As holiday lights twinkle and festive cheer fills the air, the shadow of COVID-19 looms once again. The past few winters have almost come to be identified with the dreaded "winter wave" of infections, which could potentially disrupt holiday gatherings and stretch healthcare systems to breaking point. Unlike in the summit of 2020 and the height of 2021 cases, hospitalizations, and death levels the panorama for 2024 continues proving complex and unpredictable. Having reached the sixth year from the start of the epidemic, COVID-19 challenges health systems worldwide.

From reports by the World Health Organization, between October 14 and November 10, 2024, fresh cases were reported from 77 countries. Then 27 nations documented the death toll due to coronavirus. Although the number of cases has been decreasing the past few months, the virus is not eradicated. In fact, it has mutated, and new types have emerged, such as the KP.3.1.1 and XEC, which are being followed closely for their possible role in altering transmissibility, severity, and vaccines' effectiveness.

Uncommon Patterns of Viral Activity This Year

What makes this year different is a peculiar trend that occurred from September to November. Levels of the virus in wastewater—a good predictor of community transmission—were surprisingly low. Hospitalizations and deaths were also trending toward record lows during this period. Yet recent CDC data shows a sharp uptick in viral activity in December, which leaves experts wondering if a delayed winter wave is on the horizon.

The unusual timing of this potential wave could also present a silver lining: it may fall outside the typical flu and RSV seasons, thereby decreasing the peak burden on hospitals simultaneously. However, uncertainty continues to prevail, and so, this holiday season remains one of the most unpredictable in history.

Also Read: Could COVID-19 Help Fight Cancer? A Groundbreaking Study Finds Out the Link

Lingering Health Crisis Post-COVID-19

Even as acute cases decline, the long-term effects of COVID-19 remain a significant concern. Post-COVID-19 condition, commonly referred to as "long COVID," affects approximately 6.2% of individuals who had symptomatic infections. Symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive impairments like "brain fog" continue to plague millions, imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

The WHO emphasizes the urgency of addressing PCC and requests that researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers work more closely together. Even though there is a reported reduction in new cases of PCC-this is likely because of the widespread vaccination, new treatment protocols, and less virulent variants-the numbers are overwhelming.

Other Emerging Global Health Threats

While SARS-CoV-2 remains a global concern, there are many other infectious diseases health officials keep track of. Malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis together claim close to 2 million lives annually, which reminds people of the persistent threat that these longstanding diseases have on people. There are emerging pathogens that are resistant to current treatments, so vigilance by scientists and public health experts is constantly called for.

One of the most widely recognized viruses is H5N1, or bird flu. The influenza A subtype has been shown to cross species boundaries, affecting not only birds but also dairy cattle in the U.S. and horses in Mongolia. According to experts, H5N1 can be one of the key public health concerns for the year 2025. This can further complicate the fight against SARS-CoV-2. Essential

Vital Role of Vaccines in the COVID-19 Fight

The core of COVID-19 prevention continues to be vaccines. Vaccines have been recommended in various new formulations in the hope of preparing for current variants ahead of the winter virus season. But vaccine effectiveness may change as new strains emerge, thus requiring ongoing research and adjustment.

The global community needs to focus on equitable access to vaccines. Inequalities in access continue to plague efforts to control the pandemic, especially in regions where healthcare resources are already spread thin in low-income regions.

With life adapting to COVID-19, the need for vigilance and preparedness remains. Measures in public health such as mask-wearing in crowded places, regular hand hygiene, and keeping abreast with the vaccinations are important weapons against the spread of the virus.

Future threats include H5N1. Looking ahead, addressing the long-term challenge of PCC and preparing for future threats like H5N1 will be robust with proper global collaboration. Investment in health care infrastructure, research, and education is very crucial for resilience against pandemics.

Preparing for 2025: Lessons to Learn

The end of 2024 is nigh, and the COVID-19 landscape has never looked so familiar yet unpredictable. While hope lies in improvements in vaccines and treatment, there are still new variants appearing, and PCC's lingering presence reminds everyone that COVID-19 is far from won. Being informed and taking proactive steps can get through uncertainties while securing public health and well-being.

This holiday season, let's celebrate responsibly, keeping both loved ones and broader communities safe. The lessons of the past six years underscore the importance of resilience, adaptability, and collective action in overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.

Two passengers travelling in Singapore airlines arrived in New Zealand with measles symptoms. However, reported The Strait Times, that they are not linked to any other known cases, as noted by the Communicable Disease Agency (CDA).

The agency told the media outlet that it was notified on February 25 that two Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers infected with measles landed in Auckland, New Zealand. Both were from the same household and flown from Hyderabad, India. They transited in Singapore for two hours before boarding an SIA flight to Auckland.

CDA investigation also revealed that these two cases remained in the transit area at Changi Airport. Associate Professor Lim Poh Lian, group director of the CDA's Communicable Disease Programmes, as reported by The Strait Times noted that the individuals were reported to have developed symptoms only while onboard the flight from Singapore to Auckland.

New Zealand media earlier reported that the two cases were detected after the individuals arrived in Auckland on flight SQ281 on February 17. The country’s public health authority began tracing passengers seated in rows 31 to 46 on the same flight, along with people who were present in the waiting area of Waitakere Hospital’s Emergency Department on February 21.

“Based on the onset of their symptoms, they were infected before transiting through Singapore and are not linked to any other known measles cases in Singapore,” Prof Lim said.

She also clarified that their time in transit through Singapore did not coincide with that of a previously reported measles case involving a passenger who had passed through Singapore en route to Los Angeles in the United States.

What Is Measles?

Measles has a high transmissibility, and high measles immunity levels are required to prevent sustained measles virus transmission.

This is why herd immunity for measles could be easily breached.

It easily spreads from one infected person to another through breathes, coughs or sneezes and could cause severe disease, complications, and even death.

Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny Nose
• Rash all over the body

The most unique symptom or the early sign of measles in the Koplik spots. These are tiny white dots that look like grains of salt on red gums inside the cheeks that appear before the red rash starts to appear on a person's face and then the body.

Furthermore, the symptoms of measles are also characterized by the three Cs:

• Cough
• Coryza or runny nose
• Conjunctivitis or red and water eyes

Update On The Passengers Who Landed In New Zealand

The passenger on flight SQ38 arrived at Los Angeles International Airport at about 7pm on February 9, after a roughly two-and-a-half-hour transit at Changi Airport following a flight from Cambodia.

Prof Lim said the most effective protection against measles is to be fully vaccinated before travelling. She also advised travellers to practise good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with anyone who is unwell.

Anyone who develops symptoms like fever, rash, cough, red or watery eyes, or a runny nose should wear a mask, seek medical care promptly, and inform their doctor about their recent travel and any possible exposure to measles, she added.

In response to queries, Singapore Airlines told The Straits Times that it is working closely with the authorities but cannot share specific details due to customer confidentiality.

In a major push towards eliminating cervical cancer from India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program for girls aged 14 years.

The new vaccination drive comes as cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India, with nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths reported annually. As per data from the ICMR-National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP), an estimated 78,499 new cases and 42,392 deaths were reported in 2024.

Calling it a "decisive step”, the government noted that it is aimed at “strengthening the vision of ‘swasth nari’ (healthy women) while being rooted in scientific evidence, strict regulatory oversight and global best practices”.

“India's vaccination drive reflects safety, responsibility, and long-term commitment to women’s health,” it added.

The national program will use Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11.

However, social media has been rife with concerns around the safety of the vaccine, its impact on women’s reproductive health, among others.

HPV Vaccine: The Myths And Facts

Myth: HPV vaccines can cause severe side effects and even death.

Fact: The HPV vaccines come with a “confirmed strong safety record”.

“Extensive global monitoring shows a strong safety profile supported by scientific reviews. Independent evaluations have found no causal link between vaccination and chronic harm, strengthening confidence in its continued use worldwide,” the government said.

The vaccine has been licensed in India since 2008, and the new rollout follows recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and approvals from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).

“HPV vaccines have been given to hundreds of millions globally. Extensive post-marketing surveillance shows an excellent safety profile, with no causal link to serious adverse outcomes. The evidence is robust, transparent, and reassuring,” Dr. CS Pramesh, Director of the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, shared in a post on the social media platform X.

Myth: The HPV vaccine has never been used in India

Fact: The vaccine has been in use in India. It has been administered for years since 2008 with successful implementation in states like Punjab, Sikkim, and Tamil Nadu.

Myth: HPV vaccination does not prevent cervical cancer

Fact: The HPV vaccine has been proven to prevent cervical cancer

Studies show a 65 percent drop in cervical cancer cases among US women between 2012 and 2019 and an 88-89 percent reduction in precancerous lesions among Scottish women over a decade.

Countries with early HPV vaccine adoption have also shown large declines in HPV infection, high-grade cervical lesions, and cervical cancer incidence.

"Even when considering the rarest side effects, HPV vaccines are overwhelmingly safe. The protection they offer against cervical cancer far outweighs the minimal risks. Parents are encouraged to vaccinate their daughters on time," said Dr. Neena Malhotra, Professor and Head of Department, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AIIMS New Delhi on X.

Myths: Are Multiple Doses Needed?

Fact: A single dose of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine is effective. It provides strong protection against HPV infection. It helps prevent cervical cancer.

“Strong global and Indian scientific evidence confirms that a single dose provides robust and durable protection when administered to girls in the recommended age group," the government said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 14 years from Rajasthan's Ajmer.

The initiative marks a decisive step towards eliminating cervical cancer through timely HPV vaccination. Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India. Nearly 80,000 new cases and over 42,000 deaths are reported annually in the country.

"Today, I have had the opportunity to launch the HPV vaccine campaign from Ajmer. This campaign is an important step towards empowering women and daughters of this country,” PM Modi said.

“For us, this was a sensitive issue tied to the insult of our sisters and daughters, one that made them ill. That is why we resolved it at a crucial turning point in their mission,” he added.

The World Health Organization has also lauded India's mission to launch the HPV vaccine and prevent the risk of cervical cancer.

“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the daughters of the country are healthy and prosperous. The objective of this initiative is the prevention of cervical cancer," the Prime Minister, earlier wrote in a post on social media platform X.

The HPV Vaccination Campaign

The nationwide program, based on expert recommendations of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), will target girls aged 14 years.

At 14, the HPV vaccine offers maximum preventive benefit, well before potential exposure to the virus.

"By prioritizing prevention at the right age, the program is expected to provide lifelong protection and significantly reduce the future burden of cervical cancer in the country," the government said.

“The HPV vaccine works best at 9-14 years, before exposure, and when the immune response is strongest. Studies show effectiveness is highest in younger age groups and decreases with age,” Dr. Parmod Kumar, Associate Professor in Medical Oncology, AIIMS Jodhpur, shared on X.

Vaccination under the national program will be voluntary and free of cost.

The HPV vaccination will be conducted exclusively at designated government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Primary Health Centers), Community Health Centers, Sub-District and District Hospitals, and Government Medical Colleges.

Cervical Cancer Burden In South East Asia

Despite being preventable, cervical cancer continues to claim the life of a woman every two minutes globally, and the WHO South-East Asia Region bears nearly one-quarter of the global burden.

Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia, stated that the introduction of HPV vaccination at a national scale in India "will have a far-reaching impact". It will accelerate progress not only for the country, but for the region and the world, she said.

“This landmark step, led at the highest level of government, reflects India’s strong commitment to protecting adolescent girls from cervical cancer," said Dr. Boehme.

With today’s milestone, nine of the 10 countries in the Region now include HPV vaccination in their national immunization programs.

The WHO global targets for 2030 include vaccinating 90 percent of girls by age 15, screening 70 percent of women by ages 35 and 45, and ensuring 90 percent of women with pre-cancer and invasive cancer receive appropriate treatment.