I also think people misunderstand that "treating COVID like influenza" doesn't mean ignoring COVID.

We're working on better flu vaccines all the time. We have antivirals for flu. Some people have now realized that masking works well against flu (others aren't gonna wear a mask unless basically forced to).

RSV is endemic and we're working on a vaccine for it.

Malaria now finally has a decent vaccine.

Companies are working on the idea of a vaccine that would reduce the impact of COVID *and* of the four other human coronaviruses, which only cause colds so we haven't bothered with them before. But because this vaccine might also reduce the impact of another coronavirus pandemic, it's become worth it.

Honestly, what we need to do for endemic COVID-19 is simple and doesn't disrupt our lives: Stay home when sick (and push towards making it completely unacceptable to force people to work when sick), wash our hands properly, wear masks when there's an outbreak and in high risk places, and stay up to date on vaccines. It's simple and it's sustainable, and will reduce the overall burden of respiratory disease on our society.

And improved building ventilation, which was ALSO a thing right after the 1918 flu. My husband's work place now has air purifiers in the elevators and I'm "Please can that be a thing everywhere."

But no, COVID doesn't have to keep ruling our lives and I think that's what most people *really* mean by "endemic." When they can stop having it be the biggest thing they're scared of.