COVID’s not back, but the flu is! - Prof Tulio De Oliviera

Updated June 4, 2025, 8:39 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

A new COVID strain is making waves. Could history be repeating itself? We got answers from the virus hunter, Prof Tulio De Oliviera.

As the world continues to move forward from the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, health experts are now closely monitoring the rise of a new variant starting to make international headlines.

The variant, known as NB.1.8.1, has quickly become the dominant strain in China.

It’s now beginning to surface in other countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.

Since first being detected in April 2025, it has been linked to an increase in hospital admissions and emergency room visits in China.

NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the Omicron lineage and, while its symptoms remain similar to earlier variants (including sore throat, fever, cough, and fatigue), it carries genetic changes that allow it to infect cells more efficiently.

This means it may spread more easily, although at this stage, it does not appear to cause more severe illness.

ALSO READ: Caitlin Hood: Fearless, fit & ready for Comrades 2025!

To help us better understand what this means for South Africa and the rest of the world, East Coast Breakfast spoke to Professor Tulio de Oliveira.

The internationally respected scientist who played a leading role in uncovering the Beta and Omicron variants.

Prof. Tulio addressed concerns about a new Covid variant. "The first thing is there is nothing to be concerned about," he reassured.

This variant is an omicron lineage, known as NB 1 8 1, and is currently listed as a variant under monitoring.

"At the moment, there is no reason to be concerned, especially in South Africa," said Prof. Tulio, providing comfort to many worried listeners.

Despite the global attention the variant has garnered, Prof. Tulio emphasized that this new strain is not raising alarms. It's at the "lowest level of concern," according to his assessment and World Health Organization guidelines.

Another key point of discussion was the current flu trends during South Africa's winter wave.

Prof. Tulio explained, "We are coming into our winter wave, which is normally dominated by flu, code, and RSV." He noted that their surveillance programs indicate lower levels of Covid, with more focus on flu strains like influenza A.

Regarding vaccination, Prof. Tulio clarified a common question about the seasonal flu vaccine: "Has COVID been included in South Africa's seasonal flu vaccine this year?"

"No," explaining that the vaccine focuses on flu A and B strains. However, it remains highly effective, crucial for those with advanced age and comorbidities.

Listen to the full in-depth interview below:

ALSO READ: Gerda Steyn primed for fourth Comrades title

As we move into colder months, understanding his perspectives is more valuable than ever; keeping communities informed and health systems alert.

Prof. Tulio De Oliviera remains a testament to scientific diligence and global health advocacy.