As of June 8, 2025, India is struggling to contain another alarming surge in COVID-19 cases. The active caseload of the country has also breached the 6,100 mark and stood at 6,133 as of then, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this increase came six more COVID-19 fatalities, causing waves of fear throughout public health systems and renewing questions over virus resurgence during a post-pandemic world.Though this is hardly the crisis of the previous waves, infection trajectory and changing viral subvariants indicate a changed dynamic with the virus — no longer one of emergency but one that necessitates sustained vigilance.At the lead of this fresh wave is Kerala, which reported 144 new cases within the last 24 hours, increasing its active caseload to 1,950 — roughly one-third of the country's total. West Bengal reported 71 new infections, and Delhi had 21, increasing their respective active cases to 693 and 686. Maharashtra, once a hotspot during previous waves, reported 18 new cases, taking its total to 595.This regional spread points to how the virus, although diluted in public perception, still gets around quietly, usually erupting seasonally in predictable fashion especially in city and densely populated areas.Emerging Subvariants and What We Know About ThemThe recent surge of cases is attributed by recent updates from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to several subvariants of the Omicron variant. These are JN.1, LF.7, XFG, and NB.1.8.1 — all classified under the "Variants Under Monitoring" category by the World Health Organization (WHO) up to May 2025.Although not yet designated as "Variants of Concern" or "Variants of Interest," these subvariants have shown a slightly increased transmissibility. Of concern, symptoms have been predominantly mild, akin to those of the flu or common cold.The prevalent subvariant, JN.1, covers 53% of infections in the nation today, while LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 are also starting to make their impact felt in states such as Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Specialists have warned that even though these subvariants will not be a threat at high levels in the immediate future, their capacity for mutation and propagation in huge populations should not be underrated.Doctors and virologists on all sides concur that COVID-19 is firmly established in its endemic stage within India and the world at large. Just like the flu, it should go around seasonally, along with other respiratory illnesses.The ICMR observes that India has gained good "hybrid immunity" — a blend of natural infection and vaccine-provided protection — which is providing good defense against severe illness. Dr. Rajiv Bahl, ICMR Director General, emphasized that this rise in cases now does not warrant alarm or large-scale booster vaccination campaigns. Nevertheless, he urged doctors to evaluate patients on a case-by-case basis for booster requirements, particularly with comorbidities or weakened immunity.In a nutshell, India is not technically in a medical emergency but is adjusting to a new type of long-term relationship with the virus — managing intermittent surges with forethought, not frenzy.Are Vaccines Still Relevant in 2025?India's vaccination campaign, launched in January 2021, has administered more than 2.2 billion doses so far — predominantly Covishield (AstraZeneca) and Covaxin (Bharat Biotech). Both vaccines provided substantial protection in previous waves and helped to flatten the curve.Today, public health experts indicate that though the initial vaccines might have waning efficacy against newer subvariants of Omicron, they still provide essential protection against severe disease outcomes and hospitalization.More recent nasal vaccines for Omicron-specific strains by Bharat Biotech and Indian Immunologicals were launched but experienced low public acceptance. Physicians blame this for both low risk perception and fatigue related to the pandemic. Despite this, vaccine equity and accessibility continue to be critical in preparing for any potential future variants that might gain more immune escape capacity.Hospitalizations Are Low, But Public Vigilance Must Be MaintainedWhile hospitalization has not experienced a dramatic spike, experts caution that virus underestimation could have far-reaching effects. The virus's reproductive number (R0) is presently low, signaling minimal spread, but it can rapidly become high in the event of a more contagious strain or a decline in public health measures.Dr. Bahl stressed, "COVID-19 is no longer an occasional phenomenon but a periodic challenge. We must approach it the way we approach seasonal flu — with wise habits and timely interventions."Delhi High Court Urges Protocol ReviewHaving sensed the gradual but relentless rise, the Delhi High Court recently asked the Central government to submit an exhaustive report on sample collection and transport procedures. The focus is on the need to tighten India's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the light of changing viral dynamics.This is a timely reminder: endemic COVID-19 management demands not only medical preparedness but administrative flexibility, popular awareness, and a robust surveillance system as well.Public Health Guidance for Now and the Immediate FutureThe present guidance from public health officials mirrors what the international community has collectively embraced as received wisdom:Keep practicing proper hand hygiene.Use masks in indoor, poorly ventilated, or congested settings.Self-isolate and get tested if having cold-like symptoms.Stay home and refrain from unnecessary social contacts if ill.Heed credible public health guidance and eschew disinformation.Perhaps most importantly, maintaining a healthy immune system through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate hydration, and mental well-being remains the best long-term defense against not just COVID-19, but a host of lifestyle-related illnesses.COVID May Be Endemic, But It’s Not OverIndia's June 2025 peak of more than 6,100 active cases and six reported fatalities might not be its alarum peaks of 2020 and 2021 but signals a key reality: COVID-19 is not going anywhere. As it continues to become a chronic, recurring sickness, public health infrastructure and people must now do their part to remain vigilant, behave responsibly, and maintain the hard-won lessons of the past five years.