As COVID-19 cases rise in India, top biologist Dr Vineeta Bal said the new variants are not very dangerous. Dr Bal, who worked at the National Institute of Immunology, explained that although the virus is changing and spreading, it is not as serious as past waves like Delta.

Many areas in India are seeing more COVID-19 cases, mainly because of new versions of the virus. But experts say these new cases are not leading to more severe illness or more deaths. Most people who are dying now are older or have serious health problems, especially those still recovering from past infections.

The virus now is different from 2021

Dr Bal said the current Covid-19 wave is very different from the Delta wave in 2021. She explained, “Back then, the virus was new to our bodies, and people had not faced it before. That caused many severe illnesses and a big health crisis.” The situation with Covid-19 has changed a lot now. Many people have either been vaccinated or have already had the virus, which has helped build immunity in the community. 

She also said that most people have some protection because they have had Covid or at least one vaccine dose, so their bodies can fight the virus better. She explained that Covid is now similar to the flu, with new versions of the virus appearing sometimes, but serious illness mostly affects people who are at higher risk. While the virus is not gone and can still spread, the overall risk is much lower now. New variants can still be strong, but because many people have some immunity, the impact is smaller. 

Dr. Bal also pointed out the need to protect older adults,people with health problems, and those who were very sick in previous waves. As Covid becomes a regular part of life, she said people should understand that if their community has built immunity through vaccines or past infections, new variants are unlikely to cause severe illness or many deaths.

In an earlier interview with IndiaToday., former AIIMS chief and lung expert Dr Randeep Guleria said that Covid is now endemic. This means the virus will continue to exist and change over time, just like the flu.
Last week, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, chief of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said that most current infections are mild and there is no reason to be concerned. He added, "There is no need for any urgent action. People should continue to follow regular safety measures."