COVID-19 is 'here to stay' and won't be wiped out any time soon, experts say
As COVID-19 case counts dwindle, experts warn that COVID-19 will linger even after the majority of adults are fully immunized—but outbreaks could be far less devastating.
"The virus is going to be with us long-term, I think it's here to stay," said Dr. Anna Banerji, infectious disease expert with the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health.
Experts point to the 1918 influenza pandemic as an example of a virus that, a century later, has not completely vanished.
"Some version of that virus is still hanging around, in different forms, it's mutated in different ways," said Dr. Fahad Razak, internist with St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
"Given the degree of spread of the current COVID-19 pandemic, I think most people expect that some form of it will hang around perpetually."
Toronto Western Hospital declared a COVID-19 outbreak Monday, in which some of those infected had received two doses of vaccine.
"We're still going to see some disease transmitted through those who've been immunized already, but they're likely to to be asymptomatic, or have very few symptoms," said Dr. Dale Kalina, infectious disease doctor with Joseph Brant Hospital.
"But it is important to recognize that it’s those who have not been vaccinated who are going to bear the brunt of the disease."
Outbreaks causing more significant illness could still occur in groups and communities with low vaccination rates, experts point out.
Children younger than 12 cannot currently be immunized in Canada and will remain at risk at catching the virus, said Dr. Banerji.
"The under-12 population, it’s going to circulate in that population. In general it's going to be mild, mainly runny nose, sore throat or asymptomatic, but occasionally you're going to get a child that gets very sick."
Establishing herd immunity among eligible adults, doctors say, will be key to protecting those who can't be vaccinated—including with potential booster shots down the road.
"Nobody has a crystal ball, but there’s an expectation that we will need boosters," said Dr. Razak. That added layer of protection, he said, could address any mutations in the virus and also combat any waning immunity.
At this point though, experts say a double dose of the existing vaccine is the best weapon against the virus—which will likely not vanish any time soon.
"There will be some semblance of COVID in Canada for years to come," said Dr. Kalina.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.