In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was widespread uncertainty and concern globally. Dr. Jeffrey Hsu recalls the trepidation among healthcare professionals as they faced an unknown virus with unclear treatment protocols. “It was highly unsettling,” said Hsu, a cardiologist and an assistant professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “We were preparing for the worst-case scenarios.”
Today, five years after the World Health Organization officially declared the pandemic, patient concerns seem to have diminished, according to Dr. Won Lee, the medical director of Boston Medical Center’s Home Care Program. “People seem overwhelmed by the constant stream of news over the years,” noted Lee, who primarily treats homebound elderly individuals.
COVID-19, along with the virus that causes it, SARS-CoV-2, may not headline news as frequently as before. However, the disease, which has been responsible for more than 1.2 million deaths in the U.S. since 2020, still persists. Although fatalities have dropped dramatically from their peak of over 25,000 weekly in early 2021, “waves of SARS-CoV-2 infections still occur,” Hsu mentioned. “We continue to witness severe cases, albeit less frequently. But it remains a reality.” As of February 22, 2023, COVID-19 remains the cause of death for 5,694 Americans, based on estimates from the National Center for Health Statistics.
Here are some common COVID-19-related questions that doctors frequently encounter and a few they wish would be asked more often.
A frequent inquiry concerns the need for additional vaccinations, according to Lee. Dr. Susan Fuchs from the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital often hears variations from her patients asking if the vaccines are worth it. She responds affirmatively, noting that while vaccines may not prevent all infections, they significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. This stance is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends vaccination for anyone aged six months and older.
Concerns about vaccine safety and side effects are less frequently voiced, which Fuchs believes should be discussed more. Most recipients only experience minor side effects like a sore arm or low-grade fever. “Many vaccines have minor side effects,” Fuchs said. “But it is still preferable to contracting the disease.” Continuous monitoring of authorized vaccines assures their safety, regardless of the manufacturer.
For queries concerning boosters or emerging variants, Fuchs suggests consulting with a family doctor to avoid confusion. She pointed out how differing information sources might overwhelm people, leading to concerns that they openly discuss with her. “I welcome such discussions,” she added.
Patients suffering from long COVID, a condition defined by persisting symptoms extending four weeks beyond initial infection, often question Dr. Hsu about recovery timeframes and life expectancy. Though definitive answers remain elusive, researchers continue to study the virus’s long-term bodily effects, including potential abnormal blood clot formations. While Hsu remains hopeful for future treatments, he reflects on initial pandemic ambiguity with current treatment limitations. “We have the will but lack effective therapies,” he said. The risks, even after mild COVID-19 cases, can lead to severe outcomes or long COVID, including increased risks for heart disease and stroke.
Questions around personal protection measures are less frequent now, which Lee believes ought to change. “Even pre-COVID, similar issues arose around flu vaccinations,” Lee said. “Young healthy individuals would dismiss the flu, claiming immunity. I always urged them to consider vulnerable people in their lives like an elderly neighbor or an at-risk coworker.” According to the CDC, severe COVID-19 risks correlate with age and underlying medical conditions like heart disease. Vaccination remains crucial in protecting at-risk groups, Hsu emphasized, noting that misinformation online can exaggerate adverse vaccine effects.
Beyond vaccination, Lee advises maintaining preventive measures from the pandemic era. “Stay home if unwell. If someone close to you is sick, avoid contact with them.” Social engagement, crucial for mental health, should be balanced with safety measures. Lee urges safe interactions, particularly with older adults, to prevent their social isolation.
Influenza and COVID-19’s potential for severe consequences should not be underestimated, Lee warns, highlighting the lasting disability outcomes from serious cases. Fuchs reminds parents to ensure fever-free health for 24 hours before sending children back to school. At work, she continues protective mask usage to curb patient-to-patient transmission.
Hsu suggests careful vigilance during rising case numbers, advocating mask use in public and ensuring large gatherings have proper ventilation. Emphasizing overall wellness, “Good nutrition, regular exercise, and frequent medical checkups enhance resilience against infection.”
Lee echoes Hsu’s sentiment, suggesting timely routine health screenings that were postponed during the pandemic and encourages using these moments to discuss COVID-19-related apprehensions. “Attempting to decipher all the myriad of information can be daunting,” Lee counsels. “But scheduling a medical appointment can alleviate that health-related stress, offering clarity.”
