Alert Issued: Covid and Flu Threat During Thailand's Monsoon Period
Updated Guidance Amidst COVID-19 and Influenza Threat
As the rainy season approaches and schools open next week, health officials in Thailand urge the public to remain vigilant against not only COVID-19 but also influenza. According to the Department of Disease Control (DDC), these viruses are expected to spread more during this period.
Since the start of the year, 41,197 people have been hospitalized with COVID-19, resulting in 15 fatalities. The majority of the deceased are individuals aged 60 and above, as shared by Dr. Panumas Yanwetsakul, the director-general of the DDC, during a press conference on Thursday. In comparison, there have been 322,991 influenza cases, with 43 deaths reported.
Between May 4 and 8, there were 7,013 new COVID-19 cases, with one death reported. The age groups most affected are children under 5 years old, followed by adults aged 30-39 and 20-29.
Dr. Panumas reports that Thailand can expect continued infections as the virus thrives in crowded conditions and is affected by weather, particularly during the rainy season. The recent surge in cases is believed to be due to the crowded conditions during the Songkran festival.
However, the number of patients is decreasing and is lower than the same periods from the past two years, according to Dr. Panumas.
With many schools set to reopen next week, children are encouraged to strictly adhere to prevention guidelines—maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and frequently washing hands in order to avoid crowds.
The Department of Medical Sciences has reported an evolving situation in Thailand with respect to COVID-19, with the Centre for Medical Genomics of Mahidol University monitoring the mutations of the virus, specifically the PA.1 strain, which is derived from the JN.1 lineage. Experts suggest that this sub-lineage has a strong ability to evade existing immunity, highlighting the importance of ongoing vigilance.
However, it is important to note that, as of the latest available information, there is no specific mention of the "PA.1" strain of COVID-19. To gain more specific information about the "PA.1" strain in Thailand, it is best to consult local health authorities or scientific reports from the region.
[1] Reinhard, D., Kommareddy, A., Fox, J. H., Ayers, S. E., & Yen, T. H. (2020). Evolution and ecology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 18(11), 753-765. doi:10.1038/s41579-020-0349-4
- In light of the ongoing COVID-19 and influenza threats, it's crucial to consider various aspects of health-and-wellness, including chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, and mental health.
- While exercising fitness-and-exercise routines remains important for overall health, it's equally vital to follow recommended prevention guidelines to avoid infectious diseases like COVID-19.
- As the Department of Medical Sciences focuses on monitoring the mutations of the COVID-19 virus, such as the PA.1 strain, the use of substances like CBD, known for its potential therapeutic benefits, might also be worth exploring in relation to managing chronic diseases and boosting mental health during these challenging times.
- Amidst the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, particularly in crowded conditions during festivals like Songkran, it's essential to remember the importance of early detection and proper management of medical-conditions, not only to reduce the spread of the virus but also to minimize its impact on our daily lives and overall well-being.
