People with Covid-19 should not self-medicate with antiviral drugs.

Since the beginning of 2025, the global SARS-CoV-2 variant trend has changed with the emergence of several new variants, with LP.8.1 replacing XEC as the dominant variant in mid-March 2025.

LP.8.1 has been on the decline recently as NB.1.8.1, a variant under surveillance (VUM) with mutations associated with higher transmissibility, is increasing in prevalence (accounting for 10.7% of global genome sequencing results in mid-May 2025).

New variant causes less severe lung damage

Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Ngan, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tam Anh General Hospital , Hanoi said that these new variants do not pose an increased risk to public health compared to other circulating variants.

"Currently, the new variants of the Omicron group have the common characteristic of being more contagious than the old variants (Delta, Alpha) but causing less severe lung damage because they mainly attack the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat) instead of penetrating deep into lung tissue. Therefore, the risk of severe pneumonia is currently lower than the Delta strain, especially in young, healthy people who have been fully vaccinated.

However, the high-risk group (mentioned above) can still progress to pneumonia if not well controlled, especially if co-infected with other bacteria or viruses or immunodeficiency," said Dr. Ngan.

This respiratory expert also recommends that special groups need to pay special attention to the new variant situation, including: the elderly (over 60 years old), people with underlying diseases, weakened immune systems, pregnant women, infants and young children (although the risk is lower than adults, their immune systems are not yet complete), people who have not received enough doses of Covid-19 vaccine or have not received a booster shot recently.

These groups, if infected with the new variant, have a higher risk of severe illness. They need to proactively take preventive measures such as wearing masks in crowded places, avoiding unnecessary gatherings, washing hands regularly, and getting enough booster shots if recommended.

Dr. Le Kien Ngai, Head of the Department of Infection Prevention and Control, National Children's Hospital, said that at the National Children's Hospital, the infectious disease surveillance system operates continuously, so Covid-19 cases can be detected early. The warning system, from setting standards for screening, testing, and receiving severe Covid-19 patients, those with underlying diseases... to dividing patients into separate areas, helps the hospital's professional activities operate normally, minimizing the impact of Covid-19.

The hospital also recommends that parents cooperate to minimize cross-infection in the hospital.

According to this expert, non-specific disease prevention is an important factor, paying attention to avoid large gatherings, especially for those who have just had measles or have immunodeficiency. Controlling underlying and chronic diseases is especially necessary to have a healthy body to fight against infectious agents, including Covid-19.

"Everyone needs to comply with vaccine prevention for diseases for which vaccines are available, to help everyone have a healthy body and avoid co-infection of infectious diseases and Covid-19," Dr. Ngai recommended.

Do not self-medicate with antiviral drugs.

With mild symptoms when testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, many people self-treat with antiviral drugs at home. However, according to experts, people need to go to a medical facility to be prescribed the appropriate medication.

Dr. Than Manh Hung, Deputy Head of the Emergency Department, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said that currently, most people infected with Covid-19 only have mild symptoms and are effectively treated with common fever reducers, pain relievers, throat sprays, etc. These cases do not need treatment with antiviral drugs and can recover after 5-7 days.

The use of antiviral drugs is only applicable to groups of people at risk of severe illness, such as the elderly, those with underlying diseases, immunodeficiency, or pregnant women.

"When symptoms are severe, people can go to medical facilities for examination, diagnosis and appropriate treatment. People should absolutely not arbitrarily use or prevent treatment with antiviral drugs," said Dr. Hung.

According to the Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health , there are currently 11 drugs containing the active ingredient Molnupiravir that have been granted drug and pharmaceutical ingredient registration certificates in Vietnam. Regarding drugs used in the treatment of Covid-19, the Drug Administration recommends that people only use drugs when prescribed by a doctor. At the same time, buy drugs at reputable places, only buy drugs at licensed pharmacies, drug stores with reputation and clear addresses.

According to current guidelines from the Ministry of Health, Molnupiravir is only prescribed for people aged 18 and over with mild or moderate Covid-19, at risk of developing severe disease. Experts recommend that people should not buy antiviral drugs such as Molnupiravir to treat Covid-19 on their own. This is a group of prescription drugs, only used when prescribed by a doctor.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/nguoi-mac-covid-19-khong-tu-y-dieu-tri-bang-thuoc-khang-virus-post882921.html