The pandemic isn’t over. But many people are tired of paying notice to the many health and safety warnings aimed at fighting the spread of COVID-19. That’s human nature. There’s even a term for it, “COVID fatigue.”

Some people are just zoning out. They’re complacent. Or they’re not sure about changing recommendations and rules. And sometimes they follow ideas that aren’t even true.  

But care is still needed to protect your health, and the health of others.

There are two kinds of fatigue now: one is being weary with the whole worry of COVID and overwhelmed at the need to be careful for months and now even years. The stress is both urgent – and there for a long, long time.

The other COVID fatigue is bodily exhaustion, one of the many signs of the sickness. You can take action to fight your chance of getting that kind by getting vaccinated and following basic health and safety rules, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Some people who have been fully vaccinated can safely pick up some actions they may have avoided, like dining indoors and travel. But the CDC urges more extensive precautions  for those who are not vaccinated.

Unsure Times

Fighting the stress-linked COVID fatigue is hard, too. It's time to develop coping skills, which include talking about our fears and stress, says University of California Davis Health. 

“We’re tired of being cooped up, tired of being careful, tired of being scared. Our collective fatigue is making some people careless,” says Kaye Hermanson, UC Davis Health psychologist. "However, facing this fatigue is important for our personal health and for beating the coronavirus that has shaken American life so completely. Many people grasp this, which adds to their exhaustion and stress. We can continue to do what we can to care for ourselves, and our attitudes,” she says.

Things that Still Help

You can help take control of the situation in the ways you did at the start of the pandemic. Model safe actions. That can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases like the flu:

• Stay home if you’re sick.
• Wash your hands often.
• Wear a mask around others.

Think of Others

You can take steps to help you carry on protecting your health and the health of people around you.

Tips to make it simpler from Johns Hopkins Medicine: 

• Make a pledge to be safe.
• Stay flexible as safety rules change.
• Build up precautions until they feel normal to you.
• Keep your masks and other supplies handy.
• Learn about people’s health stories. That can help make protecting others more personal to you.
• Involve children by giving them choices, when possible.

Protect Your Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you are struggling, reach out to your primary care doctor. They may be able to help or they may guide you to someone else.

Don’t forget the basics, such as reaching out to others, eating healthy food and drinking plenty of water. Try getting some exercise and plenty of sleep. The CDC has tips on managing stress and anxiety  linked to the pandemic.

Check out help for other COVID-related health concerns.

Sources: Your COVID-19 Vaccination,  How to Protect Yourself & Others,  Coping with Stress,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021; 'COVID fatigue' is hitting hard. Fighting it is hard, too,  University of California Davis, 2020; How to Deal with Coronavirus Burnout and Pandemic Fatigue,  Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2020.