Overview

• COVID-19 now causes fewer severe cases and deaths due to widespread immunity, with its fatality rate comparable to seasonal flu.
• Vaccination remains crucial for high-risk groups, with updated vaccines targeting new variants as the virus continues to evolve.
• Long COVID affects approximately 6% of symptomatic cases, though its prevalence has declined with newer Omicron variants.
• The pandemic has led to a sustained increase in respiratory infections and long-term changes in children's physical and mental health.
• Experts express concern over global preparedness for future pandemics, citing insufficient surveillance and intervention efforts for emerging threats like avian influenza.