COVID-19 may soon become endemic, thanks to the omicron variant. Endemicity means the virus will exist in the population, coming and going in predictable patterns and becoming less disruptive to everyday life. Diseases that have become endemic, such as the common cold, are often mild, but health experts caution that the COVID-19 virus remains dangerous, and people should continue to take steps to avoid infection. Listen to hear medical experts explain why COVID-19 may be here to stay and what it might look like as it continues to evolve.
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January 10, 2022
4:00
Scientists are trying to understand why the omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading so fast. They already know that omicron can infect vaccinated people, which is a big advantage for the virus. What researchers have also discovered is that omicron multiplies much faster than delta, a previous variant, and infects cells higher in the respiratory tract. Listen to learn how these and other adaptations make omicron a more contagious, although not necessarily more deadly, virus.
Read MoreNovember 8, 2021
4:15
The CDC has approved a COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11. The shot offers strong protection from the virus with very few side effects and is being distributed to doctors, clinics, and pharmacies. Although severe illness from the virus is rare in children, many parents feel relieved that their younger kids can finally access the same protections as older children and adults. Listen to learn details about the long-awaited new shot, including where it will be given and the risks and benefits of getting it.
Read MoreMay 3, 2021
4:32
The term “herd immunity” means that an entire population is protected against a disease. Herd immunity is achieved when most people in a group are immune to an illness, limiting the ability of germs to spread. The U.S. is vaccinating people against COVID-19 as quickly as possible in an effort to reach 85% of the population, the number medical experts say is needed for herd immunity. Many people are reluctant to get vaccinated, however, raising concerns among public health officials about the country’s ability to achieve its goal and beat the virus. Listen to learn about the push to achieve herd immunity and how public health officials are addressing vaccine hesitancy.
Update: Since this story aired, everyone in the U.S. aged 12 and over has become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Read MoreMarch 16, 2020
4:32
COVID-19 has officially been declared a pandemic, a disease infecting populations throughout the world. The virus spreads easily, and once a few people have it, they can quickly infect many others with whom they have contact. A graph of the infection’s spread shows a sharp peak when the rate of infection is highest. As schools close, more people work from home, and other steps are taken to limit human interaction, scientists expect the rate of infection to slow down and the graph’s curve to flatten. Listen to learn how flattening the curve can help the health care system handle the COVID-19 outbreak, and how past epidemics can help guide today’s decisions about how to respond.
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