It’s been 3 years since COVID-19 hit Idaho – Here’s where we have come since then

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Monday marks the third year since the first case of coronavirus was found in Idaho. After three years, local medical staff say they have learned a lot.

Jodie Powell, an Epidemiologist at Eastern Idaho Public Health, says we have become more aware of the virus and its affects.

"People are more likely to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. They're more likely to call in sick if they are sick just as a result of going through a pandemic."

Overall, everyone has become more aware of the virus, which has lead to better practices.

Powell also says, "We've become less afraid of the virus. We've moved forward and found that we can, you know, reopen society and function normally. Accepting the risks of a virus that has mutated to accommodate and become less severe."

Although viewed as less severe, Kenneth Krell Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center's Post-COVID Clinic Medical Director says, "Covid is still very much with us. We're certainly seeing less cases than we were, of course, during the epidemic. But in terms of acute covid, we are still seeing cases and we're still seeing patients die of covid."

Idaho officials are reporting 1,270 new COVID-19 cases and 17 new deaths state-wide just last week.

Although that's significantly less than the peak of the pandemic, that number has increased compared to last month's reports.

/"The COVID vaccines have been remarkably safe and effective in preventing severe disease and death," Krell said.

Other reports break down how much of each county has been vaccinated. It shows an average of 50% of Eastern Idaho has been fully vaccinated.

"As people gain immunity and the virus mutates towards a version of itself that is causes fewer fatalities. That's the natural progression of the disease, coupled with immunity and also vaccinations in population," Powell said.

But something else health experts are realizing is people suffering with Post-COVID Syndrome creating long-lasting affects to brain function, energy levels and breathing.

"Many of them are significantly debilitated by their Post-COVID symptoms, and it's a huge problem nationwide and locally in our area since we saw so many patients with COVID. And as the state did not do very well and the number of cases that are still out there and patients are still suffering," Krell said.

Although limited, there is help for patients suffering with Post-COVID Syndrome. Nearby clinics are listed below:

• East Falls Internal Medicine Clinic in Idaho Falls
• St. Luke's Clinic in Boise
• University of Utah Health Post-COVID Care Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah

Those with Post-COVID symptoms can contact these clinics to get some help they need. Krell says most clinics are busy and slammed, but willing to help when and where they can.