Why Are We Forgetting About COVID This Winter?

by Admin, posted in Daily Life with Long Covid

Winter is here. With it comes festive cheer, oversized jumpers, and an onslaught of media coveraWhy Are We Forgetting About COVID This Winter?

Winter is here. With it comes festive cheer, oversized jumpers, and an onslaught of media coverage about flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). But COVID-19? It seems to have quietly slipped off the radar. Health departments and the media have turned the spotlight onto seasonal viruses while relegating COVID to the shadows. Why? Let’s untangle this winter mystery.

COVID Is Still Here, So Why the Silence?

Let’s be clear: COVID hasn’t taken a holiday. It’s still infecting people, hospitalising others, and tragically taking lives. Yet, if you only looked at headlines or government health campaigns, you might think we’ve conquered it. Flu and RSV are the ‘hot topics’ this season, with barely a mention of that persistent, shape-shifting virus that caused a global pandemic. So, what’s going on?

Shifting the Narrative: Pandemic Fatigue or Strategy?

Pandemic fatigue is real. Governments and public health officials know people are tired of hearing about COVID. After nearly four years of masks, lockdowns, and constant vigilance, many simply want life to return to ‘normal.’

But is this silence about COVID intentional? Possibly. By focusing on flu and RSV, health departments might aim to:

  1. Avoid Public Backlash: Bringing COVID back into the limelight risks reigniting contentious debates around masks, restrictions, vaccines and long COVID.
  2. Shift Responsibility: Emphasising ‘personal responsibility’ over public health messaging makes COVID feel like yesterday’s problem—something individuals, not governments, should manage.
  3. Encourage Vaccination Uptake: Flu and RSV vaccines are available, and promoting these might feel less polarising than reigniting COVID debates.

But while they’re quietly pivoting, COVID hasn’t disappeared, and pretending it’s no longer an issue only fuels misinformation and complacency.

The Risks of Omitting COVID

This radio silence isn’t just annoying for those of us who are paying attention; it’s dangerous. Here’s why:

  • Healthcare Systems Are Still Stretched: NHS trusts and hospitals worldwide are bracing for a “triple threat” winter of flu, RSV, and COVID. Ignoring one part of the equation is a recipe for disaster.
  • Long COVID Is Real: Millions of people are still struggling with long-term effects. Acting like COVID isn’t a problem diminishes their experiences and could delay critical research and treatment advances.
  • Variant Roulette: COVID mutates. New variants can emerge that bypass immunity. Downplaying COVID risks undermines preparedness.

Why Transparency Matters

Hiding or minimising COVID messaging doesn’t make it go away. On the contrary, transparency is vital to managing public health. The public deserves clear, evidence-based information about all the viruses circulating, not selective narratives.

Consider this: if flu, RSV, and COVID are all serious threats, why pretend it’s a two-virus winter? Acknowledging the risks and providing practical advice doesn’t mean scaring people—it means equipping them.

How Can We Protect Ourselves?

Even if public health messaging is sparse, there are steps we can take:

  1. Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations: Some vaccines can significantly reduce severe illness.
  2. Keep Ventilation in Mind: Open windows, use air purifiers, or meet outdoors where possible.
  3. Mask Up in Crowded Spaces: Yes, masks work for all respiratory viruses.
  4. Test When Symptoms Arise: Rapid tests for COVID and flu are available. Knowing what you have can inform treatment and prevent spread.
  5. Advocate for Awareness: Share credible information. If you’re frustrated by the lack of COVID messaging, let your local health authorities and representatives know.

The Bigger Picture

The minimisation of COVID this winter is part of a broader trend: managing public health through selective narratives. Whether this is about managing expectations, avoiding controversy, or simply moving on, it’s a disservice to the public. COVID isn’t gone, and pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone.

Let’s make this winter one of informed action—because knowledge, as ever, is the best defence.

Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment.

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