New Covid Variant BF.7 is not new. It’s in the limelight due to China and a few western countries. India first found this variant in July. Until now, India has registered 4 cases; all four are past cases, not new. But everyone wants to know the symptoms of the BF.7 new covid variant due to China.
The recent Covid Surge in China is due to the New Variant of Covid BF.7. So, curiosity is rising regarding the symptoms of the BF.7 new covid variant or symptoms of BF.7 stain.
What is BF.7 Variant or, say, BF.7 strain?
According to the latest research, the variant is a mutant of the Omicron and has one of the highest transmissibility amongst all Covid variants. As per new studies, the R0 value of this mutant is around 10-18.6-7, which means that any infected individual can infect 10-18.6-7 people around him.
People who are not immunized or vaccinated, such as elderly citizens and children, are at high risk of acquiring this infection.
Study on Omicron sub-variant BF.7:
The new variant BF.7 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5. Study says it is a highly contagious variant with a shorter gestation period. It also has a higher ability to cause re-infection and can even contaminate vaccinated individuals.
According to the Cell Host and Microbe,’ the BF.7variant has 4.4-fold higher neutralization resistance than the original Wuhan virus. This means the antibodies from the vaccination are ineffective against the virus.
Now let’s see the Symptoms of the BF.7 variant:
The new covid variant presents symptoms identical to upper respiratory infection, including fever, sore throat, runny nose and cough.
How to remain safe against BF.7:
- Wear a mask
- Keeping social distancing
- Hand sanitization remains the primary step that can help stop a possible spread.
- Cold, cough and other seasonal illnesses are also expected during these months in India. But it would be best if you did not ignore these symptoms.
- If you or someone around you encounter the symptoms mentioned above, get a Covid test done instantly and practice self-isolation.
- Low immunity is dangerous.
- Follow Govt guidlines
Many experts feel a low level of immunity due to previous illnesses can be one of the primary reasons behind the surge in China.
India vs BF.7:
Experts have confirmed that BF.7 in India will be distinct from that of China. The China residents did not develop herd immunity because of the strict lockdown there till last month.
Stay away from fake news:
1. According to the experts, the BF.7 is not a new variant but a sublineage of the Omicron variant BA.5.
2. There are ten different covid variants in India, and BF.7 is the latest. Delta, which drove the second wave of the pandemic in India, is still there.
Mansukh Mandaviya Union Health Minister:
The Indian Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a study meeting and highlighted the need for caution. People have been instructed to bring back the masks in crowded places.
Indian States are already doing what they should do to control cases.
Considering the Covid-19 concern in India, top health officials think it is time for caution and not panic. India is unlikely to see any further waves because of the 3-dose guard and herd immunity.
