Too soon to claim COVID-19 is like seasonal flu: WHO Representative

Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Dr Angela Pratt, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Vietnam, on May 8 said it was too soon to claim that COVID-19 is just seasonal flu despite similarities between the two viruses.

She was speaking at a press briefing organised by WHO in collaboration with the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, following WHO's announcement that COVID-19 is no longer a global public health emergency and recommendations for future pandemic prevention and control work.

Pratt said: "I always carry a mask with me, which means that COVID-19 has not disappeared but is always present alongside us."

She also explained WHO's statement, which indicated that the current COVID-19 adaptation level has improved and the severity of transmission of the disease as well as the number of hospitalisations and severe cases have decreased.

However, the WHO representative emphasised that this does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer a threat or any less dangerous.

Asked if COVID-19 could be considered as seasonal flu, she said that although there are similarities, COVID-19 is not seasonal and has appeared in many countries and regions at various times of the year.

Therefore, COVID-19 is still a relatively new disease, and people have only had four years to deal with it, she said, adding that scientists are still conducting research on the virus.

Pratt also commended Vietnam's COVID-19 response measures, particularly the country's ability to balance pandemic prevention and control while promoting socio-economic development.

She stressed that this is not the time to relax as the number of cases is still increasing and there are cases that require special care or even deaths.

In spite of high herd immunity due to infections and vaccinations, people still need to be vigilant and take appropriate measures, she said.

In response to questions about recommendations for COVID-19 prevention and control in Vietnam, Pratt suggested Vietnam maintain the nation's capacity and prepare for events that may occur in the future to avoid being overwhelmed.

Secondly, Vietnam should turn the COVID-19 vaccine into the national vaccination programme as a lifelong vaccination. The country has a very good COVID-19 vaccination programme, and it should increase booster shots, especially for high-risk groups.

Thirdly, Vietnam needs to continue to strengthen the monitoring of respiratory diseases and report activities to WHO. It should focus on targeted monitoring with any new variants and any changes in the transmission rate and severity of cases.

Fourthly, Vietnam needs to always be prepared with vaccines, diagnostic and treatment equipment, and ensure long-term supply chains.

Fifthly, the country should continue disseminating information and mobilise the participation of community. Communication is still needed to help people understand and update on the disease.

Vietnam lifted all travel restrictions since last March. However, it needs to review and update the national response plan and re-establish public health and social measures based on the pandemic situation and risk assessment if needed.

Finally, she said, Vietnam must continue studying to improve vaccines and understand post-COVID-19 conditions./.