India is seeing a rise in Covid-19 cases again, with 1,010 active cases recorded on May 26, 2025. While this number is low compared to earlier waves, doctors are advising people to be careful and follow basic safety steps.

Most of the new cases are being reported from states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi. Kerala has the highest number with 430 active cases, followed by 210 in Maharashtra and 104 in Delhi, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Even though the numbers are rising, doctors say most cases are mild and don’t require hospital treatment. But they still want people to stay alert, especially those with symptoms or those who are more at risk, like older adults and people with other health problems.

"We are seeing Covid patients in OPD (out-patient department), but none of them are serious as of now. It’s just like a mild viral infection,” said Dr Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

What are the symptoms and safety tips?

Doctors say people are showing mild symptoms like sore throat, cough, low fever, and sometimes abdominal pain or headaches. These symptoms are not always the same as the old Covid symptoms, but doctors say there’s no need to worry.

"People should stay updated, avoid panic, and follow basic hygiene. If you have symptoms like cough, sore throat, or flu, stay at home and consider getting tested," Dr Mittal added.

Experts recommend these simple steps:

  • Wear masks in crowded places
  • Stay home if you are feeling sick
  • Keep washing or sanitising your hands
  • Avoid touching your face after touching public surfaces
  • See a doctor if you have breathing problems

Dr Mittal also said that patients with upper respiratory infections or sore throats should not go out and should take proper rest at home.

“Patients who have serious illness should also contact their doctor if they have symptoms like sore throat and upper respiratory infection. They should also not go out of the house. Besides this, practise basic hand hygiene," he said.

New variants found, booster doses advised for some

One of the reasons for concern is the emergence of new Covid variants. According to INSACOG, India’s Covid monitoring body, two new variants called NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 have been found. These are part of the JN.1 family and have also been reported in countries like China, Singapore, and the USA.

These variants are said to spread more easily but only cause mild symptoms so far.

"The current variant spreads fast, stays longer, and may evade some vaccine-induced immunity, but the symptoms are mostly mild. Booster shots can help reduce the chances of severe illness,” said Dr Chirag Tandon, director of internal medicine, Sharda Care Healthcity.

Dr Tandon added that patients are coming with new symptoms that don’t always match the classic Covid symptoms. But these are mostly manageable at home.

"Booster doses enhance waning immunity and are crucial for vulnerable populations. Most cases are mild and manageable at home, but we must remain vigilant to prevent burdening the healthcare system,” said Dr Manisha Mendiratta, head pulmonologist at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad.

She also mentioned that in many places, flu and dengue cases are more common than Covid, but the new Covid variants can still be risky for older or weaker people.

Final advice from doctors

Doctors are saying there is no need to panic, but people should be aware and follow basic health habits. While no new rule has been made about booster doses, they are being suggested for high-risk people, especially if the last dose was taken more than six months ago.

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