Since 2020, the condition known as long COVID-19 has become a widespread disability affecting the health and quality of life of millions of people across the globe and costing economies billions of dollars in reduced productivity of employees and an overall drop in the work force.
Archived version: https://archive.ph/rhOZ6
“Just another flu” is what everyone now feels, not because there’s ever been a clear argument for that status, but because everyone got tired of being worried and by universal acquiescence decided it’s so. But these studies show everyone just keeps rolling the dice on long COVID every time they get sick.
And I get it. It’s like driving more carefully after getting in an accident. It’s hard to feel the urgency of what a lifelong chronic disability means until you’re close enough to touch it, and then it might be too late. I’m also tired of being worried. I just guess the virus didn’t get that memo…
A flu, opposed to a common cold can absolutely give you long term health impacts, similar to what is described as long COVID.
A flu is also very much deadly for vulnerable groups, especially elderly people.
Let’s face it though. COVID is just the first of many pandemics we will see in the near future. The factors that favor pandemics are every increasing. Destruction and encroachment of natural land forces animals into contact with humans. Higher temperatures make it easier for airborne viruses to spread and survive. Dealing with extreme temperatures, pollution and stress lowers humans immune abilities. Ever increasing population densities make the spread of diseases easier.
But we will continue at best with treating the symptoms, or not even that, with measures like lockdowns or mask mandates. But the root causes of the pandemics will not be treated, as those require to change the economic system and way of life away from capitalism.
Well said. Thank you
The virus got the memo and is waiting for its chance.