Global “flu-ization” of COVID-19: A perspective from Vietnam
Khoi Quan Nguyen, Le My Anh Nguyen, Andrew W. Taylor‐Robinson
Abstract
The widespread Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 causes mild to asymptomatic manifestations. Immunity is increasing among populations thanks to both vaccination and natural infection. A more relaxed attitude toward COVID-19 preventive behaviors that is becoming prevalent globally is driven by "pandemic fatigue", a normal and expected reaction to a prolonged public health crisis. Moreover, there is a growing societal belief that as of mid-2022, SARS-CoV-2 is no more infectious than the common cold and no more virulent than influenza and should be considered like seasonal viral outbreaks. During the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam was one of very few countries to successfully control community transmission, achieved by rigorous adherence to contact tracing, isolation, testing, and physical distancing. In this Opinion article, we contend that -at least in a Vietnamese context -it is too soon to consider COVID-19 as an endemic disease. Instead, we urge national and local measures to rekindle public support for continued, modified, implementation of recommended protective intervention as a "future-proofing" response strategy. In the short-to medium-term, this provides best practice preparedness for the possible emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants that are more infectious and pathogenic than the currently globally predominant Omicron. This would help to control not only COVID-19 but safeguard against other infectious diseases with a similar transmission route that could pose a threat to global public health in future.