Thailand sees rise in COVID and flu infections

Thailand has recorded nearly 100,000 COVID-19 cases so far this year, but medical authorities report a decline in severity, even as seasonal infections peak alongside a wider influenza outbreak.

Dr. Jurai Wongsawat, spokesperson for the Department of Disease Control (DDC), said on Tuesday that cumulative COVID-19 infections reached 99,691 through Aug 31, with 15 fatalities, reflecting a low mortality rate of 0.02%.

Infants under one year old represent the highest infection rate, while the elderly and those with chronic health conditions remain the most vulnerable to severe illness.

Of the 15 fatalities, 14 were aged 60 or over, with most suffering from pre-existing chronic diseases.

DDC spokesperson and senior medical officer Dr. Weerawat Manosuthi noted that current dominant strains belong to the Omicron lineage, led by NB.1.8.1, which accounts for more than half of reported cases.

There is no evidence indicating higher severity, with symptoms mostly mirroring the common cold, including mild fever, cough, sore throat and a runny nose.

Meanwhile, influenza infections have surged past 330,000 this year, resulting in 48 deaths.

Schoolchildren aged between 5 and 14 face the highest infection rates. 30 of the 48 fatalities occurred among individuals aged 60 and over.

Health officials advise high-risk individuals, particularly senior citizens and those with underlying medical conditions, to wear face masks in crowded areas, wash their hands regularly and isolate when showing symptoms to curb transmission.