Health
Expert Compares Current COVID-19 Severity to Seasonal Influenza
Dr. Yong Poovorawan states that COVID-19 has reached a level of severity comparable to the seasonal flu as it enters its sixth year.
As the global COVID-19 pandemic enters its sixth year, Dr. Yong Poovorawan, a prominent medical expert, has provided an assessment regarding the current state of the virus. According to a report by Thai Post on September 6, 2026, Dr. Yong noted that the landscape of the disease has shifted significantly since the initial outbreak.
In the early stages of the pandemic, the population lacked immunity, as individuals had neither been exposed to the virus nor received vaccinations, leaving everyone equally susceptible to infection. Dr. Yong’s analysis suggests that the current severity of COVID-19 is now comparable to that of seasonal influenza.
For residents and travelers in Thailand, this perspective highlights the transition of COVID-19 into a more manageable, endemic-like phase. While this assessment provides insight into the current clinical understanding of the virus's impact, it is important to note that public health guidelines and individual risk factors may still vary. Travelers should continue to monitor official announcements from the Thai Ministry of Public Health for any updates regarding health protocols. As of now, the medical community continues to observe the virus's evolution, and further long-term data will be necessary to confirm the consistency of these trends across different demographics.