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Rachel V Thomas

COVID Spikes In India: Experts Allay Fears, Stress Vaccination And Masks

The recent rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths in Andhra Pradesh has renewed concerns over the virus, prompting neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu and Odisha to step up surveillance. Andhra Pradesh has reported three COVID-related deaths along with several active cases.

However, health experts say the current situation does not indicate a major public health threat and have urged people to focus on prevention rather than panic.

Tamil Nadu's Health Department has also clarified that there is no evidence of a highly virulent COVID-19 variant circulating in the state. Officials noted that current COVID-19 infections remain lower than in previous years.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/omicron-sub-lineages-drive-covid-surge-in-india-why-deaths-are-occurring-article-155088525" data-type="tilCustomLink">Omicron Sub-Lineages Likely Behind COVID Surge In India: Why Deaths Are Occurring</a>

"The SARS-CoV-2 virus never truly disappears; it continues to resurface through new mutations. Viral strains naturally mutate as part of their evolution, making viral illnesses highly dynamic," Dr Abha Mashur, Pulmonologist at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, told HealthandMe.

She said the key concern is not the emergence of new variants, but the severity of disease they cause.

"At present, we are predominantly seeing upper respiratory involvement and milder cases of viral illness," said Dr Mashur, adding that Lilavati Hospital has admitted only one or two COVID-19 patients recently, all of whom required monitoring but experienced only mild illness.

While most infections are mild, experts caution that certain groups remain vulnerable to severe disease. These include:

<ul><li>Elderly individuals</li><li>Pregnant women</li><li>People with chronic heart disease</li><li>Patients with COPD or interstitial lung disease (ILD)</li><li>Those with chronic kidney or liver disease</li><li>Immunocompromised individuals.</li></ul>

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/13-5-million-children-remain-zero-dose-in-2025-despite-global-vaccination-gains-un-report-article-155104143" data-type="tilCustomLink">13.5 Million Children Remain Zero-Dose In 2025 Despite Global Vaccination Gains: UN Report</a>

<h2>Omicron Subvariants Circulating In India</h2>

According to Dr Mashur, the current wave is being driven by Omicron subvariants — the JN.1 variant and the BA.3.2 variant — that remain highly transmissible but are not causing severe illness in most people.

JN.1: The expert explained that the JN.1 variant is highly transmissible and possesses enhanced immune-evasion capabilities, allowing it to partially bypass immunity from previous infection or vaccination. However, she said it continues to cause predominantly mild illness compared to earlier variants.

BA.3.2: The BA.3.2 variant has accumulated a large number of mutations, raising concerns about immune escape. Despite this, available evidence suggests it has not led to more severe disease and is not currently considered a cause for alarm.

COVID-19 Cases Surging Again In India: 3 Deaths Reported In Andhra Pradesh | Who Is Most At Risk?

The experts stressed that the current rise in cases should encourage vigilance rather than fear. Vaccination, masking in high-risk settings, and early medical consultation remain the most effective tools to reduce transmission and protect vulnerable populations.

"The current situation should not create panic, but should prompt people to seek medical attention early. Those who develop symptoms of a viral infection should avoid public spaces and consult a doctor promptly so that transmission can be curtailed at the earliest," Dr Mashur said.

Dr Neha Rastogi, Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, urged people to continue following basic preventive measures.

"To reduce the risk of infection, people should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, wear masks in crowded indoor settings, maintain hand hygiene, ensure good ventilation, and avoid close contact when unwell. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or breathlessness should get tested and seek timely medical advice."

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The recent rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths in Andhra Pradesh has renewed concerns over the virus, prompting neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu and Odisha to step up surveillance. Andhra Pradesh has reported three COVID-related deaths along with several active cases.However, health experts say the current situation does not indicate a major public health threat and have urged people to focus on prevention rather than panic.Tamil Nadu's Health Department has also clarified that there is no evidence of a highly virulent COVID-19 variant circulating in the state. Officials noted that current COVID-19 infections remain lower than in previous years.Virus Continues To Evolve Also read: Omicron Sub-Lineages Likely Behind COVID Surge In India: Why Deaths Are Occurring"The SARS-CoV-2 virus never truly disappears; it continues to resurface through new mutations. Viral strains naturally mutate as part of their evolution, making viral illnesses highly dynamic," Dr Abha Mashur, Pulmonologist at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, told HealthandMe.She said the key concern is not the emergence of new variants, but the severity of disease they cause."At present, we are predominantly seeing upper respiratory involvement and milder cases of viral illness," said Dr Mashur, adding that Lilavati Hospital has admitted only one or two COVID-19 patients recently, all of whom required monitoring but experienced only mild illness.Who Is At Higher Risk?While most infections are mild, experts caution that certain groups remain vulnerable to severe disease. These include:Elderly individualsPregnant womenPeople with chronic heart diseasePatients with COPD or interstitial lung disease (ILD)Those with chronic kidney or liver diseaseImmunocompromised individuals.Read More: 13.5 Million Children Remain Zero-Dose In 2025 Despite Global Vaccination Gains: UN ReportOmicron Subvariants Circulating In IndiaAccording to Dr Mashur, the current wave is being driven by Omicron subvariants — the JN.1 variant and the BA.3.2 variant — that remain highly transmissible but are not causing severe illness in most people. JN.1: The expert explained that the JN.1 variant is highly transmissible and possesses enhanced immune-evasion capabilities, allowing it to partially bypass immunity from previous infection or vaccination. However, she said it continues to cause predominantly mild illness compared to earlier variants.BA.3.2: The BA.3.2 variant has accumulated a large number of mutations, raising concerns about immune escape. Despite this, available evidence suggests it has not led to more severe disease and is not currently considered a cause for alarm.No Need for Panic   The experts stressed that the current rise in cases should encourage vigilance rather than fear. Vaccination, masking in high-risk settings, and early medical consultation remain the most effective tools to reduce transmission and protect vulnerable populations."The current situation should not create panic, but should prompt people to seek medical attention early. Those who develop symptoms of a viral infection should avoid public spaces and consult a doctor promptly so that transmission can be curtailed at the earliest," Dr Mashur said.Dr Neha Rastogi, Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, urged people to continue following basic preventive measures."To reduce the risk of infection, people should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, wear masks in crowded indoor settings, maintain hand hygiene, ensure good ventilation, and avoid close contact when unwell. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or breathlessness should get tested and seek timely medical advice."

covid spikes in india: experts allay fears, stress vaccination and masks

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