Pandemic or Endemic, that is the question?
“Endemic certainly does not mean that evolution has somehow tamed a pathogen so that life simply returns to ‘normal.” – Aris Katzourakis, Evolutionary Virologist in Nature Jan/22.
Simply explained the difference is in how a disease is described. A pandemic is affecting the whole planet while an endemic has become common to a limited space. Currently, the case tracking system is very unreliable, so we have to apply an extra measure of common sense.
Yes, we are all tired of the past two plus years of living with a pandemic, and we would all like to believe that it is behind us. Unfortunately, the statistics are attempting to tell us otherwise. We are currently proving that history will repeat itself. A quick review of what happened as we came out of the Spanish Flu early in the last century is a cautionary tale.
Early in the COVID 19 pandemic we were given good tools to maintain our health. Hand washing, social distancing, mask wearing were available to everyone, and vaccines were there for those who trusted the science. Time has shown us that the current vaccines may not prevent us from experiencing COVID, but they do lower the morbidity rate.
There’s more to sickness than not being well. We all need to accept responsibility for our actions. In my clinic I am still following the pandemic protocols, and I will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Masks and non-contact temperature checks are still required.
As we transition away from the sensory overload that the pandemic caused, please be kind to one another. Be cautious without being fearful, enjoy the sunshine, when it happens, for the benefit of the vitamin D, and enjoy the bountiful fresh fruit and vegetables that summer provides. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy summer.
Good health, Dr. “Bill” Hardman