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COVID-19 From Pandemic to Endemic

Kevin Cleary

Health Products For You has been your trusted partner throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Many are now wondering how the pandemic has evolved into an endemic and what this means.

We are sure everyone has had their fill of the COVID-19 pandemic by now, but let’s be honest it will no doubt be with us for quite some time. Let’s take a look at where we are today.

With the global spread of COVID-19, the term pandemic is now a permanent fixture in everyone’s vocabulary. The question is, do we know what a pandemic is and how is it different from an endemic?

What Exactly Is a Pandemic?

Throughout history, viruses have spread to pandemic levels. It has been two years since the World Health Organization (WHO) identified COVID-19 as a pandemic. A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease (in this case a virus) that affects a wide geographic area. In the case of the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, every continent experienced large outbreaks of this virus and the subsequent deaths that occurred. Other historic pandemics include:

  • The Black Plague (1347-1352)
  • Russian Flu of 1889
  • Spanish Flu 1918-1919
  • H3N2 Pandemic (1968)
  • HIV/AIDS 1981
  • SARS (2002-2004)

As you can see, there have been numerous times throughout history that the globe has been in the grip of a pandemic. So, how does a virus such as COVID-19 evolve from a pandemic into an endemic?

Evolution

The study of the distribution and determinates of health-related events such as viruses is called epidemiology. Epidemiologists often determine the levels of these viruses as they impact global populations. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) uses infection rates to measure how many people have been affected by a certain virus and how far it has spread. The CDC rates them as:

  • Sporadic: When a disease occurs infrequently or irregularly.
  • Endemic: This constitutes a constant presence or usual prevalence of a disease/infection in a geographic area. Persistent high levels of a virus or infection can be considered hyperendemic.
  • Epidemic: A sudden increase of infections of a disease or virus that is typically greater than what is expected.
  • Pandemic: Describes when a virus or infection has spread across several countries or even continents affecting a large number of people.

As we develop vaccines and more of the general population is vaccinated, infection numbers normally decrease, but there is a good chance that this Coronavirus may well become an endemic across the

globe. Fortunately, antiviral medication, hospital treatment, and even at-home care have evolved to be more effective in treating the virus. Health Products For You has all the covid supplies you need to manage the virus such as:

  • Infrared Thermometer: Infections from a virus such as COVID-19 can result in a high temperature and noncontact thermometers are a safe way to monitor fevers. The Medline Infrared No-Touch Forehead Thermometer is a safe, accurate way to track temperature.
  • Nebulizer: Since COVID-19 is a respiratory virus, the need to dispense drugs such as albuterol may be necessary and nebulizers, such as the Respironics InnoSpire Essence Compressor Nebulizer System, can create a fine mist of medication that is easily inhaled.
  • Pulse Oximeter: These convenient meters measure the oxygen level in your blood. Items such as the McKesson Fingertip Pulse Oximeter can give your pulse and blood oxygen levels to avoid COVID-19 complications.
  • Acetaminophen: When a fever is present, the use of OTC products like acetaminophen may help temporarily reduce the fever and headache associated with the Coronavirus. Acetaminophen is the best OTC pain treatment to minimize symptoms.
 

Treating COVID-19 at home is manageable if the symptoms are mild. Immediate medical attention may be necessary if oxygen saturation levels go below 92% or if symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent chest pain/pressure, bluish lips/face, or difficulty staying awake persist. Always consult with your doctor for the best way to safely treat COVID-19.

Stay Safe!

 

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.

 


HPFY Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary

Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.

In 2006, ...

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