In its third year, the persistence of COVID-19 has manifested in a recent uptick of infections worldwide, coinciding with the prevalence of other respiratory illnesses during the flu season. While some countries have reinstated measures employed during the pandemic such as mask-wearing in hospitals, the current waves of infection seem to evoke less apprehension than they did three years ago. This prompts a critical question: what changed?

Notably, the symptoms of COVID-19 in recent surges have significantly evolved since the pandemic. With multiple vaccinations and exposure through natural infections, most people have a faster immune response and may see a less severe set of symptoms. Scientists even claim that the virus is likely to have mutated to present symptoms that are clinically indistinguishable from the flu. Both factors may influence individuals to be less cautious when infected, thus potentially facilitating the spread of the virus.

However, even if COVID-19 appears less severe on an individual level, surges in infection rates impose a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Clinics and telemedicine providers are grappling with manpower constraints, even with AI technology to predict spikes in patients. In response, the WHO has urged individuals to prioritise vaccination as a means to reduce the likelihood of needing serious medical care.

Ultimately, even if COVID-19 presents itself as just another flu, its impact on the healthcare system and on immunocompromised individuals is significant. It remains imperative to exercise caution when infected and take preventative measures wherever possible, reinforcing the importance of individual responsibility in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.