There have so far been three cases of the BF.7 strain in India, which is responsible for the current Covid infection outbreak in China. Will it bring about another wave in India? What symptoms does it show? Know from specialists.
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The first case of omicron BF.7 strain with greater transmissibility was detected in Gujarat earlier in October. With 2 in Gujarat and 1 in Odisha, the number of Omicron BF.7 cases in India now stand at 3. It hasn’t really caused much alarm up to this point, the new Omicron form is known to spread quickly and has a shorter incubation time.
According to Dr. Ravindra Gupta of the Department of Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Gurugram, the likelihood of Covid spreading globally is significant given the current level of international travel.
Dr. Gupta says,”Currently, coronavirus is taking its new mutation and is in the form of Covid BF.7 which is a variant of Omicron. This variant is found to infect China and has a high transmission ability. It is very quick to transfer to other people and has a short incubation time as well. It is informed to be infecting people quickly. It has also been suspected that 60% of people in China will be infected by this variant in the next three months. It is a horrible scenario that could take place and with people traveling all across the globe, it is possible for the disease to spread worldwide especially with air travel”
‘The news of a recent spike in Covid-19 infected positive cases across China, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil and US have caused a state of distress across the world, including India’ says Dr. Charu Dutt Arora, Consultant Physician and Infectious Disease Specialist Head, Ameri Health, Asian Hospital, Faridabad.He further adds that the tweet of Mr Eric Dengi, an epidemiologist from China stating that “this virus can lead to deaths of millions across China in next few months” is concerning.
Symptoms of Omicron BF.7
Dr.Gupta says,”The signs and symptoms, such as fever, coughing, sore throat, and running nose, are still the same as with any other upper respiratory infection. It’s possible that thiswave may kill a million people in China alone. Additionally, it’s likely that if people receive three to four doses of the vaccine, they may get protected. It is crucial that everyone increase their level of alertness and responsiveness when it comes to receiving Covid vaccinations. A fourth vaccine could be useful in averting this horrible situation. Even asymptomatic carriers of this virus can spread it to an additional 10 to 18 individuals. Only time will tell, what happens in the next few months, but we should be vigilant, should seriously follow Covid appropriate behaviour, and avoid traveling as much as possible,”
Dr Trupti Gilada, Infectious disease specialist, Masina Hospital, Mumbai says,” The symptoms of BF.7, such as fever, sore throat, and runny nose, are quite similar to those of other omicron variants. Pneumonia with the BF.7 variant is obviously less common, and it typically affects the elderly or those with underlying illnesses. We are not seeing a lot of hospitalizations with Omicron, and preliminary data from nations where BF.7 is present also indicate that the mortality of BF.7 is minimal”.
Precautions
According to Dr. Ghosh, one must maintain proper hygiene, wear a mask, wash hands, to prevent the infection. He also adds that people with low immunity must be extra cautious while vaccine and booster shots can be useful in preventing mortality and complications of the subvariants.
“It is yet unclear which age group is affected the most, but it is known that those with weak immune systems are more vulnerable. Additionally, as a result of increased exposure to COVID and its variants, humans are naturally developing immunity against both current virus and its upcoming variants. People can now combat the virus more effectively thanks to vaccinations and booster doses, which have also helped to reduce complications from subvariants “Dr. Ghosh explains.
Dr. Arora says,”In order to contain the spread, it is crucial that everyone adheres to the COVID appropriate behavior and norms set forth by the local bodies. It is crucial to maintain the mass immunisation drive since restrictions have been eased across the globe and the holiday season is in full swing. The most important strategy to prevent this infection and its community outbreak is to Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate”.