After a period of relative quiet, COVID-19 is once again making headlines as cases rise across the globe. Hospitals are seeing an increase in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms who are afterward diagnosed with the virus,prompting concerns about a potential resurgence. Experts are urging caution, especially in crowded environments where the virus can spread more easily.

Considering these developments, medical professionals such as Dr. Süleyman Alpar and Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Ahmet Soysal have shared their insights on the current situation.

Current Situation and Hospital Admissions

Dr. Süleyman Alpar noted, “The exact number and application rates for the summer of 2025 have not been disclosed. However,most of the pandemic outpatient clinics are closed,and patients with suspicion of Coronavirus are directed directly to emergency services.”

“The exact number and application rates for the summer of 2025 have not been disclosed…patients with suspicion of Coronavirus are directed directly to emergency services.”

Symptoms of New Variants

Emerging variants like Eris (EG.5) are displaying symptoms such as sore throat, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, fatigue, fever, and muscle pain. In some regions, digestive issues like nasal discharge, headache, sneezing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have also been observed.

The Stratus (XFG) variant, prevalent in Europe and India, presents symptoms similar to othre Omicron descendants, including tremors, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, headache, nausea, muscle pain, diarrhea, and, in certain specific cases, loss of taste or smell. Some patients have also reported auditory disturbances.

Changes in COVID-19 Diagnosis

Dr. Süleyman Alpar emphasized that diagnostic processes still rely on scientific testing. “As a physician working in the emergency room, I must emphasize that the diagnostic process is still based on scientific tests. International guides accept nucleic acid amplification tests (PCR or similar NAAT) as a priority method in the diagnosis of COVID 19,” he stated.

PCR tests remain the most reliable method for detecting the virus’s genetic material. While rapid antigen tests offer quicker results,they have lower sensitivity and may require repeat testing.Dr. Alpar recommends that individuals with symptoms undergo testing and isolate themselves until results are clear.

With the closure of many test centers and coronavirus outpatient clinics, patients frequently enough rely on home antigen tests or PCR tests performed in hospital laboratories. Emergency services continue to provide testing during case surges. Symptoms like high fever, sore throat, or cough alone are insufficient for a COVID-19 diagnosis, as they can also indicate influenza or other respiratory infections.

Age Groups most Affected

Dr. Suleyman Alpar noted that global data indicates that rising COVID-19 cases are primarily affecting young children. The highest application rates are observed in the 0-4 age group. While official data for children in some regions may be limited, observations suggest an increase in upper respiratory tract infection complaints among nursery and preschool children after the summer vacation. Most cases are mild, with fever and upper respiratory tract symptoms being the most common. Supportive treatment and home isolation are typically sufficient. However, children with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems should not neglect reminder doses.

Co-infections and Precautions

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Soysal clarified that co-infections of COVID-19 with influenza or other respiratory viruses like RSV are possible, though influenza and RSV infections tend to present more severely than COVID-19. In rare cases,a child may experience both RSV and COVID-19 or influenza and COVID-19 concurrently,with the clinical presentation typically dominated by the symptoms of the more aggressive virus.

to prevent the spread of COVID-19,Prof. Dr. Ahmet Soysal emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with sick individuals and keeping sick children away from school or nursery. He also highlighted the need to spend time in open, well-ventilated areas and for individuals with chronic conditions to wear masks in crowded, enclosed environments. Frequent handwashing with soap and water remains a critical preventive measure.