The Evolving Impact of COVID-19

As COVID-19 enters its endemic stage, healthcare professionals and researchers are closely monitoring new variants and the effectiveness of tests and treatments. While immunity from vaccination and past infection is more common now, people are still getting infected and experiencing serious illness. Certain groups, such as those with chronic conditions, need to be particularly careful. An updated vaccine has been approved and the CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive it this fall. Other measures like masking and distancing can still protect health. The virus continues to change, but partial immunity and available treatments make severe illness less likely.