Norman M. Estin, M.D., medical director of Doctors On Call Urgent Care and Testing Centers, is optimistic about 2022 and the future on Maui and in Hawaii.

HONOKOWAI — “It may seem funny,” says Dr. Norman Estin, medical director of Doctors On Call Urgent Care and Testing Centers, “but the Omicron variant may turn out to be the best thing that has happened so far in this whole Coronavirus epidemic!”

As we finish year two of what Bill Gates called “Our First Modern Pandemic,” Dr. Estin is optimistic about the coming year and the future on Maui and in Hawaii.

According to Estin, Hawaii is at or near the peak number of cases right now, but the hospitalizations will go up in two weeks — especially in those who are not vaccinated or boosted. Still, the numbers will not be as great as two years ago when it all started. And with every positive case and every vaccination and booster, we will build our resistance and immunity.

He agrees with most epidemic experts, and most recently, Dr. Mark Mugiishi, president of HMSA, that we now have a variant, Omicron, that is very catchy but just not as serious as the Delta or other earlier strains. Our bodies will be mildly sick for a couple of days, and have to miss work or school, but will develop antibody weapons and learn how to fight newer strains in the future.

Estin calls the new mRNA vaccines, made by Moderna and Pfizer and developed at incredible speed, a “godsend.”

He noted, “They will protect us from a serious case while we build up antibodies, especially if we get boosted. We need the boosters because our immunity fades.”

“The inescapable truth from the beginning is that ALL of us will get exposed to the Coronavirus eventually. There is NO escape. It’s in the air we have to breathe, and goes where it wants in the world, aided greatly by people flying in planes who are carrying it. There have always been only three options: one, get vaccinated and protected from a serious case or death; two, get exposed to the virus and get a very mild case but possibly a serious one; and three, get a serious case and wind up in Intensive Care or dying.”

Maui residents can probably expect limitations on capacity at indoor events for a while and disruptions at work and schools for months to come. But overall, they will become less and less as more and more people of all ages either get the vaccine or slowly build up their immunity, which they are doing by being exposed to the Omicron variant.

“We will still need to mask when indoors and watch our distance from people, all to slow down the spread and prevent many, many people all getting sick at once,” he explained.

“The rest of world, without the vaccines, will take longer, up to five years. Meanwhile, for us here, the Coronavirus will become what is called ‘endemic’ — just one of the viruses doctors test for along with the flu, etc. It will probably never totally disappear, but it will become just a seasonal nuisance.”

So, with all these developments that Dr. Estin considers really good news in the long term, what should we in West Maui actually DO?

First, suggests Dr. Estin, be thankful and grateful to live here on Maui, a healthy outdoor-oriented life with clean air, a vibrant ocean, a wonderful cultural heritage and the easy ability to connect with family and community. “We are way more fortunate than anyone else in the world.”

Second, make sure to keep protecting yourself, your family and community with vaccinations, boosters and mask-wearing when advised. “To help us get back to normal even faster, encourage those you know who haven’t done so to get the vaccine and booster. Otherwise, they are at risk forever. And, of course, see a doctor if you are sick,” he added.

Third, use your “extra time” to think about the choices you can control in your life from now on. Enormous global events like wars and pandemics can get us to do that. Think of your “bucket list,” of course, the things you’ve always wanted to do — travel, spend more time with family, take more time in nature, whatever it is for you.

“But just as important as your ‘bucket list,’ “ says Dr. Estin, “is your ‘chuck it’ list — what can you do without? You might think about how are you wasting your precious time and energy on this Earth with meaningless activities or toxic people.”

“Pandemics, like wars, will always be with us, but never last forever. So, as this Coronavirus pandemic fades in the next year, at least here on Maui, make some personal changes for the better, too,” he concluded.