Should you start wearing a mask again? Doctors explain amid fresh Covid concerns

Fresh Covid-19 deaths and infections reported from Andhra Pradesh have once again raised concerns over whether the virus is making a comeback. However, infectious disease experts say there is no evidence of a new nationwide wave or a more severe variant circulating in India, urging people to stay vigilant rather than panic while continuing basic precautions such as testing, hand hygiene and mask use in high-risk situations.

No evidence of a new nationwide wave

Experts stressed that the recent cases in Andhra Pradesh should not be interpreted as the beginning of another nationwide surge.

Dr. Akshay Budhraja, Senior Consultant and Head of Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at Aakash Healthcare, said the infections appear to be a localised cluster rather than evidence of widespread transmission.

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"There is no evidence to suggest that we are heading towards a major COVID-19 wave at present. The recent cases reported from Andhra Pradesh seem to be a localised cluster and surveillance, contact tracing, testing and genome sequencing have been intensified by health authorities to identify the circulating variant."

He added that although experts continue to monitor Omicron subvariants, there is no indication that a more virulent strain is driving infections.

"Hospitals today are much better prepared than they were in previous waves, with better diagnostic capacity, availability of oxygen, ICU preparedness and well-established treatment protocols. Importantly, a large segment of the population has hybrid immunity from vaccines and previous infections, which still offers protection against severe disease."

Dr. Manav Manchanda, Director and Head of Respiratory, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine at Asian Hospital, echoed the view.

"People should remain alert but not alarmed. COVID-19 has not disappeared and, like other respiratory viruses, it can continue to cause sporadic outbreaks. At this stage, vigilance and responsible behaviour are far more important than panic, as there is no evidence of widespread community spread in India."

Covid, flu or seasonal viral fever? Why testing matters

With influenza, Covid-19 and seasonal viral infections circulating simultaneously, doctors say distinguishing between them based on symptoms alone is increasingly difficult.

Dr. J. Kirtana, Associate Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Fortis Hospital (Shalimar Bagh, Delhi) said influenza and Covid-19 usually begin suddenly with high fever, severe body ache and fatigue, while common seasonal viral illnesses often develop gradually and are more likely to cause sore throat and runny nose.

She noted that influenza typically causes more severe muscle pain and exhaustion, whereas Covid-19—particularly earlier variants—was often associated with loss of smell and taste, although current variants may present differently.

Because symptoms overlap considerably, she said laboratory testing remains the only reliable way to distinguish Covid-19 from influenza, especially in people at higher risk of complications.

"Testing is particularly important for older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. Medical attention should be sought if fever persists beyond three to five days, breathing becomes difficult, chest pain develops, or there are signs of confusion, dehydration or worsening symptoms."

Dr. Rashmi Khadapkar, GM of Research and Development and Section Head of Molecular Infectious Diseases at Agilus Diagnostics, said the recent cases should reinforce awareness rather than trigger panic.

"The recent Covid-19 cases reported in Andhra Pradesh highlight that while there is no immediate indication of a new wave, continued awareness is important, especially among high-risk groups."

She said elderly people and those with diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, chronic lung disease or weakened immunity remain more vulnerable to severe Covid-19.

According to Dr. Khadapkar, India witnessed a similar rise in infections in June 2025, driven by Omicron subvariants including LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB.1.8.1. Such seasonal increases resemble the behaviour of other respiratory viruses, while immunity from previous infections and vaccination continues to reduce the risk of severe disease.

She added that RT-PCR remains the gold standard for confirming active Covid-19 infection, while antibody tests such as SARS-CoV-2 Spike IgG can help assess immune response after vaccination or previous infection.

"The focus should remain on early detection, monitoring symptoms and seeking timely medical care rather than panic."

Should Indians start wearing masks again?

Experts say there is no recommendation for universal masking, but masks remain useful in specific situations.

Dr. Sanjay Verma, Additional Director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital (Okhla) said people experiencing fever, cough, sore throat or a runny nose should wear masks to reduce transmission to others.

He also advised mask use while caring for sick family members, visiting healthcare facilities or travelling in crowded buses, trains or flights, particularly for individuals at higher risk of severe illness.

Older adults, pregnant women and people living with diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, kidney disease, cancer or weakened immunity should consider wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces and hospitals, he said.

For most people, a well-fitting surgical mask offers adequate protection, while N95 respirators should be reserved for healthcare workers, caregivers of Covid-19 patients and high-risk individuals spending prolonged periods in poorly ventilated indoor environments.

"The most important message is to remain vigilant, not fearful. Stay up to date with your vaccinations, practise good hand hygiene, ensure adequate ventilation whenever possible, and wear a mask when the situation warrants it."

Simple precautions still offer the best protection

Doctors said vaccination, including recommended booster doses for eligible individuals, continues to reduce the risk of severe illness. Frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when unwell, ensuring adequate ventilation and seeking medical advice early if symptoms worsen remain among the most effective ways to limit the spread of respiratory infections.

While health authorities continue surveillance, genome sequencing and contact tracing in response to the Andhra Pradesh cases, experts emphasised that the current situation calls for awareness and preparedness—not panic.