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Last Updated:May 19, 2025, 19:58 IST
Covid-19: “There is absolutely no need to panic, but we must stay alert and vigilant over the coming weeks,” says Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja.
The prevalent variants at present are LF.7 and NB.1.8, both descendants of JN.1, making up over two-thirds of sequenced cases in Singapore. (Photo: AP file)
As the summer of 2025 unfolds, reports of a COVID-19 uptick from countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand have begun to surface, prompting renewed global attention. While such spikes were once synonymous with colder months, this unusual summer wave has led public health experts to advise increased vigilance—though not alarm.
Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director at Max Healthcare and Senior Director at the Institute of Internal Medicine, offers a measured perspective, “What’s unusual is that this current surge is happening in the summer months, which typically are not known for respiratory virus peaks.” He attributes the uptick in infections to the JN.1 variant, a sub-lineage of Omicron that previously made headlines about a year ago.
Despite its contagious nature, JN.1 is not significantly different or more severe than past variants, Dr. Budhiraja reassures. “This variant, like others in the Omicron family, doesn’t typically cause serious illness in most people. But it does spread fast,” he says.
No Need for Alarm, But Vigilance is Key
While the symptoms remain consistent with typical COVID-19—fever, cough, fatigue, and respiratory discomfort—Dr. Budhiraja stresses that there is “nothing unique or more dangerous” about this strain. Nevertheless, he urges countries, including India, to remain alert and implement the same tried-and-tested public health measures:
Wearing masks in crowded spaces
Social distancing where possible
Self-isolation if symptomatic
Frequent handwashing
Importance of Surveillance and Border Vigilance
A critical aspect of containment, according to Dr. Budhiraja, lies in genomic surveillance and international reporting mechanisms. “Countries must have a robust reporting system and genomic testing to trace which variant is spreading,” he says.
India, he advises, should especially focus on monitoring international arrivals from affected regions and testing symptomatic individuals. “If we see any surge, particularly among travellers, then screening and isolation will be necessary. But at present, such steps on a mass scale are not required.”
Waning Immunity Could Be a Factor
A key insight shared by Dr Budhiraja is the role of waning immunity in the resurgence. “The virus hasn’t become more virulent—it’s our immunity that might have declined,” he explains, pointing out that vaccination drives have understandably slowed down, and most populations haven’t received booster doses in recent months or years.
This leaves segments of the population—especially the elderly, immunocompromised, or those with chronic conditions—vulnerable to infection. If cases rise in India, these high-risk groups should be prioritized for booster vaccinations.
India’s Current Status: No Surge, No Panic
Encouragingly, India is not currently witnessing any significant rise in COVID-19 cases. The number of active cases remains below 100, which, in the words of Dr. Budhiraja, “is at a very baseline level.”
“There is absolutely no need to panic. But we must remain alert over the next few weeks to monitor how the situation in Southeast Asia evolves and whether it begins to impact other regions,” he says.
Conclusion: Stay Calm, Stay Prepared
As the world enters a new phase of coexistence with COVID-19, experts like Dr. Budhiraja are urging both caution and composure. The resurgence in parts of Asia serves as a reminder that while the virus has become endemic, its presence hasn’t vanished.
“COVID never went away,” says Dr. Budhiraja. “It simply remained at low levels. Periodic outbreaks are part of its natural behaviour now.” The path forward, he adds, is not panic-driven lockdowns or restrictions, but measured public health responses, international cooperation, and continued vigilance.
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