COVID Is Now Endemic, But What Does That Mean?

So Much Has Changed with COVID 

It’s hard to believe that more than four years have passed since the SARS-CoV2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19, set off a global pandemic and, in many ways, shut down the world. 

I still remember watching TV in early 2020 and seeing the news that sporting events were canceled, airline flights were grounded and the number of deaths was climbing. 

So much has changed. 

Doctors and researchers say they have a better understanding of the virus and the disease it causes since the infection has undergone many mutations since 2020. In addition, there are vaccines to protect people and medications to ease symptoms. 

“At this point, COVID-19 can be described as endemic throughout the world,” said Aron Hall, the deputy director for science at the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) coronavirus and other respiratory diseases division, in an interview with NPR. 

Bottom line, COVID is here to stay. In fact, the CDC’s data tracker shows people are still getting COVID, confirming the virus that causes COVID will continue to circulate and get people sick for a long, long time. 

“It is still a very significant problem, but one that can now be managed against the backdrop of many public health threats and not as sort of a singular pandemic threat,” said Hall. “And so how we approach COVID-19 is very similar to how we approach other endemic diseases.” 

Definition of an endemic 

Most importantly, whatever term is used to describe the current state of COVID, the CDC recommends people protect themselves from COVID. That means getting vaccinated, washing hands and practicing good hygiene habits and masking up in risky situations and around high-risk people. 

Now to the definitions. 

For years, health officials referred to COVID as a pandemic, defined by Britannica as an “outbreak of infectious disease that occurs over a wide geographical area and that is of high prevalence, generally affecting a significant proportion of the world’s population, usually over the course of several months.” In other words, a dangerous new disease that spreads widely in many different places. 

In epidemiology (the scientific study of diseases), an infection is said to be endemic in a specific population or populated place when that infection is constantly present or maintained at a baseline level. Essentially, the disease is entrenched in an area and isn’t going away. 

The flu, otherwise known as influenza, is a good example of an endemic disease. Yes, there are vaccines and a lot of medicines to help treat it, but the flu is always around. In fact, the CDC says 12,000 to 52,000 people in the U.S. die every year from the flu. 

Malaria is another example. While the illness is not much of a problem in the U.S. because of screens on doors and windows, bug sprays and other measures, malaria is a constant threat in other countries. 

An epidemic is a sudden spike in cases in one population or location. Ironically, that also describes the COVID situation right now. 

Here’s why. 

Some epidemiologists question whether COVID should be classified as endemic because it’s still mutating and can be unpredictable. That’s why there was a surge of cases in summer 2024. 

But while Hall of the CDC agrees the virus is unpredictable, it’s predictable enough to be considered endemic. 

“The best way to describe COVID right now is as endemic but with these periodic epidemics,” said Hall. “And those epidemics can vary in terms of their timing and magnitude. And that’s exactly why ongoing vigilance and surveillance is critical.” 

COVID is still killing people 

Whatever term is used, COVID is still killing a lot of people every week, primarily older people and those with other health issues. The CDC lists COVID as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., expected to kill almost 50,000 people per year. It was the third leading cause of death at the height of the pandemic. 

Even if you are younger and healthy, COVID can make you pretty miserable and even keep you out of work or school. It’s also important to remember that if you test positive for COVID but don’t exhibit any symptoms, you can still spread the disease to others. 

There is also still the mystery of Long COVID, which can lead to debilitating symptoms. 

It also remains critical to continue monitoring the spread of the virus and its evolution to spot the emergence of new and more dangerous variants. 

Watch this Sci NC story below and meet the UNC scientists who continue to monitor the virus and helped develop the vaccines that helped stop the disease.