Don't Treat COVID-19 Like a Common Cold! Renowned Doctor Warns: Already Claimed 5 Lives

The COVID-19 pandemic has entered its 8th wave driven by Omicron, with many people lowering their guard and even claiming online that COVID-19 is just a common cold. Dr. Li Wei-Xin, an infectious disease specialist, issued a strong rebuttal on the 22nd, stressing that such perceptions are dangerously misleading. He emphasized that the virus poses vastly different risks across populations—while it may resemble a cold in adults, it can lead to severe illness or death in children and the elderly. In fact, this current wave has already claimed five lives, underscoring the critical importance of not underestimating severe risks.

Dr. Li explained that 'common cold' is merely a general term for acute respiratory viral infections. For instance, RSV typically causes cold-like symptoms in healthy individuals over age 2, but can lead to severe complications in children under 2 or the elderly. Adenovirus may cause intussusception or intestinal necrosis in infants under 1 year old. One netizen shared a personal experience: 'I stayed home for a week with the flu, but was sent directly to the ICU with COVID-19,' urging the public to remain vigilant.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also released the latest data yesterday (21st), reporting 25 new domestic severe cases and 5 local deaths last week. Emergency and outpatient visits reached 4,766, a 66.5% surge from the previous week, officially marking the start of the epidemic season. Among cumulative severe cases, 74.5% are aged 65 or older, and 83.9% have pre-existing chronic conditions. Notably, 92.5% had not received this season’s COVID-19 vaccine. The dominant local variant is currently NB.1.8.1. Unlike earlier waves, loss of smell or taste has become rare, with most cases now presenting upper respiratory symptoms.

With summer travel and large gatherings increasing, the CDC urges the public to maintain personal protective measures. These include practicing hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. The CDC advises wearing masks voluntarily in healthcare settings, crowded areas where physical distancing is difficult, poorly ventilated spaces, and when in close contact with the elderly or immunocompromised. Individuals feeling unwell should stay home to reduce transmission risks.