Five years after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus has become a part of our daily lives. It continues to cause illness and deaths, albeit at much lower levels than at the beginning of the pandemic.

In the early stages of the crisis, many countries imposed strict lockdowns and social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus. However, some countries, such as Sweden, took a different approach, avoiding widespread lockdowns and relying on voluntary behavioral changes among citizens. Studies showed that Sweden experienced high mortality rates during the first waves of the pandemic, but these rates declined compared to other countries in the following two years.

Over time, COVID-19 has become an endemic disease, meaning that while the virus is still present in society, it causes less severe cases and is easier to manage. This shift is attributed to several factors, including widespread vaccination, which has helped build community immunity, advancements in medical treatments, and increased public awareness of preventive measures.

However, challenges remain, such as long COVID, where symptoms persist for weeks or even months after the initial infection. These symptoms include severe fatigue, memory problems, shortness of breath, and more.

Additionally, concerns persist about the emergence of new variants that may be more transmissible or cause more severe illness. Therefore, continued efforts in monitoring, vaccination, and updating vaccines are crucial to keep up with potential new mutations.