Parents Warned as Influenza and RSV Outbreaks Hit Hard Young Children at Risk COVID NB.1.8.1 Variant Urges 5-Day Isolation

The Department of Disease Control (DDC), Ministry of Public Health, held a press briefing summarizing the respiratory infectious disease situation, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), to alert the public on managing risks during the rainy season.

The COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant spreads easily but does not show increased severity.

Dr. Weerawat Manosuthi, senior physician and spokesperson for the Department of Disease Control, revealed that current monitoring of COVID-19 mutations shows about 50% of cases are the NB.1.8.1 variant (also known as the Nimbus variant), a subvariant of Omicron with mutations that enhance transmissibility. Scientific data so far show no increase in severity. Most symptoms affect the upper respiratory tract, including cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes low-grade fever similar to the common cold.

Dr. Jurai Wongsawat, senior physician and DDC spokesperson, reported that from 1 Jan to 31 Aug 2026, there were 99,691 cumulative COVID-19 cases with 15 deaths, a fatality rate of 0.2%. The provinces with the highest incidence rates are Bangkok, Chonburi, Phuket, Lamphun, and Nonthaburi, in that order.

Infections occur across all age groups but are most frequent in children under 1 year, who typically contract the virus from family members. However, no deaths have been reported in infants due to maternal immunity and availability of favipiravir treatment. Most fatalities remain among older adults aged 40–60 and above with underlying conditions.

Influenza cases and deaths surpass COVID-19, while RSV cases continue to rise.

Regarding influenza, from 1 Jan to 31 Aug 2026, there have been 333,032 cumulative cases with 48 deaths, exceeding COVID-19 fatalities. The most prevalent strain is A/H1N1, heavily affecting schoolchildren aged 5–9 years. Over 90% of deaths are among elderly patients with chronic diseases who were unvaccinated. There have also been 5 child deaths.

As for RSV, 7,020 cases have been reported this year with no deaths, but the number is rising during the rainy season.

Recommendations: If ill, rest at home for 5 days.

The Department of Disease Control states that respiratory viruses in all three groups peak in viral load during the first 5 days. Patients are therefore urged to follow these guidelines:

• Stay home and rest for 5 days. This helps reduce transmission.
• Wear a face mask. Masks protect family members from infection. If going outside is necessary, strict mask use is essential.
• Safety period. After 7 days, viral load decreases significantly.
• School measures. The viruses do not survive long in the general environment, so school closures are not always necessary. Children who are ill should stay home to recover.