There have been reports of yet another virulent coronavirus subvariant BF.7 detected in India just as we were beginning to believe that the days of the coronavirus were over and that we could finally say goodbye to COVID restrictions. According to news sources, a severe wave of COVID-19 cases is reportedly in China. According to media sources, 4 cases have been found in India.
What is Covid-19 BF.7 Variant?
The coronavirus BF.7 variant is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant of BA.5. It can potentially infect people because it is highly contagious, has a short incubation period, and reinfect previously infected individuals. There is a high chance of doing or affecting those who have not been vaccinated.
Coronavirus Omicron Subvariant BF.7 Cases In India
In Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center, the first case of this severely contagious strain was detected earlier in October. There are now 4 cases in India, with 3 cases in Gujarat and 1 in Odisha. As per the representatives of the Gujarat state health department, the three Omicron BF.7 cases were recorded between July and November of this year. The 4 patients received home isolation care and made full recoveries.
In a Covid-19 review meeting chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday, officials said that although there has not been a general increase in the number of cases, continuous surveillance is still necessary to keep track of the emergence of new variants. Moreover, the minister urged people to follow Covid-appropriate protocols like vaccination and wearing masks in crowded areas, etc.
Covid-19 BF.7 Variant Symptoms
There are currently only a few incidents of the BF.7 COVID variant in India. The government has said that to protect themselves from the virus, residents should follow the guidelines issued by the Government of India. In India, only four cases have been detected, of which three are from Gujarat and one from Odisha. At this time the strongest defense against these viruses is vaccination.
Similar to the previous variants, this one also has symptoms like congestion in the throat and fatigue. The significant symptoms noticed are:
- Sore Throat
- Loose Motion
- Cough
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Runny Nose
- Headache
- Stomach Pain
There will be a small number of persons who has shown the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Is Coronavirus Omicron Subvariant BF.7 More Dangerous Than Previous Strains?
As per a study, the BF.7 variant of coronavirus has 4.4-higher neutralization resistance than the original virus. This means that people have to take booster shots of vaccine as the antibodies from previous vaccination shots are not enough against this variant of coronavirus.
Coronavirus Omicron BF.7 Precautions
Experts estimate that because Coronavirus Omicron BF.7 has a lower mortality rate than other coronavirus strains, the number of hospitalizations will not be as high as during previous coronavirus outbreaks. That doesn't mean that BF.7 variant has no reason to be concerned. So, everyone should follow the COVID-19 SOPs to prevent infection. Below mentioned are the precautions that we need to follow:
- Maintain proper hygiene.
- Always wear a mask.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Use sanitizer.
- Must take your vaccine booster shot.
- Avoid touching or coming in contact with any person, whose immunity is very low.
- Maintain social distancing.
- Always greet one another from a distance.
- If you believe you have Omicron BF.7 symptoms, you should see a doctor right away.
Coronavirus Omicron BF.7 Vaccine
Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik-V are Omicron BF.7 vaccines. People who have already received both doses of either of these vaccines may be given booster doses if you are eligible. Those who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine should do so as it will boost their immunity and aid in the fight against Omicron BF.7. According to scientists, every Indian needs to take a booster dose to prevent this strain of Coronavirus Omicron BF.7 variant.