Find out the answers from a respiratory physician.

 

How prevalent is Covid-19 now? What are some precautions that seniors should be taking?

Ageless Online talks to Dr Alvin Ng, consultant respiratory physician and intensivist at The Respiratory Practice:

 

Can you share the current data with respects to Covid-19? Would you say Covid is tapering off here and around the world or is this something we should still be concerned? Are most cases mild and can still be managed at home?

Singapore experienced a surge in Covid-19 cases from April till June. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), cases rose to over 14,000 in the week of April 27 to May 3, 2025, up from 11,100 the week before. Hospitalisations also increased during this period. While Singapore got through the  Covid-19 pandemic, spikes in Covid cases will continue to occur periodically as with all endemic respiratory viral illness.

Elderly individuals are at a significantly higher risk of severe illness, complications, and death from Covid-19 compared to younger, immunocompetent adults. Adults over 65 years of age represent 80 percent of hospitalisations and have a 23 times higher risk of death than those under 65. This is largely due to age-related changes in the immune system and the presence of other underlying health conditions common in older populations. As such, seniors should follow MOH’s advice for medically vulnerable persons – if showing flu-like symptoms, see a doctor and be considered for testing and/or oral antiviral therapy.

 

What are the current Covid-19 variants that seniors need to be aware of and what are the symptoms?

The NB.1.8.1 variant, also known as Nimbus, has been increasing in prevalence since mid-April 2025. The World Health Organization has classified it as a “variant under monitoring” due to its rapid global spread and spike protein mutations, which may affect its transmissibility. However, it is too soon to tell how it compares to other strains in terms of clinical outcomes.

Thus far, the symptoms of Nimbus seem to be similar to previous Covid-19 strains, including sore throat, cough, body aches, shortness of breath, fever or chills, and loss of sense of smell or taste. For those aged over 60 or people with chronic illnesses, staying current with Covid-19 vaccinations remains essential. Booster shots are available at Healthier SG GP clinics and polyclinics and should not be delayed. Immunity will wane over time, and being up to date with a vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe illness.

 

How does one differentiate a Covid variant with flu?

Covid-19 and the flu have overlapping symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue and sore throat. It is not possible to distinguish Covid-19 from the flu or a cold without testing. The key intervention, once the right virus is identified, will be the choice to give the right antiviral medicine for the correctly identified virus.

 

What advice would you give seniors (including those who are traveling)? What ways can they continue to protect themselves?

Risk reduction through preventive measures, such as observing good personal hygiene and keeping up with vaccination recommendations, is important.  Especially during holiday season, remember that travel can increase the risk of exposure, particularly in crowded or enclosed environments. Do bring masks and self-test kits, and have travel insurance to cover medical contingencies if you fall ill abroad and seek medical attention early.

 

(** PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images)