“WHO Expert warns about the long-term effects of Covid-19”
During the latest World Health Organization press conference on Covid-19 and other respiratory infections, Maria Van Kerkhove, director of Epidemic & Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention at the WHO, expressed concern about the long-term impact of Covid-19 on those who have been infected. She emphasized that there is still much to learn about the virus, even as we enter the fifth year of the pandemic.
“Our concern is what we will see in 5, 10 or 20 years in those who have had Covid in terms of cardiac, pulmonary, or neurological damage. We don’t know yet,” stated Van Kerkhove. She warned that despite the progress in reducing the number of deaths, Covid-19 remains a threat to global health and continues to cause significant burdens.
Van Kerkhove also highlighted the continuous evolution of the Sars-CoV-2 virus, particularly in relation to the Omicron variant. She pointed out that the virus will continue to change as long as it is allowed to circulate rapidly, and urged for measures to limit its spread.
In terms of global cases, Van Kerkhove mentioned that the reported deaths from Covid-19 have exceeded 7 million, with estimates indicating a much higher death toll globally. She advised individuals to limit their exposure to the virus as much as possible, undergo testing, use masks, and ventilate environments. She also stressed the importance of vaccinations and booster shots.
The expert’s appeal to governments is to maintain surveillance, sequencing, and reporting of Covid-19 cases, as well as to ensure access to reliable personal protective equipment, tests, medicines, and vaccines.
As Covid-19 continues to pose challenges and uncertainties, the WHO stresses the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to combat the virus.