The COVID-19 pandemic, which had been rampant for three years, has vanished, leaving behind four strange phenomena. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

After three years of raging around the world, has the COVID-19 pandemic truly quietly faded away?

I. Has the COVID-19 pandemic vanished?

The definitive answer is no.

Many people believe that the recurrence of COVID-19 infections is the result of strain mutations, such as the early Delta mutation that triggered a record high in infections after the Omicron. In fact, the resurgence of COVID-19 over the years hasn't been due to significant changes in the strain itself. It's primarily due to the herd immunity barrier. After infection, people develop antibodies. With immune protection, the risk of reinfection is greatly reduced, and after a period of no infection, the virus appears to have vanished.

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn't vanished. It's just that many people didn't have antibody immunity before, making it easy for them to spread the virus and cause a large-scale epidemic. Now that many people have been infected and developed antibodies, the chain of transmission has been broken, preventing a chain reaction in the short term.

A small spike in COVID-19 infections in May and June of this year caused considerable concern. Could this be a new outbreak?

No! This is primarily due to two factors:

1. For many people, it has been more than six months since their last infection, and the immune function of their antibodies is waning;
2. The virus has also evolved into new strains, which have become more capable of breaking through immune defenses. Coupled with weather changes and crowded places, these strains also create a favorable environment for the virus to spread.

But there's no need to panic. While the new strain is highly contagious, it's very weak in pathogenicity.

II. The three major outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic are inevitable.

Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) compiled global COVID-19 case and mortality data over the past two years. According to incomplete statistics, 13 million people have died from the pandemic. The pandemic has become a major cause of death in many regions, and global life expectancy has plummeted to 2012 levels.

Reviewing the trajectory of the virus's evolution since the outbreak began, we can clearly see that the virus is developing in three key directions. We remain vigilant.

01. Long-term Presence

Since its outbreak began, the epidemic has not completely disappeared from our lives, constantly resurfacing. Despite vaccines, the risk of the virus cannot be completely eliminated. Furthermore, the virus mutates so rapidly that vaccines are becoming increasingly ineffective. Current medical technology is also unable to eradicate the virus. Therefore, the long-term coexistence of the novel coronavirus is inevitable.

02. Periodic Decline

Although the virus continues to mutate, its virulence has periodically declined since its emergence. While new strains have shown a tendency to increase their ability to evade immune responses, the rate of reinfection has been significantly reduced, and the resulting pathogenic effects have become increasingly mild.

03. Becoming a Seasonal Epidemic

COVID-19 has now become a seasonal epidemic, with higher infection rates in winter and summer, and symptoms increasingly similar to those of the flu.

Although symptoms of COVID-19 are currently relatively mild, serious consequences can still occur in three high-risk groups: those over 60, those with underlying health conditions, and those with weakened immune systems. Therefore, daily precautions must not be relaxed. Vaccines are an effective means of preventing viruses, and booster shots can be given as needed. In addition, daily nutrition, a balanced work-rest schedule, and a healthy body are crucial for resisting disease.

III. Four Strange Phenomena: The Pandemic's Unique Imprint

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer as potent as it once was, it continues to impact our lives in various ways. A closer look reveals some strange phenomena that have become the new normal. Have you noticed these changes?

01. The Unremovable Mask

Masks were in short supply during the pandemic. While there's no rush to buy them now, wearing one has become a conscious decision. In crowded spaces or during smog, masks have become standard equipment, even a subconscious protective habit. This awareness of hygiene and protective measures will likely persist.

2. The Emergence of a "Health Fever"

Post-COVID-19, people have become increasingly concerned about their health, even developing a long-standing health anxiety. To improve their health, people are spending more on fitness, wellness classes, health regimens, yoga, and meditation, and are even willing to invest significant time and money in the pursuit of wellness.

3. Pharmacies are opening more and more.

During the pandemic, antipyretics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cold medicines were in short supply. As the virus subsided, demand for medicines decreased, but pharmacies mushroomed. With increased health awareness, pharmacies have naturally become an indispensable part of people's lives.

4. Shifting Consumer Behaviors

After the pandemic, we can clearly see the downward trend in the overall economic environment. People's incomes have also been affected, and the phenomenon of consumption downgrade has become increasingly apparent. This has also led to certain changes in consumer behavior. Consumer behavior is no longer focused on instant gratification, but is now more focused on rational consumption and prudent savings. Value for money has also become a key focus for consumers when shopping, forcing the market to launch more affordable products and offer discounts to attract customers.

Conclusion:

Thus, the changes brought about by the pandemic also reflect the impact on people's lives. In the face of these changes, we can continuously adapt to the new normal and meet the challenges of a better life, so as to move towards a better and healthier self.