Recently CNN interviewed an infection specialist about the continuation of the Covid pandemic. CNN asked Dr. Jonathan Reiner, professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University several questions. The questions centered around the future of the pandemic, particularly in light of the recent rising Omicron variant cases. Dr. Reiner answered that healthcare in January is going through a difficult time. More and more sick patients need admission to hospitals. But at the same time many staff are getting sick and are not available for patient care. The Omicron surge is relatively short-lived as experience from South Africa and Great Britain tells us.
The long-term outlook
With the Omicron variant symptoms are not as severe and recovery is faster than with previous Covid cases. Dr. Reiner said that it is unclear whether there will be another variant and further rising cases. He thinks that by spring things should be better in many countries. But in the next few weeks Covid caseloads are still high. That’s why distancing, staying away from large gatherings and wearing of masks when you are in public places makes sense. Forget going to a theatre, a bar or going dancing.
What about work, school and travel?
Whoever has the option of working remote from home should take advantage of it for now. It is safer. People should have at least two anti-Covid vaccinations. But those who are allowed should also get the booster shot as this boosts the immune system tremendously. Children who have to go to school should wear masks at all times until they are back at home. If there is an option of homeschooling, you should definitely take advantage of this.
Will the pandemic stay around and have nuisance flare-ups?
Dr. Reiner thinks that this is unlikely as there are technologies that will ensure that the pandemic will settle down. This technology is called the pan coronavirus vaccine. There are various labs working on this. Duke University published a proof-of-concept paper earlier this year, which takes care of all the variants of coronavirus variants. This new vaccine would be directed against past variants, present and future variants as well. So, if the pandemic is not stopping on its own, there is the possibility of more advanced pan coronavirus vaccines in the near future. High doses of vitamin D3 with blood tests to reach 50-80 ng/mL are also useful. These high normal levels of vitamin D strengthen the immune system.
The Continuation of the Covid Pandemic
Conclusion
The Covid-19 pandemic is still around, and due to the Omicron variant it once again pushes hospital capacities to their limits. Dr. Jonathan Reiner, professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University gave an explanation to various questions CNN had for him. I highlighted these in this article, which discusses the continuation of the Covid pandemic. He thinks that the pandemic will soon come to an end, although in the short term there will still be rising cases. Fortunately, the Omicron variant is less severe, and lasts shorter, but it is more infectious. At the horizon is a new technology, namely a pan coronavirus vaccine. This new vaccine would be effective against past variants, present and future variants as well. It is quite possible that this can lead in time to a global recovery from the pandemic.
