Preprint Review Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Key Essentials during the Transition from the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Version 1 : Received: 16 August 2023 / Approved: 17 August 2023 / Online: 17 August 2023 (05:30:45 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Rzymski, P.; Pokorska-Śpiewak, M.; Jackowska, T.; Kuchar, E.; Nitsch-Osuch, A.; Pawłowska, M.; Babicki, M.; Jaroszewicz, J.; Szenborn, L.; Wysocki, J.; Flisiak, R. Key Considerations during the Transition from the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. Vaccines 2023, 11, 1502. Rzymski, P.; Pokorska-Śpiewak, M.; Jackowska, T.; Kuchar, E.; Nitsch-Osuch, A.; Pawłowska, M.; Babicki, M.; Jaroszewicz, J.; Szenborn, L.; Wysocki, J.; Flisiak, R. Key Considerations during the Transition from the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. Vaccines 2023, 11, 1502.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented response from the scientific community leading to the development, study, and authorization of vaccines and antivirals, ultimately reducing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on global public health. However, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being eradicated, continues to evolve, and causes substantial health and economic burdens. In this paper, we posit essential points on SARS-CoV-2 and its management during the transition from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. As discussed, despite Omicron (sub)variant(s) causing clinically milder infections, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being a negligible pathogen. It requires continued genomic surveillance, particularly if one considers that its future (sub)lineages do not necessarily have to be milder. Antivirals and vaccines remain the essential elements in COVID-19 management. However, the former could benefit from further development and improvements in dosing, while the seasonal administration of the latter requires simplification to increase interest and tackle vaccine hesitancy. It is also essential to ensure accessibility of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals and vaccines in low-income countries and improve the understanding of their use in the context of long-term goals of SARS-CoV-2 management. Regardless of location, the primary role of COVID-19 awareness and education must be played by healthcare workers who directly communicate with patients and serve as role models for healthy behaviors.

Keywords

SARS-CoV-2; vaccination; antivirals; viral evolution

Subject

Medicine and Pharmacology, Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases

Comments (1)

Comment 1
Received: 2 September 2023
Commenter:
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment: A very informative, comprehensive, and multifaceted elaboration and a reminder that COVID-19 continues to cause health burden and requires an appropriate preparedness. Fortunately, the European Medicine Agency recently recommended an updated monovaleny vaccine. However, more efforts are needed from health authorities and health professionals, in line with a call of this paper, to ensure appropriate vaccine coverage in risk groups.

Congratulations to the authors. I hope to see this piece published soon
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