COVID-19 infections are on the rise again? Experts: Expected to last 6-8 weeks
2025-05-16 12:12 Source: Southern +
Positive again? During this period, many netizens posted screenshots of the "two bars" on social media.
The monitoring data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention on May 8 showed that during the monitoring period (March 31-May 4), the positive rate of COVID-19 in emergency influenza-like cases increased from 7.5% to 16.2%, and the positive rate of hospitalized cases increased from 3.3% to 6.3%. The new coronavirus has become the leading pathogen in outpatient and emergency visits.
According to data released by the Guangdong Provincial Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention, in April 2025 (from 0:00 on April 1 to 24:00 on April 30), the number of reported cases of novel coronavirus infection ranked first among Class B infectious diseases.
Is the new crown infection peak coming again? Peng Jie, deputy director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, said that the number of outpatients with respiratory symptoms has shown an upward trend during this period, among which the absolute number of new crown positive patients has increased. Judging from the current clinical data, this round of new crown infection is a natural phenomenon after the antibody level in people's bodies decreases. The symptoms of the infected are milder, but some patients with low immunity still need to be vigilant, such as those over 60 years old and those with underlying diseases. It is recommended that citizens wear masks when going out to avoid cross infection.
Southern +: What is the current monitoring data of fever clinics?
Peng Jie: Early summer is the epidemic season for respiratory infectious diseases. In outpatient clinics, the number of patients with respiratory symptoms such as sore throat and cough has increased. Some of them are infected with influenza virus, and some are infected with the new coronavirus.
Southern +: Are there many people infected with the new coronavirus?
Peng Jie: According to the hospital outpatient monitoring data, the COVID-19 positive detection rate was about 7%-8% in March, rose to about 15% in April, and further rose to 20%-30% in May. Although the total number of patients has not changed much, the absolute number of COVID-19 positive patients is indeed increasing. This is consistent with the official data. The latest report shows that the number of COVID-19 infections in the province reached 23,188 in April, an increase of more than five times from March (3,548 cases).
Southern +: Why did this new coronavirus infection occur?
Peng Jie: The last small peak of the new coronavirus occurred from July to October 2024, half a year ago. As people's antibody levels decrease or disappear, a new wave of infection may occur. Therefore, this wave of illness is a natural phenomenon of the disease.
Southern +: In the future, will the new coronavirus show seasonal characteristics like the influenza virus?
Peng Jie: The incidence of the new coronavirus fluctuates. Unlike the influenza virus, the impact of climate on the spread of the new coronavirus is relatively small, and it does not show obvious seasonal differences.
Southern +: What are the characteristics of the symptoms of this round of new coronavirus infections?
Peng Jie: On the one hand, immune escape is stronger: those who have tested positive or received the vaccine before may also be infected again; on the other hand, the symptoms are more like a cold: sore throat, low fever, cough or no symptoms at all, which are easy to be ignored. In short, the symptoms of patients currently infected with the new coronavirus have not changed significantly compared with before, and there are few severe patients who need to be hospitalized.
South+: The symptoms are milder, can we take it lightly?
Peng Jie: Many people think that COVID-19 is more like a cold, so they don't take it seriously or even take it lightly. But we still need to be alert to the power of the new coronavirus. On the one hand, it may affect your physical strength and recovery for a longer period of time; on the other hand, it may inadvertently infect the frail elderly, children or chronic patients at home, bringing serious consequences.
Southern +: In this fluctuating epidemic, who are the high-risk groups?
Peng Jie: There are mainly three types of people, namely, people over 60 years old, those with underlying diseases (diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tumors, etc.), and those with weakened immunity (such as those undergoing tumor radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and organ transplant patients).
Southern +: What should you do if you suspect you have contracted COVID-19?
Peng Jie: If you have symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and body aches, it is recommended that you self-test for the new coronavirus antigen first, and take anti-new coronavirus drugs as soon as possible if the result is positive.
Southern +: If you are infected with the new coronavirus, is it necessary to use specific medicine?
Peng Jie: Using antiviral drugs as soon as possible after being diagnosed with COVID-19 can significantly shorten the course of the disease. Antiviral drugs are most effective when used in the early stages of infection, and can effectively inhibit viral replication, shorten the course of the disease, and reduce the risk of severe illness. From clinical observations, it has fewer side effects and good safety. There is sufficient supply of specific drugs against COVID-19 in medical institutions. If you do not take specific drugs, symptomatic treatment can also relieve symptoms.
Southern +: When is this peak of the epidemic expected to pass?
Peng Jie: This epidemic should not last too long. The peak of infection is expected to reach its peak around late May and last for 6 to 8 weeks. However, the final judgment will be based on the authoritative judgment of the disease control department.
Southern +: The Dragon Boat Festival holiday is coming soon. Is there anything you need to be reminded of?
Peng Jie: It is recommended to wear masks scientifically in crowded places: masks must be worn throughout the medical process; it is recommended to wear masks in crowded places or when taking public transportation (such as airplanes, trains, subways, etc.), especially for the elderly and some patients with chronic underlying diseases, to reduce the risk of infection.
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