We’ve all encountered someone who downplays the necessity of wearing face masks these days or perhaps a friend who has eagerly returned to the beach, socializing in large groups, or indulging in a long-awaited haircut. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, many people seem convinced that the global pandemic is winding down.
I’m here to remind those who think the threat of COVID-19 has passed that it very much hasn’t. In fact, according to health experts, we might be only at the beginning. Currently, the United States has surpassed 1.8 million cases and over 106,195 fatalities, with numbers still rising. Even as some states begin to reopen their economies and social venues, the pandemic is far from over. The timeline for its resolution remains uncertain.
It’s a harsh and painful reality that many of us have lost loved ones to the virus, while others have managed to recover. Many survivors have not received hospital care due to mild symptoms or have been treated but continue to grapple with lingering effects. This raises critical questions: what happens to individuals physically in the months following COVID-19 recovery? And how does their journey, or lack thereof, affect their day-to-day lives?
These inquiries may take years to fully address, yet health officials are already starting to share their findings. Some recovered patients continue to suffer from fatigue, body aches, and difficulty breathing long after being infected. This is just the beginning of understanding the long-term health issues that survivors may face. Research in places like Hong Kong and Wuhan, China, indicates that some survivors are experiencing serious declines in lung, heart, and liver function. The immune system’s chaotic response to the virus can lead to further complications in other body systems.
“COVID-19 isn’t simply about ‘you recover’ or ‘you die,’” tweeted retired Navy officer Clara Thompson on May 24. “My sister is in her eighth week. She endured four weeks of high fever, extreme fatigue, and body pain… Now, any physical exertion, like climbing stairs, drops her oxygen levels to worrying lows. A short walk or drive requires hours of rest afterward. I’ve feared for her life multiple times.”
The medical community has yet to determine the duration of these physical impacts on survivors. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that this pandemic is insidious, relentless, and frightfully unpredictable. With so many unknowns, researchers are examining past epidemics to prepare for potential outcomes.
As reported by Lisa Du in a Bloomberg article on May 12, “While the long-term health of COVID-19 survivors is still being studied, past outbreaks from similar viruses indicate that consequences can last more than a decade.” For example, survivors of SARS faced complications such as lung infections and increased sickness rates for up to 12 years after the epidemic.
The physical toll is just one facet of the suffering experienced by survivors and the broader population. Recent data from the Census Bureau reveals that one-third of Americans are experiencing clinical anxiety and depression, likely stemming from job losses, housing issues, and significant disruptions to education and healthcare systems. We are just beginning to confront the sobering reality that COVID-19 may persist in our lives, potentially becoming endemic, akin to diseases such as measles and HIV.
This begs the question: is it wise to rush into reopening America’s economy?
“It feels like we have attention-deficit disorder right now,” former CDC director Mark Johnson told The Washington Post on May 27. “All our actions seem like knee-jerk reactions to immediate circumstances. People keep asking me, ‘What’s the one thing we need to do?’ The reality is there is no one solution. We require a comprehensive strategy, carefully executed.”
For most of us to survive and thrive again, we must take a step back, wear masks, and stay home whenever possible. It would also be beneficial if our leaders responded with the urgency and compassion this crisis warrants. But I understand that’s a tall order considering the current climate.
In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and the aftermath for survivors may be long-lasting and multifaceted. As we navigate this ongoing crisis, we must remain vigilant and compassionate towards those affected, acknowledging the complex realities of recovery.