Buzz
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 and early 2020, there was optimism that containment was possible—by isolating the infected, tracing their contacts, and enforcing quarantines to halt the spread. Previous outbreaks, such as SARS, a relative of COVID, had dissipated under similar measures. This fueled hope that the majority might never encounter the coronavirus.
However, reality proved otherwise. The strategy was riddled with flaws, such as the virus’s ability to spread before symptoms appeared—a fact unknown at the time. It’s now clear that the coronavirus is here to stay. By early 2020, it was evident that eradication was impossible, and exposure seemed inevitable for everyone at some point.
Being exposed doesn’t equate to everyone personally contracting the virus.
Some still argue that everyone should expect to contract COVID, but this perspective is unrealistic. For instance, The Orange County Register ran a piece titled “Vaccinated or Not, Everyone is Likely to Get COVID-19 at Some Point, Many Experts Say.” However, only one out of the six experts cited made such a claim. While all agreed that exposure is inevitable, none suggested we should accept infection as a foregone conclusion.
Vaccines are largely effective
It’s worth noting that the U.S. has three reliable vaccines, with several others being used globally. While vaccinating everyone will take time and effort, the vaccines do work. Despite the Delta variant, all three vaccines are over 70% effective against symptomatic infection and more than 90% effective at preventing hospitalization and death, as highlighted in this recent Yale Medicine evidence summary.
A defeatist mindset could cost lives
Recall when optimism led some to speculate that we might have already had COVID in winter 2019 and emerged unscathed? Or how some still downplay the virus by citing a “99%” survival rate? Not only is the survival rate less optimistic, but the virus has already claimed 700,000 American lives, roughly 1 in 500 people. Many more are suffering from long COVID, a condition vaccines can help prevent.
The notion that 'everyone will eventually get COVID' is often used to justify abandoning safety measures. If infection seems inevitable, why wear masks or get vaccinated? However, masks are proven to curb transmission, and vaccines not only save lives but also reduce the spread by lowering the number of people who can carry and transmit the virus.
As a parent, I urge others not to give up. My children remain at risk, though I’m optimistic they’ll soon be eligible for vaccination. Until then, I rely on others to avoid spreading the virus through careless behavior. By taking precautions seriously, you can help safeguard your loved ones as well.
