I truly believe we'll look back on 2022, 2023, and perhaps 2024 as a period when the media, public health and governments monumentally failed society. The fact I can sit (masked) in crowded airports, events and public spaces with people coughing and almost no one masked at a time when the #COVID19 virus circulates widely--STILL a top cause of death, a significant source of disabilities, and is known to damage hearts, brains and immune system-- is simply appalling. The idea we're safe is a lie.
Yes, many people will escape long-term health damage--probably. But not everyone will. In future years, the stats we see about rising heart attacks, diabetes, and other serious health problems will represent real people suffering because they didn't know (or ignored) that they still needed modest precautions to keep themselves and loved ones safe and healthy. Many will look back and wonder why they thought a mask was such a major inconvenience compared to the reduced quality of life they face.
I appreciate that you put "probably" on that. I know I always go back to the kids, but that's because that's the way I see it daily as a parent.
The previous estimate of an infection every 8 months on average is looking pretty optimistic at this point, but let's use it for this example. Now take my 9yo. If we gave up all precautions today he'd be expected to get 7 COVID infections by the time he was 18 and on his own. I think there's a world in which if you squint just right you can see him coming out OK from that, but I wouldn't bet on those odds. Then you'd hope he's got a good 50-70 years after that.
It's bleak given the data we have today.
