COVID-19: Latest Updates and Prevention Tips

COVID-19: Understanding the Ongoing Reality

While the World Health Organization declared the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency in May 2023, the virus continues to circulate globally, including in the Philippines. SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, has become endemic—meaning it will likely be with us indefinitely, much like influenza. Understanding COVID-19 remains important for protecting yourself and your loved ones, especially those at higher risk of severe illness.

The landscape of COVID-19 has changed significantly since the pandemic's peak. Most people now have some immunity through vaccination, prior infection, or both. Treatments have improved dramatically. However, new variants continue to emerge, and COVID-19 can still cause serious illness, particularly in vulnerable populations.

"COVID-19 hasn't disappeared—it's become part of our respiratory virus landscape. The good news is we now have effective tools to prevent severe illness: vaccines, treatments, and proven prevention measures. Use them." — Department of Health Philippines

Recognizing COVID-19 Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms can range from none at all (asymptomatic) to severe illness. Current variants often present similarly to other respiratory infections:

Common Symptoms

• Fever or chills: Temperature above 38°C (100.4°F)
• Cough: Usually dry, but can be productive
• Fatigue: Unusual tiredness, weakness
• Body aches: Muscle pain and headache
• Sore throat: Often one of the first symptoms with recent variants
• Runny or stuffy nose: Congestion
• Loss of taste or smell: Less common with recent variants but still possible
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea: GI symptoms in some cases

Prevention: Protecting Yourself and Others

Vaccination: Your Best Defense

COVID-19 vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Key points:

• Stay up to date: Follow DOH recommendations for boosters, especially updated vaccines targeting current variants
• Vaccines work: While they may not prevent all infections, they significantly reduce the risk of severe illness
• Safe and effective: Billions of doses have been administered globally with an excellent safety profile
• Priority groups: Elderly, immunocompromised, healthcare workers, and those with chronic conditions should prioritize boosters

Everyday Prevention Measures

Testing for COVID-19

Types of Tests

• Rapid antigen tests: Results in 15-30 minutes; convenient for home use; may be less sensitive early in infection
• PCR tests: More sensitive; results usually within 1-3 days; gold standard for diagnosis

When to Test

• When you have COVID-like symptoms
• 5 days after known exposure to someone with COVID
• Before visiting high-risk individuals
• Before or after travel (depending on requirements)

What to Do If You Test Positive

1. Isolate at home: Stay away from others, including family members if possible
2. Monitor symptoms: Watch for warning signs of severe illness
3. Stay hydrated and rest: Most cases resolve with supportive care
4. Consider treatment: Antivirals like Paxlovid are available for high-risk individuals if started within 5 days of symptoms
5. Notify close contacts: So they can monitor for symptoms and test
6. End isolation: Follow current DOH guidelines (typically when symptom-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication)

Protecting High-Risk Individuals

Some people are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19:

• Older adults: Risk increases significantly after age 60, especially 75+
• Immunocompromised: Transplant recipients, cancer patients, those on immunosuppressive drugs
• Chronic conditions: Heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney disease, obesity
• Pregnant women: Higher risk of severe illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes
• Unvaccinated individuals: Much higher risk of severe illness

How to Protect Them

• Ensure they're up to date on vaccinations
• Wear masks when visiting them if you have any symptoms
• Test before visiting, especially after travel or exposure
• Improve ventilation when gathering indoors
• Stay away if you're sick with any respiratory illness
• Help them access treatment quickly if they become infected

Long COVID: Understanding Post-Acute Symptoms

Some people experience persistent symptoms for weeks or months after initial COVID-19 infection—a condition called Long COVID or Post-COVID Condition:

• Common symptoms: Fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sleep problems
• Who's affected: More common after severe illness but can occur after mild cases
• Management: Gradual return to activity, symptom-specific treatment, patience
• When to seek help: If symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks post-infection

"We've come a long way since 2020. COVID-19 is now a manageable respiratory illness for most people, thanks to vaccines and treatments. But we must remain vigilant—especially in protecting those who remain vulnerable." — Dr. Maria Santos, Infectious Disease Specialist

Moving Forward with COVID-19

COVID-19 is here to stay, but we're better equipped than ever to handle it. Stay informed about current guidelines, keep your vaccinations up to date, and practice common-sense prevention measures—especially during surge periods. Protect yourself, and protect those around you who may be more vulnerable.

The pandemic may be over, but our responsibility to each other continues. Stay safe, stay informed, stay protected.