Covid-19 is endemic now, just like seasonal diseases, say public health experts in Hyderabad

Its impact has become generally manageable, similar to seasonal illnesses such as the flu, say public health experts

Hyderabad: There are clear indications that Covid-19 has become endemic not only in Telangana but across the country. As a result of its endemicity, the virus continues to circulate in different variants and causes infections whenever ideal conditions present themselves. However, its impact has now become generally manageable, similar to seasonal illnesses such as the flu, public health experts here believe.

“Covid-19 has effectively transitioned into an endemic phase, as clearly reflected in the evolving pattern of SARS-CoV-2 variants across different countries. Up until the emergence of JN.1 variant, there was a relatively uniform global pattern in variant circulation. However, post-JN.1, this trend has shifted, with each country now demonstrating its own distinct evolutionary trajectories,” says Dr Kiran Madhala, head of critical care at Gandhi Hospital.

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This divergence marks a clear departure from the previously observed global uniformity, indicating that Covid-19 variant evolution has become geographically localised, a hallmark of an endemic infection, Dr Kiran points out.

Endemic diseases are something that consistently surge every year at specific geographical areas, but can be managed. “We must realise that Covid-19 is a seasonal disease now. Unlike previous Covid waves, the new variants cause mild cold-like symptoms that even do not need hospitalisation. Basic precautions such as cough etiquette are enough,” advises Dr Ravinder Nayak, Director of Public Health (DPH), Telangana.

Since 2022-23, senior scientists, researchers and public health specialists have been noting that Covid-19 is steadily making its transition from a pandemic to an endemic disease. In fact, former Director and Distinguished Scientist, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Dr Ch Mohan Rao, had, in 2023 made it clear that Covid had reached endemic status.

“It is very clear that the Covid-19 has reached endemic stage and that’s why we are experiencing sporadic surge of infections whenever a new variant emerges. A section of the population will always get it. The disease itself will cause mild inconvenience in the form of cold, cough, fever, etc and it will be part of our lives,” he said.

Experts pointed out that at present, Covid-19 has very low level of active cases and is clearly behaving as a seasonal disease.