Despite the official end of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2023, many Americans still view COVID-19 as a significant public health threat, as revealed by a recent HealthDay/Harris Poll. The survey found that nearly 72% of Americans believe COVID remains a serious health issue, with 35% strongly agreeing. This statistic highlights the lingering concern about the virus, even though the acute phase of the pandemic has subsided. The poll’s findings suggest that, even after the end of the public health emergency, the virus continues to shape public opinion and behavior surrounding health.
COVID-19 has evolved from a pandemic into an ongoing health threat, akin to seasonal influenza, which also had its moment as a global pandemic in 1918. Dr. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, pointed out that, much like the flu, COVID-19 will likely remain a recurring threat for years to come. He compared the long-term impact of COVID-19 to influenza, which continues to result in hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths every year. “I think this virus will be with us for decades, if not longer,” Dr. Offit stated, reinforcing the idea that COVID-19 is no longer a temporary crisis but a persistent health challenge that requires ongoing attention.
The poll also uncovered that a significant portion of Americans, around 73%, would take action to test for COVID-19 if they experienced symptoms. This includes either taking an at-home test or visiting a doctor or pharmacy for testing. This response is consistent with Dr. Offit’s recommendation that individuals exhibiting symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and shortness of breath should stay home and test for COVID-19. High-risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions, are particularly encouraged to get tested early so that antiviral treatments like Paxlovid can be administered to reduce the severity of the infection.
Even though the pandemic is officially over, Dr. Offit emphasized that COVID-19 remains a serious threat. He wished that the same level of concern were applied to the seasonal flu, which, although not given the same attention, also causes significant illness and death each year. “I think we have to understand that this is a serious infection,” he noted, acknowledging the ongoing need for vigilance.
Interestingly, Dr. Offit also expressed his disagreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) blanket recommendation that all individuals aged 6 months and older receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While the CDC continues to recommend broad vaccination, Dr. Offit pointed out that most other countries, such as those in Western Europe, Australia, and Scandinavia, focus on vaccinating high-risk groups instead. These groups include people with chronic health conditions like obesity, kidney disease, neurological disorders, and those who are elderly or pregnant. According to Dr. Offit, these individuals are at the highest risk of severe illness if infected with the virus, and prioritizing them for vaccination is a more targeted approach that other nations have adopted.
The broad vaccination strategy in the U.S. may stem from a messaging issue, Dr. Offit suggested. The rationale behind recommending the vaccine for everyone is likely based on the idea that if all groups are encouraged to get vaccinated, high-risk individuals will be more likely to follow through. However, Dr. Offit believes that focusing on high-risk populations is more effective and in line with guidelines from most countries around the world.
The HealthDay/Harris Poll also revealed some additional insights into Americans’ attitudes toward COVID-19 testing. Among those unlikely to test for the virus, about 42% said they would refrain from testing unless their symptoms were severe, while 28% would assume they had another illness altogether. Of those who would test, the majority cited concerns about protecting loved ones (66%) and ensuring they weren’t suffering from a different infection (56%).
If they tested positive for COVID-19, the vast majority of respondents, 85%, said they would quarantine and wear a mask to prevent spreading the virus to others. However, there is some confusion about the current quarantine guidelines, as more than half of the participants (56%) were unsure about the recommended duration of isolation. According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 should stay away from others until at least 24 hours after their fever has subsided and their symptoms have improved. Additionally, the CDC recommends that individuals continue to mask and maintain physical distance from others for five days following the end of their fever.
In conclusion, while the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic may have ended, the virus remains a significant public health threat. A large portion of the American public continues to treat COVID-19 with the seriousness it warrants, responding to symptoms by seeking testing and taking precautions to prevent transmission. Experts like Dr. Paul Offit urge continued vigilance, especially among high-risk groups, as COVID-19 is likely to remain a recurring challenge in the years to come. Understanding the ongoing risks and adopting public health measures, such as vaccination for high-risk individuals and appropriate testing and quarantine protocols, are critical to managing this persistent threat.
