In summer, when most respiratory viruses usually recede, COVID-19 shows the opposite trend — for the second year in a row, an increase in the number of patients with positive tests has been recorded during the off-season. At the same time, the figures remain significantly lower than in the same period in 2024.
According to operational epidemiological surveillance data, from 4 to 10 August 2025 (week 32), 1,197 cases of COVID-19 were detected — 74.7% more than a week earlier, when 684 cases were recorded. However, between 14 July and 10 August this year, four times fewer cases were registered than during the same period last year — 2,653 compared to 10,805 cases.
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Medical professionals remind us that vaccination remains the most effective protection. For those who have not yet been vaccinated, one dose is sufficient, and additional vaccinations every 6–12 months are recommended for people in high-risk groups: those over 60, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems, as well as those in professions that involve constant contact with people.
In early 2025, two new sub-variants of the Omicron strain were detected in Ukraine — NB.1.8.1 (“Nimbus”) and XFG (“Stratus”), which are spreading rapidly around the world. They do not cause a more severe course of the disease, and the WHO has classified them as “Variants under monitoring.” As of 14 August, one case of Nimbus and 38 cases of Stratus have been confirmed in Ukraine.
According to research, the effectiveness of antibodies against these sub-variants is slightly reduced, but vaccines still protect against symptomatic and severe COVID-19, especially when boosters are given. Doctors report possible additional symptoms, including acute sore throat, digestive disorders and hoarseness, but these data still need scientific confirmation.
Experts advise following the usual preventive measures: wearing masks in crowded places, washing hands, disinfecting surfaces, getting vaccinated, and staying home if symptoms appear.
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