It has been more than five years since humanity first came face toface with COVID-19 a global health pandemic that transformed how we live, work, and look after our health. Though the worst waves are behind us, COVID-19 did not vanish. It keeps changing, and periodic outbreaks still remind us that a constant watch is required.

At ONP Hospital we keep on offering evidence based care, educating patients, and keeping the community informed and safe.

The Current Status of COVID-19 (2025)
New Variants:
COVID-19 keeps evolving. Newer variants (such as Omicron sublineages) have a tendency to cause less severe disease, but they are more contagious., Hybrid Immunity: Everyone is now to some extent immunized by vaccines, previous infections, or both. This has greatly minimized hospitalizations and fatalities.

COVID is endemic today, similar to the flu, with seasonal cycles and minor flare ups.

Vaccination: Still Essential

Even today, in 2025, COVID-19 vaccination continues to be important, particularly for:
Older adults (age > 60), Individuals with diabetes, heart disease or lung disease – Immunocompromised patient, Healthcare workers

Booster doses (updated yearly, like flu shots) are recommended for high-risk groups. Consult your doctor to know if you’re due for a booster.

Symptoms to Watch

• COVID-19 symptoms now often resemble the common cold or flu:
• Fever, body aches • Sore throat, cough
• Runny nose, headache , Fatigue
• Loss of smell/taste (less common in newer variants)
• If symptoms do not go away or get worse, particularly in seniors or comorbid patients, see a doctor early.

When to Test

You may want to get a COVID test if:
You’re experiencing flu-like symptoms

• You’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive
  You’re going to travel or have surgery
• You live with someone who’s at risk (elderly or immunocompromised)
  Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are general usage, but RT-PCR is still the gold standard when accuracy is required.

Long COVID: A New Frontier

• Certain patients experience symptoms weeks to months post-recovery, such as:
• Fatigue, Brain fog
• Breathlessness, Sleep disturbances
• This condition, termed Long COVID, demands organized medical follow-up and rehabilitation. We at ONP Hospital offer comprehensive care for these patients.

Prevention: Old Habits Still Matter

COVID-19 retaught us the importance of simple hygiene:
Frequently wash hands , Use a mask in congested or enclosed spaces
Don’t touch your face unnecessarily, Keep spaces inside well-ventilated
Practice distance when ill
These easy habits not only avoid COVID-19 but also help decrease flu, colds, and other infections.

Last Words
COVID-19 taught us to be resilient, compassionate, and health preparedness professionals. The virus may remain with us, but panic is not needed—preparedness is.
Stay in the know. Stay guarded. Stay fit.