Is COVID endemic yet? Yep, says the CDC. Here’s what that means

Is COVID endemic yet? Yep, says the CDC. Here’s what that means. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially classified COVID-19 as an endemic virus in the United States, meaning it is now expected to circulate regularly in the population, much like the flu. While the pandemic phase has passed, COVID-19 will continue to cause illness but with less disruption to daily life as immunity builds over time through vaccination and natural infections.

Endemic status doesn’t mean COVID is no longer a threat, but rather that it will likely cause seasonal waves of infections, similar to the flu, that can be managed with vaccines, treatments, and public health measures. Experts advise continued vigilance and updated vaccinations to protect against new variants, as the virus may still cause severe illness, especially among vulnerable populations.