How does SARS-CoV-2's capacity compare to endemic common cold coronaviruses regarding healthcare impact?

SARS-CoV-2 still possesses the capacity to overwhelm healthcare systems during spikes, unlike the common cold viruses

While SARS-CoV-2 is trending towards an endemic state similar to common cold coronaviruses, which infect frequently but cause mild illness in healthy adults, a key difference remains concerning population impact. The common cold viruses have long established an equilibrium characterized by frequent but generally mild infections, rarely leading to mass hospitalization in the general population. In contrast, even with widespread immunity, SARS-CoV-2 retains the inherent potential, especially during spikes or with the emergence of new problematic variants, to cause severe disease that can rapidly overwhelm existing healthcare infrastructure. This lingering capacity for severe strain necessitates continued vigilance regarding vaccine boosters and ongoing surveillance.