Light at the End of COVID-19 Tunnel
Dr. Mir Shuttari practices pulmonology in Falmouth, MA. A pulmonologist is a physician who possesses specialized knowledge and skill in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary conditions and diseases. Dr. Shuttari manages patients who need life support and mechanical ventilation, and is specially trained in diseases and... more
We have all witnessed the heavy toll paid by lives lost, heightened stress levels, disrupted social interactions, and economic setbacks from COVID-19 in our country and around the world, in the last 2 years. While we have a lot to mourn we certainly have uplifting facts thanks to the unprecedented work done by researchers, clinicians, and ancillary helpers who worked diligently to deal with the challenges posed.
The brisk genomic mapping of the virus, development of safe and effective vaccines in record time, public and private cooperation, strides in therapeutics, unique platform clinical trials, national and international guidelines based on quality scientific evidence besides selfless work by doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers and administrators, are few of my positive memories. We may now be entering into an endemic phase from the pandemic witnessed.
A few key lessons should shape our actions going forward. Healthcare inequities should be acknowledged and addressed. Threat to a human life anywhere in the world from a respiratory pathogen should be recognised as a threat to everyone around the globe. Preventive measures should continue. Vaccinations, appropriate masking, workplace and social space enhancement, frequent testing, appropriate isolation along with disease stage-specific treatment measures and reliance on science should remain near and dear to our hearts. Preserving and enhancing human lives is a sacred duty and we should not let any other factors let us swerve from this duty.
The light is shining at the end of tunnel and it's certainly not a disaster train coming in.
