Coronavirus: How COVID-19 has changed us forever

Over two years have passed by since the novel coronavirus took us all by surprise. It impacted our lives in ways we could never have imagined. The lockdowns and the restrictions that followed made things even more difficult and of course, there is no way we can ever compensate for the losses we faced during this pandemic.

However, now that we have tackled three different waves, survived infectious variants and have made a considerable jump in vaccinating a large population of the country, we have also become accustomed to a COVID-induced lifestyle. The new normal is something that we have learnt and continue to live with. So, let us take a look at how the deadly SARs-COV-2 virus has impacted our lives, for better or for worse.

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Besides COVID-19, the flu is one of the most prevalent respiratory illnesses that can occur in almost anyone. Most symptoms are mild and manageable, however some people may experience severe complications due to underlying issues.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says, "Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention. However, influenza can cause severe illness or death, particularly among high risk groups including the very young, the elderly, pregnant women, health workers and those with serious medical conditions."

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Prior to the onset of COVID-19, flu or other respiratory diseases were mostly overlooked, for the simple reason that it would subside over time, sometimes even without medical attention.

However, the novel coronavirus has urged us to take respiratory illnesses seriously. Even a common cold these days has become a source of worry. Why? because most of the COVID-related symptoms resemble symptoms of a mild cold or a flu infection.

Experts believe wearing masks cuts down the risk of contracting viruses considerably. While the primary reason why we began with this trend was essentially COVID-19, these days, even with a flu or a regular cold, we have become more careful and choose to cover our face with masks so as to curb the spread of the virus.

During these two years, we have learnt the art of maintaining distance from other people. But apart from that, we have also refrained from touching public surfaces casually. Even while going up and down an escalator in the malls or elsewhere, we choose to balance ourselves on our own rather than taking the support of the handrails. Furthermore, contactless payments have become the way ahead and people these days rely more on apps than carrying cash.

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We have to agree, since the onset of COVID-19, the amount of times we wash our hands in a day has probably doubled or even tripled for many. It is one of the best ways to keep illnesses at bay. Most of the time, we unknowingly contract infections by touching contaminated surfaces, which is why washing hands then becomes an important step in steering clear of deadly viruses and bacteria.

Earlier, even if we felt a bit under the weather, we wouldn't miss a gathering or a party for the world. But with COVID-19 having wreaked so much havoc, we have become more mindful of our actions and take caution to avoid mishaps.

Vaccinations have been an important part of our lives even before the prevalence of COVID-19. Flu vaccines have existed for a long time and many receive their shots annually. However, in recent years, especially during the pandemic, people have become more aware about vaccinations and immunization programmes. Rather than neglecting and postponing schedules, one has learnt to prioritize vaccinations.

COVID-19 can affect people differently. While some experience mild to moderate symptoms, others have to battle severe complications. Experts believe it all comes down to one's immune system and its defenses. Depending on how strong and healthy your immune system is, it becomes as easy for the body to fight off deadly pathogens. This is one of the reasons why older adults, those with underlying health conditions and people with compromised immunity are more prone to SARs-COV-2 virus.

That said, people have become more particular about their health and most importantly their diet. Besides focusing on nutrient-rich foods, many have begun identifying food sources that help boost immunity. From citrus fruits, green veggies like broccoli and spinach to ginger, garlic and nuts, many vegetables and fruits have immunity-boosting richness.