0
0
Hyderabad, May 27, 2025 — In a significant development, leading scientists and public health experts have declared that Covid-19 has transitioned from a global pandemic to an endemic disease, now behaving similarly to seasonal flu. This shift comes as the world witnesses a recent uptick in Covid-19 cases, but experts emphasize that the current variants do not pose a major threat.
Dr. N Madhusudhana Rao, CEO of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Incubation Centre, explained that the response to Covid-19 has evolved substantially since the first and second waves. “During the first wave, we didn’t know much about the virus. Measures like spraying bleach on roads were unnecessary, as the virus primarily spreads through the air,” Dr. Rao said. He further noted that some treatments, such as administering steroids to mildly affected patients, were the result of limited knowledge at the time.
Over the years, both the scientific community and the public have learned to manage Covid-19 more effectively. Dr. Rao highlighted that basic treatment is generally sufficient for those without co-morbidities, and that the mass administration of vaccines during the third and fourth waves played a crucial role in controlling the spread.
However, with the virus now endemic, Dr. Rao stressed the importance of assessing the efficacy of existing vaccines. “The current vaccines were developed based on earlier variants. Now, we must determine which vaccines are still effective. A comprehensive survey is needed,” he said.
The CCMB, which previously maintained live Covid-19 viruses in secure laboratories to support vaccine development, has ceased this activity, and genome sequencing efforts have also stopped. According to Dr. Rao, the pattern of SARS-CoV-2 variants has changed since the emergence of the JN.1 variant, with each country now exhibiting its own evolutionary trajectory.
Experts agree that there is no need for panic or extreme measures. “There is no need for a rush to vaccinate or adopt drastic steps. We have learned how to manage the situation effectively,” Dr. Rao reassured.
The transition of Covid-19 to an endemic disease means it is now regularly found in certain populations and is unlikely to be eradicated, much like the seasonal flu.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on expert opinions and recent statements reported by The Economic Times HealthWorld. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. For personal health concerns or questions about Covid-19, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Citations:
