For the past few months, the news of surges in COVID cases in China have been doing the rounds. China’s intense policies, people protesting against them, rising cases of COVID, hospitals being flooded with patients and more such news have been steadily coming out, and bringing back the question, does the world need to be careful again?
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is not entirely over, the world has been getting back to a normal order, but now with this authorities have been bringing up the topic of regulations and how to stay safe from future COVID waves.
According to reports, India has reported 4 cases since July of the Omicron subvariant BF.7 the one that is also linked to the same surge seen in China. However, is it or is it not dangerous, what do we know about it so far?
What Is The BF.7 COVID Variant?
The BF.7 is a subvariant of the BA.5 Omicron variant of the COVID-19 disease and is an abbreviated version for BA.5.2.1.7. As per reports, the BF.7 is much more infectious than the other known variants of COVID and can infect even those who have already been vaccinated.
There is a reproduction value to the variant too, meaning people with the BF.7 variant infection can pass it on to others too. However, this is not really any different from some of the other variants and even various other infections.
As of yet, in the past six months or since July, India has report 4 cases of the Omicron BF.7 strain with them in Gujarat and Odisha.
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Although the government has said that there is no need to panic, but at the same time are also advising people to be careful of their surroundings, keep wearing masks in crowded places and be aware of their health and hygiene.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also tweeted, “COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation.”
As per a report by The Hindu, , a senior official included in the Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s Wednesday meeting said that “As of now this [BF.7] is not a matter of concern, but what we should be focussing on is surveillance and that’s what States have been told to focus on,” while remaining anonymous.
Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, director and head, pulmonology, Fortis Hospitals, Faridabad speaking on how dangerous it can be said “India is probably in a much better position since the majority of us are vaccinated and many got naturally infected with Omicron variant only.”
But he has also added that since there is little to no data available on this variant and research is still being done into it, thus it is important that the citizens also be careful of any symptoms and take precautions as necessary.
According to a Livemint report, “The symptoms are similar to previous variants of Covid-19 such as infection of the respiratory tract, fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, fatigue, etc.” and also “Pneumonia is another symptom that is seen in the elderly population or people with an underlying condition.”
NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul has also suggested that those with low immunity should be a bit careful these days, and maintain hygiene. Along with this the Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate strategy and getting the COVID vaccines and booster shots have also been suggested to help prevent the subvariants from being dangerous for the people.
Image Credits: Google Images
Feature Image designed by Saudamini Seth
Sources: The Hindu, NDTV, The Economic Times
Find the blogger: @chirali_08
This post is tagged under: COVID Variant BF.7, COVID Variant, BF.7, new COVID Variant BF.7, new COVID Variant, china, china covid, china covid surge, COVID Variant BF.7 india, BF.7 india
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