COVID-19 Update: A Seasonal Respiratory Disease

September 17, 2024 – Prof. Dr. Yong Phuworawan, Head of Clinical Virology Specialty Center Department of Pediatrics Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University, shares insights on the current state of COVID-19.

Decrease in COVID-19 Cases

According to Prof. Dr. Yong Phuworawan, the number of COVID-19 patients has decreased significantly. Data from a study conducted this year on about 6,000 patients with respiratory diseases shows that the number of COVID patients detected is about 5% of respiratory patients.

The graph illustrates the decrease in COVID-19 cases, with a significant drop from 30% of patients with respiratory diseases during the epidemic at the beginning of the rainy season.

Future Trends and Severity

Prof. Dr. Yong Phuworawan predicts that the number of COVID-19 cases will continue to decrease until November, followed by a slight increase as the new year approaches. However, the severity of the disease has always tended to decrease.

COVID-19: A Seasonal Respiratory Disease

COVID-19 is considered a seasonal respiratory disease, similar to influenza and RSV. Prof. Dr. Yong Phuworawan emphasizes that COVID-19 is no longer a major concern, with fewer than 300 deaths expected this year and even fewer in subsequent years.

Prevention and Guidelines

To prevent COVID-19, individuals can follow guidelines similar to those for preventing other respiratory diseases, such as exercising regularly and taking precautions to avoid infection.