COVID is still around, even if we pretend it isn’t

Posted: April 19, 2024

How COVID has evolved through the years.

This march marks the fourth anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdown. The virus has changed so much. This virus in the beginning was very contagious and caught the world by surprise. As people were staying home, and quarantined, the vaccine was released for people 12 years and older and the number of deaths began to slow. At first, the trend we were seeing through COVID-19 was older adults were getting sick and passing but not anymore.  

Hedi Streed the nurse at Minnehaha Academy said, “Since it has been around for so long our bodies [adult bodies] have been more exposed and have become more immune.” Streed also talks about the importance of the vaccine being part of why adults aren’t getting as sick anymore.

“With the vaccine and exposure together our bodies can handle it the same as any other virus,” Streed said.   

COVID-19 can adapt and change. These changes are called mutations. These mutations can make vaccines less effective. The people who are at risk currently are children. 

Sydney Pederson, a top nurse at Masonic Children’s Hospital says “The virus has mutated and so people that are immunocompromised or elderly or young kids are more susceptible to it.” If someone has gotten COVID-19 before, they have immunity to that mutation, but COVID-19 has lots of mutations. People aren’t completely safe even with these changes. 

 “We were seeing across the country that there were tons of sick adults and there weren’t a ton of sick children, but over time the virus has changed and now lots of small children have been catching it,” said Pederson 

 “The most at-risk population continues to be minority populations because the nation doesn’t take care of society and health care,” stated Pederson. Along with the minority, there aren’t enough supplies in hospitals to take care of people, especially children. 

“Not once since 2020 have I gone to work and had everything I need to do my job,” said Pederson. 

“Children are definitely more at risk because they aren’t as equipped to handle significant respiratory viruses because their airways are smaller, they don’t have the ability to cough like adults,” said Pederson. A respiratory virus is a virus transmitted through the respiratory route like breathing. 

The ways we can prevent getting COVID-19 are by washing our hands frequently, staying home if we’re sick, and staying away from others who are sick. Also, take an at-home test if you have COVID symptoms.


You may also like…

Guthrie Theater Play Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Under moonlit mischief and a pulsing musical heartbeat, Shakespeare’s classic comedy soars. Where laughter, live music, and theatrical chaos combine to create an unforgettable Midsummer night. Renowned for its romance, pranks, and magical mayhem, Shakespeare’s A...

1-on-1 with Izzy Daniel

The Toronto Sceptres rookie reflects on her 2nd game in her home state Izzy Daniel, a Minnesota native and 2019 Ms. Hockey finalist, played her second game back in her home state while playing for Toronto this season. With Toronto picking up their first win this...

The Hidden Dangers of Overdosing

Increasing OD risk, RN talks about the effects of accidental teenage overdoses and how they impact everyone. A Local Nurse’s Perspective on the Teen Epidemic  At Fairview Hospital in Minnesota, Sarah Curry, a registered nurse (RN), has witnessed firsthand the...

Running for gold

Spanish teacher's life filled with adventure, resilience You are running through the Amazon, gold in hand, scared of who and what lies ahead. You think you hear voices, where will you go? What will you do? Your life may be in danger. This is how Spanish teacher Julio...

Slideshow: SMB Football Wolfpack’s Section Quarterfinal Heartbreak Captured by Ezra Victor

Wolfpack won’t go down without a fight The SMB Wolfpack football team—a co-op of Minnehaha Academy, the Blake School, St. Paul Academy, and Hope Academy—faced DeLaSalle in the Class 4A, Section 5 quarterfinal on October 22 at...