Introduction to COVID-19 Concerns

In the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was full of questions. Dr. Jeffrey Hsu recalls the fear of the unknown as he and other health professionals confronted a virus they didn’t understand, much less know how to treat. Five years after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic, the questions have waned, at least among patients, said Dr. Won Lee, medical director of Boston Medical Center’s Home Care Program.

The Current State of COVID-19

COVID-19 and the virus that causes it, SARS-CoV-2, might not be as headline-grabbing as they once were. But even though deaths from the virus are far below their early 2021 peak of more than 25,000 a week in the United States, COVID-19, which is directly blamed for more than 1.2 million U.S. deaths since 2020, hasn’t gone away. “We’re still seeing waves of infection with SARS-CoV-2 pop up, and we’re still seeing patients who do get severely ill,” Hsu said.

Common Questions About COVID-19

Here are answers to what doctors say are some of the most common questions they still get about COVID-19 – and a few questions they wish they were hearing more often.

Do I Really Need Another Vaccination?

It’s the most common question Lee gets from patients and families, and one Dr. Susan Fuchs, an attending physician in the emergency department at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, hears variations of. Some people ask her, “Is a vaccine worth it?” The answer is yes, said Fuchs, who also is a professor of pediatrics at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago.

Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines

Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe?

Fuchs wishes more people would come to her with their worries about vaccine safety and side effects. Most people, she said, endure little more than a sore arm or a low-grade fever. Other common side effects include muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, headache or chills. “There are minor side effects with most vaccines,” Fuchs said. “But it’s better than getting the actual illness.”

Who Has the Answers About Boosters or Other Concerns?

Fuchs said that while people don’t ask about the emergence of different COVID-19 variants the way they once did, people can easily become confused about how often they need their vaccination updated. Her advice: “Go to your family doctor.” Lee said it’s easy for people to feel overwhelmed when there are “so many different sources coming at you all at once.”

Will I Ever Get Better?

Most of the patients Hsu interacts with have long COVID, an assortment of symptoms that continue four weeks or more after the initial infection. People who have it ask him, “Is this going to shorten my life? Do people get better?” Researchers don’t have all the answers to that, Hsu said. But large numbers of people – many of them previously young, active and healthy – “are now effectively disabled because of long COVID.”

How Can I Protect Myself and the People Around Me?

Like Hsu, Lee said she wished she heard this question more often. “Even before COVID, this would come up with the flu shot,” Lee said. “Young, healthy people would say, ‘Well, you know, I don’t really get too sick from the flu. I don’t really have to worry about it.’ And my plea was always, ‘Well, think about your grandmother or your neighbor, or the person who you work with,’” or someone who cares for a child with a disability at home.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many questions in its wake, and while the urgency may have diminished, the virus remains a significant health concern. Doctors emphasize the importance of staying informed, getting vaccinated, and taking precautions to protect oneself and others. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, individuals can reduce their chances of severe illness and contribute to a safer community.

FAQs

• Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
  A: Yes, the approved vaccines are safe and have undergone rigorous testing. Common side effects are minor and temporary.
• Q: Do I need another vaccination?
  A: Yes, staying up to date with vaccinations is crucial for protecting against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
• Q: How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?
  A: Stay informed, get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, wear masks when necessary, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Q: What is long COVID?
  A: Long COVID refers to a range of symptoms that persist for four weeks or more after the initial infection. It can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to disability.
• Q: Where can I get accurate information about COVID-19?
  A: Reliable sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and your family doctor or healthcare provider.