Despite progress in the fight against COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to cause thousands of deaths worldwide. Currently, the northern hemisphere is experiencing a significant increase in cases; and Paraguay is no exception. So far in 2024, 95 people have died from COVID-19 in Paraguay; none of them were immunized with the updated vaccine, according to data from the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI) of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare.
COVID-19 is still present and the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to warn about the increase in cases globally. It is crucial to stop considering the disease only in the context of the pandemic; now, COVID-19 has become a seasonal disease that can be serious and fatal. Vaccines are currently available worldwide to protect against SARS-CoV-2.
Five reasons why COVID-19 remains a threat to public health:
1. Risk of new variants: WHO warns of the possible emergence of more virulent or contagious variants amid the current wave of infections in the northern hemisphere. Variants such as KP.3, KP.3.1.1 and KP.2.3, collectively known as “FLiRT,” are some of the most contagious so far.
2. Deaths associated with low vaccination: In Paraguay, 95 people have died from COVID-19 in 2024; none of them were vaccinated with the updated dose. Annual vaccination is crucial to reduce mortality associated with the virus, with SARS-CoV-2 being the main cause of death from severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in adults and the fourth in children.
3. Long-term consequences of hospitalization: A study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicates that the risk of serious effects persists even three years after COVID-19 infection, affecting almost all body systems.
4. Reinfections and associated risks: Reinfections significantly increase the risk of serious sequelae, hospitalization and mortality. Reinfected individuals have a much higher risk of complications compared to those who have only had an initial infection.
5. Impact of long COVID: An estimated 10-20% of those infected develop persistent symptoms of long COVID, such as fatigue, respiratory problems, and cognitive impairment.
Free annual vaccination: 2024 season
Moderna’s new monovalent vaccine XBB.1.5, formulated for the 2024 season, is available free of charge at all vaccination centres from 6 months of age. This vaccine offers enhanced protection against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants and is especially recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, healthcare personnel, people with chronic pathologies and immunosuppressed people.
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The Ongoing Threat of COVID-19: Why It Still Matters to Public Health
Despite the progress made in the fight against COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to pose a significant threat to public health worldwide. The northern hemisphere is currently experiencing a surge in cases, and Paraguay is no exception, with 95 reported deaths from COVID-19 in 2024, none of whom had received the updated vaccine.
High-Risk Groups
Certain individuals are more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness, including those aged 70 years or older, and those aged 50 years or older with underlying health conditions such as neurological disease, chronic lung disease, cancer, or type 1 or type 2 diabetes [[1][[2]]. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those who have undergone solid organ transplants, are also at higher risk.
The Importance of Vaccination
Annual vaccination is crucial to reducing mortality associated with COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to warn about the increase in cases globally, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and vaccination efforts. Vaccines are currently available worldwide to protect against SARS-CoV-2, and it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest vaccine recommendations to prevent serious illness and death.
Five Reasons Why COVID-19 Remains a Threat
- Risk of New Variants: The WHO warns of the possible emergence of more virulent or contagious variants, such as the highly contagious “FLiRT” variants, which could lead to increased cases and hospitalizations.
- Deaths Associated with Low Vaccination: The death toll in Paraguay highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19. Annual vaccination is critical to reducing mortality associated with the virus.
- Long-term Consequences of Hospitalization: Even three years after COVID-19 infection, individuals are at risk of serious long-term effects, affecting almost all body systems, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Reinfections and Associated Risks: Reinfections significantly increase the risk of serious sequelae, hospitalization, and mortality. Reinfected individuals have a much higher risk of complications compared to those who have only had an initial infection.
- Global Risk Index: The INFORM COVID-19 Risk Index highlights countries at risk from health and humanitarian crises, underscoring the need for continued global cooperation and preparedness to respond to COVID-19 outbreaks [[3]].
COVID-19 remains a significant threat to public health, and it is essential to stay vigilant and proactive in preventing the spread of the virus. By understanding the risks and taking steps to protect ourselves and others, we can work together to reduce the impact of COVID-19 and prevent further loss of life.
The Ongoing Threat of COVID-19: Why It Still Matters to Public Health
Despite progress in the fight against COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to pose a significant threat to public health worldwide. The northern hemisphere is currently experiencing a surge in cases, and Paraguay is no exception, with 95 reported deaths from COVID-19 in 2024, none of whom had received the updated vaccine.
High-Risk Groups
Certain individuals are more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness, including those aged 70 years or older, and those aged 50 years or older with underlying health conditions such as neurological disease, chronic lung disease, cancer, or type 1 or type 2 diabetes [[1][[2]]. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those who have undergone solid organ transplants, are also at higher risk.
The Importance of Vaccination
Annual vaccination is crucial to reducing mortality associated with COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to warn about the increase in cases globally, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and vaccination efforts. Vaccines are currently available worldwide to protect against SARS-CoV-2, and it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest vaccine recommendations to prevent serious illness and death.
Five Reasons Why COVID-19 Remains a Threat
- Risk of New Variants: The WHO warns of the possible emergence of more virulent or contagious variants, such as the highly contagious “FLiRT” variants, which could lead to increased cases and hospitalizations.
- Deaths Associated with Low Vaccination: The death toll in Paraguay highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19. Annual vaccination is critical to reducing mortality associated with the virus.
- Long-term Consequences of Hospitalization: Even three years after COVID-19 infection, individuals are at risk of serious long-term effects, affecting almost all
