#Covid19

A growing body of science suggests COVID-19 could accelerate cognitive decline, prompting a rethinking of aging. Doctors and researchers report that surviving COVID-19 may hasten memory loss, confusion, and other neurological symptoms. This evolving evidence is shaping conversations about health, aging, and long-term care in Thailand and around the world.

For Thai readers, where families hold elder care at the heart of culture, these findings carry deep significance. Traditional views in Thailand emphasize bonding with aging relatives and preserving mental sharpness as a family value. If recovering from COVID-19 increases the risk of brain health problems—even for those without prior issues—the impact could touch households, clinics, and the economy as neurocognitive disorders rise.

From humble village markets to the shelves of contemporary pharmacies, Fah Talai Jone, known by its scientific name Andrographis paniculata, continues to captivate the Thai public and the medical community alike. Revered in traditional Thai medicine for centuries as a remedy for fever and respiratory illnesses, this distinctly bitter herb—also called “Green Chiretta” or by local nicknames such as น้ำลายพังพอน and หญ้ากันงู—has recently emerged at the forefront of public health debates, propelled by renewed scientific scrutiny and the COVID-19 crisis. But does modern research uphold the wisdom of ancient herbalists, or is the popularity of Fah Talai Jone a testament more to cultural faith than pharmacological fact?

Fah Talai Jone, known scientifically as Andrographis paniculata, sits at the crossroads of Thai tradition and contemporary medicine. Once a staple in village markets and temple gardens, it now appears on modern pharmacy shelves as a potential aid for fever and respiratory symptoms. Its distinctive bitterness has long marked Thai folk healing, where it is revered as a potent yet challenging remedy. In Buddhist and rural health practices, the herb embodies a practical approach to self-care, linking daily wellness with centuries of indigenous knowledge. Ethnobotanical studies across Thailand, India, China, and Southeast Asia confirm its regular use for a range of ailments—from snake bites to digestive upset—underscoring its cultural prominence.

A new study reported in The Lancet Infectious Diseases finds that people who have had COVID-19 face a higher risk of various infections for up to a year after the initial illness. The research suggests lasting changes in the immune system that can leave some individuals more susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, including sepsis and respiratory illnesses. For Thai readers, the findings emphasize ongoing health considerations after even mild COVID-19 cases and the importance of continued health monitoring.

A comprehensive review shows that Thailand has both advanced public health and growing science skepticism. The findings reveal how trust and doubt shape vaccine perceptions as the country moves beyond the acute phase of the pandemic. Local health leaders are urged to reinforce credible information through trusted community voices.

In the early pandemic years, rapid vaccine development and mass immunization stood out as major public health milestones. The speed of scientific progress demonstrated what can be achieved in crisis conditions. The broader use of mRNA technology marks a turning point with potential benefits for preventing other infectious diseases. Research from leading medical centers indicates these advances may influence global health for years to come, including in Thailand.