(RepublicanJournal.org) – We have now been living in the shadow of the pandemic for almost two years. Unfortunately, while things have improved, the virus remains a part of our daily lives. As we move into the third calendar year of the pandemic, experts are starting to speculate about the immediate future of society.
Firstly, analysts are quite certain that we’re not going to be able to get rid of the virus completely. This is because the risk of new mutations remains ever-present; Delta and Omicron are just the two most recent examples of that phenomenon. Still, it’s extremely difficult to predict when mutations will occur and just how many might happen.
While climbing vaccination rates will result in fewer deaths and hospitalizations, people will still contract the virus. However, immunity from infections and vaccinations will make outbreaks less and less deadly over time, so the virus will eventually resemble influenza or the common cold in terms of seriousness.
One issue we’re likely to see more of in 2022 is a disparity between rich and developing countries in terms of their ability to manage the pandemic. While affluent countries in Europe and North America are approaching full vaccination status and even starting to roll out booster programs, poorer countries struggle to keep up. For example, on average, African countries have administered just over 19 doses for every 100 people.
So, while things are looking up, it’s clear we have a long way to go yet.
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