain and blood disorders associated with Covid vaccines from companies such as Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca.While these side effects are rare, it is worth noting, and doing further studies. The study found rare cases of myocarditis, which in basic terms is the inflammation of the heart. Cases of myocarditis were identified after the administration of Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s mRNA vaccines, with the highest rate observed after the second Moderna dose.Another heart condition called pericarditis showed an increased risk in those who received a third dose of AstraZeneca’s viral-vector vaccine, as well as specific doses of Moderna’s vaccine. Pericarditis refers to the swelling and irritation of the thin, sac-like tissue surrounding the heart.The risk of developing the rare autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome was also higher among those who received AstraZeneca’s vaccine, compared to the expected rate, in addition to an increased risk of blood clots.In-article Gallery Widget not supported yet.3. Long Covid and its lingering effectsOne of the most perplexing aspects of COVID-19 is its long-term impact on health. Known as "Long Covid," this condition affects an estimated 10-20% of those who contract the virus. Symptoms range from fatigue and brain fog to respiratory issues and heart complications, often lasting months or even years after the initial infection.For South Africans, Long Covid has raised concerns about the strain on an already stretched healthcare system. Long Covid is a silent crisis we’re only beginning to understand. It highlights the need for greater investment in post-viral care.A leading vaccine specialist at Wits University, Professor Shabir Madhi, acknowledges the lack of data on long Covid in Africa, noting that there has not been systematic follow-up to quantify the burden of long Covid in Africa.4.Mental health mattersThe psychological toll of the pandemic cannot be overstated. In South Africa, where mental health services are already underfunded, the pandemic exacerbated feelings of anxiety, depression, and grief. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reported a 47% increase in calls to their helpline between 2020 and 2022.Although the acute phase of the pandemic has passed, many South Africans are still grappling with the trauma of loss be it a loved one, a job, or a sense of normalcy. Addressing this mental health crisis is as vital as managing the virus itself.In-article Gallery Widget not supported yet.What Covid taught us, 5 years on:Lessons we should keepDespite the challenges, the pandemic has also imparted valuable lessons that should endure beyond COVID-19.Hand washing: The pandemic emphasised the importance of proper hygiene, prompting many to adopt regular hand washing as a consistent habit.Prioritising self-care: The necessity of easing the pace of life saw many individuals reassessing their work-life balance and engaging in more self-care activities, contributing to greater overall well-being. As a result, people began exercising at home, meditating, engaging in hobbies, and prioritising mental well-being. The result? Happier, healthier individuals who are more productive and balanced in all aspects of life.Showing compassion: Awareness of others' struggles has fostered a renewed spirit of community, with acts of kindness and consideration becoming more common.Being self-sufficient: When shops closed down, and toilet paper ran out, it highlighted the fact that those who were already growing their own food and living off the grid were more well adapted to dealing with a global crisis.Are we truly closer to understanding Covid-19?The answer is both yes and no. On one hand, we’ve made extraordinary scientific advances, from vaccines to antiviral treatments. On the other, the virus has exposed deep societal and systemic inequalities that require long-term solutions. Covid-19 may no longer dominate headlines, but its lessons must not be forgotten. While uncertainty still exists, one thing is clear: the lessons of COVID-19 will shape our world for generations to come.