No one understands for sure. Researchers think the virus that triggers COVID-19 may be with us for years or longer, but that doesn’t suggest it will keep presenting the very same danger.
The infection emerged in late 2019 and it’s hard to predict how it will behave over the long term. However numerous experts believe it’s most likely the disease will ultimately alleviate from a crisis to an annoyance like the cold.
That would happen as individuals build up immunity in time, either through infection or vaccination. Other infections have followed a similar path.
The 1918 flu pandemic might also provide clues about the course of COVID-19
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Avoidance estimates that a third of the world’s population ended up being contaminated with that infection, which originated in birds. Eventually, after infected individuals either died or established immunity, the infection stopped spreading out quickly. It later on altered into a less virulent form, which professionals say continues to flow seasonally.
However, the introduction of brand-new COVID-19 versions might complicate the picture if future infection mutations cause more severe disease or avert vaccines.
It’s not likely the infection will ever be completely marked out, offered the possibility that individuals might be able to get reinfected after they’ve already been sick or immunized.
The only infection that’s ever been removed from the human population is smallpox. That’s due to the fact that individuals develop long lasting immunity to that virus after getting ill or immunized.
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The AP is answering your concerns about the coronavirus in this series. Submit them at: FactCheck@ap.org.
Check out previous Viral Concerns:
When will children be able to get COVID-19 vaccines?
How would COVID-19 vaccine makers adjust to versions?
How do we understand the COVID-19 vaccines are safe?
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