Covid cases are reportedly surpassing influenza incidences by a factor of seven, according to industry professionals.
In the heart of Bangkok, the BMA hospitals have been treating a significant number of patients affected by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Between April and May 8, a total of 1,974 patients were treated, with 11 inpatients and 1,963 outpatients receiving care.
The current COVID-19 outbreak exhibits a higher severity and mortality compared to influenza, with differences also seen in infection rates and age group susceptibility.
Across all age groups, from young children to the elderly, COVID-19 is the leading cause of infection, causing considerably higher mortality and hospitalization rates compared to influenza. Among university-age and working adults (20-59 years), as well as the elderly (60 years and above), the ratio of COVID-19 infections to influenza infections is 10:1. Among children aged 5-19 years, the ratio is 3:1, and among children aged 0-4 years, it is 4:1.
While influenza particularly threatens young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, COVID-19 has a broader impact across age groups.
In the event of cluster outbreaks, an efficient control and prevention plan will be deployed. Proactive measures have been implemented in schools and early childhood development centres, and the department is actively raising awareness among students, parents, teachers, and school staff.
Vaccination remains fundamental for both diseases. Flu vaccination yearly reduces illness risk by 70–90% across populations in Thailand, though effectiveness varies by age and health. COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for reducing severe illness, death, and healthcare burden, especially given its higher mortality than flu.
The Medical Service Department has prepared to manage the COVID-19 situation, ensuring adequate medical personnel, hospital beds, vaccines, medicines, and necessary medical supplies. The department is also monitoring symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or runny nose and advises that if symptoms appear, an ATK test should be taken; if positive, isolation and wearing a face mask to prevent transmission are strongly advised, alongside promptly seeking medical attention.
With the new school term underway, there is a tendency for COVID-19 cases to rise, especially among young children aged 0-4 years. Influenza in Thailand occurs year-round with a higher incidence during the rainy season, typically peaking between January and June, when vaccination is recommended. However, the pandemic has disrupted typical respiratory virus seasonality patterns globally, shifting the timing of peaks and even causing some expected peaks (like RSV) to be missing or delayed.
In conclusion, while both viruses infect similar vulnerable groups, COVID-19 leads to higher mortality and more severe clinical outcomes. Vaccination remains fundamental for both diseases, with timing and policy adapted to local virus circulation patterns. The department is committed to ensuring the safety and health of the public during these challenging times.
- In light of the higher mortality and severity of COVID-19, it's crucial for the health-and-wellness sector to prioritize managing chronic diseases and medical-conditions to ensure a balanced focus and adequate resources.
- The interactive overlap between politics and health issues is evident when considering the allocation of resources for controlling chronic diseases and addressing the rise in cases of chronic diseases among working adults, possibly due to increased stress from their work environment.
- In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, it's essential for the science community to collaborate with the business sector on research and development to discover novel treatments for chronic diseases and mend disrupted health patterns caused by the pandemic.
