The current increase in COVID-19 infections is seasonal, like other respiratory diseases, and will continue until the end of January, returning to normal between February and May, according to Dr. Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine of Chulalongkorn University.

He added that a new wave of infections will begin in June and last until September, dropping again by November.

Like many respiratory conditions, such as flu, COVID tends to peak during the rainy season.

COVID-19 infections are entering their fourth year and Dr. Yong said that the severity of the disease has declined substantially, even though the virus continues to mutate, such as the XBB sub-variants. The symptoms are less serious, except for those suffering from underlying diseases. These people should take special care, including the wearing of face masks and regular hand washing.