Tanya Dutt

COVID Turns 5: Things We Have Learned And What Remains Unknown

Five years have come and gone since the world first got acquainted with the virus that would eventually be known by the name SARS-CoV-2. Originating in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, the new <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/coronavirus">coronavirus</a></span> had unleashed a global <span>pandemic</span> which had laid bare vulnerabilities in public health systems, redesigned societal norms, and left a very complex medical and emotional legacy that humanity grapples with today. The virus remains a dynamic force in the public health domain, demanding attention and adaptation from the end.

<h2>Tracing the Origins of SARS-CoV-2 and Unanswered Questions</h2>

The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is the most highly contested area of discussion for the origin of the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/what-is-disease-x-preparing-for-the-next-global-threat-article-151114622" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">pandemic</a>. It is common knowledge that bats are a known reservoir for coronaviruses, and it is possible that they could have transmitted the virus to humans through intermediary species such as raccoon dogs, civet cats, or bamboo rats. This is similar to the mode by which the SARS virus was transmitted in the early 2000s.

However, other theories indicate that the virus could have leaked from a laboratory, as Wuhan is a hub for coronavirus research. Political tensions and lack of access to crucial data have further made it difficult to identify the origins of the virus. According to WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the true origins might never be known, at least not in years to come.

<h2>Assessing the Global Human Toll and the Pandemic's Impact</h2>

The human cost due to <span>COVID-19</span> has been so massive, with the World Health Organization now estimating that well over 20 million people died from the coronavirus pandemic, despite official records having reported more than 7 million deaths.

In the United States, the virus still disproportionately affects the older population. Last year, deaths averaged at around 900 per week. The majority of hospitalizations and deaths are people aged 75 years and above. Though mortality rates have reduced, the persistent presence of the virus underlines the continued <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/us-isnt-taking-prompt-action-against-bird-flu-warn-health-experts-article-151112932" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">public health interventions</a> that are needed.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/new-virus-outbreak-in-china-after-covid-19-what-is-hmpv-know-symptoms-and-preventive-measures-article-151115076" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">New Virus Outbreak In China After COVID-19: What is HMPV? Know Symptoms And Preventive Measures</a>

<h2>Rapid Development and Role of Vaccines</h2>

The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines marked a watershed moment in medical science. Leveraging mRNA technology, scientists at Pfizer and Moderna achieved what was previously unimaginable: effective vaccines available within a year of the virus's identification. These vaccines have been instrumental in reducing severe disease and death, with over 13 billion doses administered globally since 2021.

Despite these success stories, vaccine limitations remain. The immunity declines gradually and requires a booster to deal with emerging variants.

Public frustration with repeated vaccination has once again necessitated a need for next-generation products including nasal vaccines which may better prevent infection.

<h2>Variants Strains and Their Challenges</h2>

As viruses replicate, genetic mutations occur, giving rise to variants. From alpha to omicron, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/what-is-covid-xec-variant-the-strain-that-is-spreading-fast-in-the-west-article-151110020" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">SARS-CoV-2</a> has consistently adapted, posing challenges for scientists and public health officials.

Omicron, which emerged late in 2021, was on average less virulent than its predecessor, delta, partly because of increased population immunity. But its subvariants, such as XEC—now dominant in the U.S.—continue to demand attention. While existing vaccines and treatments remain effective against many of these variants, the virus's evolution underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and vaccine updates.

Long COVID represents the puzzling, often debilitating after-effect of this virus. An illness that already affects millions across the globe presents as long-standing symptoms: including fatigue, impairments to thinking and cognition--often termed "<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/have-you-ever-experiences-brain-fog-know-what-causes-it-article-151113357" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">brain fog</a>," and cardiovascular difficulties. Such <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/science-behind-manifestation-its-not-universe-but-your-brain-at-work-article-151028995" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">manifestations</a> can be persisting for months or even years, drastically diminishing quality of life.

Research into long COVID is in its infancy. There is some evidence that vaccination reduces the risk, but it can occur in anyone, of any age, and even without severe infection. Some emerging evidence may relate to the presence of residual virus in some, but not all, affected individuals; however, this does not explain all cases. The discovery of effective treatments should be the priority.

<h2>Lessons Learned From COVID-19 For Future Pandemics</h2>

COVID-19 has exposed the disparities in global healthcare systems, from unequal vaccine distribution to unequal access to life-saving treatments. It has also highlighted the importance of scientific collaboration and the resilience of communities in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Looking ahead, public health priorities must include the development of universal coronavirus vaccines, strengthening of global surveillance systems, and expansion of healthcare infrastructure to address future pandemics. Equally critical is combating misinformation, which has eroded public trust and hampered vaccination campaigns.

As we look back on five years since SARS-CoV-2 burst onto the world stage, it is evident that the virus has been a serious opponent. Despite vaccines and natural immunity reducing the immediate threat, an evolving virus, along with the impact of long COVID, reminds us of the problems yet to be overcome.

<em><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/museum/timeline/covid19.html" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">CDC Museum COVID-19 Timeline</a>. CDC</em>

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Five years have come and gone since the world first got acquainted with the virus that would eventually be known by the name SARS-CoV-2. Originating in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, the new coronavirus had unleashed a global pandemic which had laid bare vulnerabilities in public health systems, redesigned societal norms, and left a very complex medical and emotional legacy that humanity grapples with today. The virus remains a dynamic force in the public health domain, demanding attention and adaptation from the end.Tracing the Origins of SARS-CoV-2 and Unanswered QuestionsThe origin of SARS-CoV-2 is the most highly contested area of discussion for the origin of the pandemic. It is common knowledge that bats are a known reservoir for coronaviruses, and it is possible that they could have transmitted the virus to humans through intermediary species such as raccoon dogs, civet cats, or bamboo rats. This is similar to the mode by which the SARS virus was transmitted in the early 2000s.However, other theories indicate that the virus could have leaked from a laboratory, as Wuhan is a hub for coronavirus research. Political tensions and lack of access to crucial data have further made it difficult to identify the origins of the virus. According to WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the true origins might never be known, at least not in years to come.Assessing the Global Human Toll and the Pandemic's ImpactThe human cost due to COVID-19 has been so massive, with the World Health Organization now estimating that well over 20 million people died from the coronavirus pandemic, despite official records having reported more than 7 million deaths.In the United States, the virus still disproportionately affects the older population. Last year, deaths averaged at around 900 per week. The majority of hospitalizations and deaths are people aged 75 years and above. Though mortality rates have reduced, the persistent presence of the virus underlines the continued public health interventions that are needed.Also Read: New Virus Outbreak In China After COVID-19: What is HMPV? Know Symptoms And Preventive MeasuresRapid Development and Role of VaccinesThe rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines marked a watershed moment in medical science. Leveraging mRNA technology, scientists at Pfizer and Moderna achieved what was previously unimaginable: effective vaccines available within a year of the virus's identification. These vaccines have been instrumental in reducing severe disease and death, with over 13 billion doses administered globally since 2021.Despite these success stories, vaccine limitations remain. The immunity declines gradually and requires a booster to deal with emerging variants.Public frustration with repeated vaccination has once again necessitated a need for next-generation products including nasal vaccines which may better prevent infection.Variants Strains and Their ChallengesAs viruses replicate, genetic mutations occur, giving rise to variants. From alpha to omicron, SARS-CoV-2 has consistently adapted, posing challenges for scientists and public health officials.Omicron, which emerged late in 2021, was on average less virulent than its predecessor, delta, partly because of increased population immunity. But its subvariants, such as XEC—now dominant in the U.S.—continue to demand attention. While existing vaccines and treatments remain effective against many of these variants, the virus's evolution underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and vaccine updates.Challenges of Long COVIDLong COVID represents the puzzling, often debilitating after-effect of this virus. An illness that already affects millions across the globe presents as long-standing symptoms: including fatigue, impairments to thinking and cognition--often termed "brain fog," and cardiovascular difficulties. Such manifestations can be persisting for months or even years, drastically diminishing quality of life.Research into long COVID is in its infancy. There is some evidence that vaccination reduces the risk, but it can occur in anyone, of any age, and even without severe infection. Some emerging evidence may relate to the presence of residual virus in some, but not all, affected individuals; however, this does not explain all cases. The discovery of effective treatments should be the priority.Lessons Learned From COVID-19 For Future PandemicsCOVID-19 has exposed the disparities in global healthcare systems, from unequal vaccine distribution to unequal access to life-saving treatments. It has also highlighted the importance of scientific collaboration and the resilience of communities in the face of unprecedented challenges.Looking ahead, public health priorities must include the development of universal coronavirus vaccines, strengthening of global surveillance systems, and expansion of healthcare infrastructure to address future pandemics. Equally critical is combating misinformation, which has eroded public trust and hampered vaccination campaigns.As we look back on five years since SARS-CoV-2 burst onto the world stage, it is evident that the virus has been a serious opponent. Despite vaccines and natural immunity reducing the immediate threat, an evolving virus, along with the impact of long COVID, reminds us of the problems yet to be overcome.CDC Museum COVID-19 Timeline. CDC