Covid is now endemic: Top pulmonologist Randeep Guleria on vaccines, staying safe

India Today

04-06-2025

India is once again seeing a rise in Covid-19 cases, with some regions reporting more severe illness, and even fatalities.Dr. Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS chief and a senior pulmonologist, has explained why this is happening and what we can do to protect ourselves.COVID IS STILL AROUND, BUT IT'S CHANGED
According to Dr. Guleria, Covid-19 has not gone away. 'We are now in an endemic stage, meaning the virus is here to stay and will keep changing,' he said in an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in.advertisementThe current increase in cases is being caused by a sub-variant of Omicron, known as JN.1. This variant spreads more easily because it has changed in a way that helps it escape the immunity people developed from earlier infections or vaccines.While most people may experience only mild symptoms, those with weak immunity, such as the elderly or people with serious health conditions, are at a higher risk of severe illness and even death.
The current increase in cases is being caused by a sub-variant of Omicron, known as JN.1. (Photo: Generative AI)
He said that as variants keep evolving with changes in their spike protein, the overall immunity has wanned since the vaccine was taken 2-3 years ago. But also, mutating variants seems to evade the immune system, leading to increased cases.advertisementThe Omicron sub-variant is behaving like a viral infection that peaks during monsoon. 'In northern India we see two peaks, one in winter and one in monsoon. But in places like Chennai and other southern parts, it peaks in October,' said Dr. Guleria.WHAT ABOUT THE OLD VACCINES?Dr. Guleria explained that the vaccines we took two or three years ago were designed to fight the original strain of the virus from Wuhan, China.As the virus has changed, the effectiveness of those vaccines has gone down.'They don't offer the same level of protection now,' he said. Because of this, getting another dose of the old vaccine may not be helpful.However, Dr. Guleria strongly recommends that everyone, especially the elderly and people with existing health problems, take the flu vaccine.
As the virus has changed, the effectiveness of those vaccines has gone down. ()
While it won't protect against Covid-19, it can prevent influenza, which can also be dangerous for high-risk groups.WHO NEEDS TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL?advertisementPeople over the age of 60, those with conditions like diabetes or heart disease, and anyone on immune-suppressing medications should avoid crowded indoor spaces.'Wear a mask if you must go out and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour,' said Dr. Guleria.The same advice applies to younger people with health issues.For the average healthy person, mask-wearing is not necessary unless you're around someone who is sick or in a high-risk setting.Office workers, for example, don't need masks unless they belong to a vulnerable group.SHOULD YOU GET TESTED?Dr. Guleria said that not everyone with cold or cough symptoms needs to get tested for Covid.
For the average healthy person, mask-wearing is not necessary unless you're around someone who is sick or in a high-risk setting. ()
'If your symptoms are mild and you're otherwise healthy, you can stay at home and recover,' he said.But if you have a high fever, chest discomfort, or are not getting better, especially if you are elderly or have other illnesses, you should get tested.advertisementTesting helps in choosing the right treatment, whether for flu or Covid-19.India is once again seeing a rise in Covid-19 cases, with some regions reporting more severe illness and even fatalities.Dr. Randeep Guleria, a senior pulmonologist at Medanta Hospital, has explained why this is happening and what we can do to protect ourselves.STAY HOME IF YOU'RE SICKEven if you're young and healthy, it's important to avoid going to work or school if you're sick.'This helps break the chain of infection,' Dr. Guleria said. If you test positive for Covid-19, isolating for at least five days is still recommended.Dr. Guleria expects the current wave to continue for a while before it slows down. While the illness remains mild for most, he has urged everyone to be cautious, especially those at higher risk.INFECTIOUS DISEASE CRISISThe expert also highlighted the growing threat of infectious diseases in general and the need for better public health systems.
Even if you're young and healthy, it's important to avoid going to work or school if you're sick. ()
advertisement'We've seen many outbreaks in the last 25 years. We need stronger surveillance and emergency plans to prepare for future health threats,' said Dr. Guleria.Even if you're young and healthy, it's important to avoid going to work or school if you're sick.'This helps break the chain of infection,' Dr. Guleria said. If you test positive for Covid-19, isolating for at least five days is still recommended.Dr. Guleria expects the current wave to continue for a while before it slows down. While the illness remains mild for most, he has urged everyone to be cautious, especially those at higher risk.Tune InMust Watch