Is it valid to feel distressed and afraid of affliction upon seeing someone afflicted, and suffice with saying: "Praise be to Allah who has spared me what He has afflicted you with, and preferred me over many of those whom He has created with a marked preferment"?

It is prescribed for whoever sees an afflicted person to seek refuge in Allah from what has befallen them, by saying: "Praise be to Allah who has spared me from what He has afflicted you with, and has preferred me greatly over many of those whom He has created." By doing so, Allah will protect him from that affliction. It is good not to show this in front of the afflicted person so as not to hurt them. Rather, one should display good manners, empathy, and supplicate for their healing and well-being.