Finance
So far, three cases of the Omicron BF.7 strain, which is causing the current wave of Covid infections in China, have been identified in India. Earlier this month, the first case of the highly infectious strain with increased transmissibility was discovered in Gujarat. With two cases in Gujarat and one in Odisha, India now has three Omicron BF.7 cases. While there hasn’t been much concern so far, the new Omicron variant is known to spread quickly and has a shorter incubation period. It has been reported that it will infect 60% of Chinese people in the next three months. Is a new Covid wave expected in India, given the virus’s transmissibility? Experts says-
IT COULD BE A HORRIBLE SCENARIO: EXPERT ON POSSIBILITY OF FRESH COVID WAVE
Dr. Ravindra Gupta of the CK Birla Hospital (R), Gurugram, says that with people traveling around the world at this point, the possibility of Covid spreading globally is high.
“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 period as well. It is informed to be infecting people very easily. 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 with air travel,” says Dr Gupta.
According to Dr Charu Dutt Arora, Consultant Physician and Infectious Disease Specialist Head, Ameri Health, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, the recent spike in Covid-19 infected positive cases in China, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil, and the United States has caused concern around the world, including India. Mr Eric Dengi, a Chinese epidemiologist, tweeted that “this virus can lead to the deaths of millions across China in the next few months,” which he finds alarming.
QUICKER INFECTION RATE, GET VACCINATED
“The virus Omicron BF.5.2.1.7, also known as BF.7, is responsible for the Covid-19 outbreak in China. It is an Omicron variant mutant with the highest transmissibility of any COVID variant so far. According to studies, the R0 value of this mutant is approximately 10-18.6, implying that any infected individual can infect 10-18.6 people around him. This virus also has a faster infection rate, in hours, making it difficult to detect in RT-PCR tests. People who have not been vaccinated or have weakened immunity, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, or those with multiple co-morbidities (cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, cardiac or kidney disease), are at a higher risk of contracting this infection.
Dr Amitabha Ghosh, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Gurugram says that although the new variant is not as fatal it transmits faster than other Omicron variants.
FOURTH SHOT OF COVID VACCINE CAN HELP
“BF.7, like other Omicron variants, is another subvariant with a high transmission rate. According to various data, the fatality rate for this variant is not high, but it certainly transmits faster than the other Omicron variants. There are very few cases of mortality and hospitalization in India, but it also depends on a variety of factors such as a person’s immunity and pre-existing comorbidities “Dr. Ghosh says.
While the symptoms are mild, Dr. Gupta estimates that the wave will kill one million people in China alone. He believes that a fourth dose of vaccine could help prevent these deaths.
OMICRON BF.7 SYMPTOMS
“The symptoms remain the same as with any other upper respiratory infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, and running nose. There is concern that this wave could kill one million people in China alone. It is also possible that people will be protected if they receive three to four shots of the vaccine. As a result, it is critical for everyone to be more vigilant and responsive when it comes to taking Covid vaccines. A fourth vaccine could be useful in preventing this horrifying scenario. A person infected with this virus, even if asymptomatic, can spread it to another 10-18 people. Only time will tell what happens in the coming months, but we must remain vigilant and strictly adhere to Covid’s appropriate behavior, and avoid traveling as much as possible,” says Dr Gupta.
“The most common symptoms are a common cold, fever, fatigue, a sore throat, a headache, and body pain. Infected patients also have a cough and respiratory symptoms. Abdominal symptoms such as stomach pain and loose motions are also reported “Dr. Arora says.
“The signs and symptoms of BF.7 are pretty similar to other omnicorn variants fever, sore throught, runny nose. Cases of pneumonia with the BF.7 variant are definitely less common, especially in the elderly or those with underlying conditions. “We are not seeing a lot of hospitalizations with Omicron, and early data from countries where BF.7 is seen also indicate that BF.7 mortality is low,” says Dr Trupti Gilada, Infectious disease specialist at Masina Hospital in Mumbai.
OMICRON BF.7 PRECAUTIONS
To avoid infection, Dr. Ghosh advises maintaining proper hygiene, wearing a mask, and washing hands. He claims that people with low immunity should be extra cautious, and that vaccines and booster shots can help prevent mortality and complications from the subvariants.
“Till now it is not clear which age group it affects the most but it is certain that people with low immunity are at a higher risk. Furthermore, as people become more exposed to COVID and its variants, they develop immunity to this virus and future variants. People are now better able to combat the virus with the help of vaccines and booster shots, which has aided in the prevention of complications of the subvariants.
“In order to control the spread, it is critical to adhere to COVID-appropriate behavior and rules as established by local authorities. With restrictions loosening around the world and the holiday season in full swing, it is critical to maintain the mass vaccination campaign. The most important strategy for combating this infection and its community outbreaks is to test-track-treat-vaccinate “Dr. Arora says.
Source:HT
