Srinagar, June 2: Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, doctors have urged people not to panic, given that the virus is behaving more like a seasonal infection.
Dr. Aijaz Nabbi Koul, head of the Infectious Diseases unit at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), said the resurgence of COVID is being observed not only in India but also in Southeast Asia, the United States, and Australia. “You can say it is cosmopolitan now,” he said, underlining the global nature of the virus’s ongoing presence.
According to Dr. Koul, the recent uptick in cases is largely expected in vulnerable populations, especially the frail, elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with multiple comorbidities.
“There is no need to panic as long as these are descendants of the Omicron variant,” he added. “It will follow seasonality and rationality in the years, decades, and centuries to come—just like Influenza.”
India is witnessing a significant resurgence in Covid-19 cases, with active infections rising from 257 on May 22 to 3,961 by Monday, June 2, a more than 15-fold increase in just ten days.
Jammu and Kashmir currently has seven active COVID-19 cases, with no new infections reported from the Kashmir division in the past two days.
The specialist emphasized that only a significant genetic shift—what he called a “gross mutation”—in the virus could trigger another pandemic. “I believe the virus will undergo genetic changes in the next 5 to 7 years. It may resurface then with higher mortality, but for now, it is manageable,” he said.
Dr. Koul advised people to continue following basic preventive measures, especially during the ongoing festival and wedding seasons. “Practice physical distancing, ensure good air exchange in closed spaces, and keep your hands and frequently touched objects clean,” he urged.
He shared that over the past year, he had seen “odd cases of Covid once every month or two,” but expects activity to gradually increase in the coming months.
However, he reassured that the situation is “nothing alarming.”
“We saw a lot of Influenza and RSV cases in recent months. Now, I expect some COVID activity to continue through the coming winter,” he added.
Health experts valley-wide have echoed similar sentiments, urging continued vigilance without panic, as COVID transitions into an endemic phase much like seasonal flu.
“We don’t need to panic. People should follow hand hygiene, and the vulnerable section should maintain exercise with more caution,” said Dr Arsalaan Ahmad, a physician.