Omicron BF.7 Strain Detected In India.

What Are the Symptoms?

Just as 2022 comes to an end, there’s bad news looming on the horizon. A new strain of Omicron is causing widespread infections in China. The variant has now reached Indian shores and at the time of writing around 4 people have been affected. While the numbers are too small to warrant any serious concern, the Indian government has advised people to wear masks and maintain social distancing.

Dr. Amitabha Saha, COVID doctor in Kolkata, takes a look at the details of the BF.7 strain and its symptoms.

Symptoms of COVID BF.7 Strain

  • BF.7 has been observed to cause upper respiratory tract infection, this means the infection will be caused in the throat, and upper regions of the lungs. Accompanying this, there may be a fever, runny nose, cough, and sore throat.
  • Just like before, certain people may get stomach-related issues. Vomiting and diarrhoea will be likely in these people.

COVID doctors in Kolkata are saying that getting tested early is the key to preventing the spread of the disease. Also, faster decisions on isolation and the right drug therapy will be easier to take given that the person is isolated faster.

COVID doctors in Kolkata

 

 

The Present Scenario of COVID-19 in India

According to news reports from the leading dailies, India is reporting lesser than 200 cases a day. The BF.7 strain was reported in Gujarat and Odisha. However, the patients have since recovered.

But what makes the BF.7 strain problematic?

The symptoms of this strain are not very dangerous nor are the severity of the illness very high. However, a vast number of people can be infected as the disease is highly contagious. The recovery rate from this strain is very high but if the disease spreads, the death toll could increase potentially.

The BF.7 strain has been plaguing China considerably. Although official data from China is hard to come by, news agency Bloomberg says that around Rs. 10 lakh cases are reported per day. The death toll is at 5000 persons per day.

As the Indian population has been vaccinated repeatedly and in a widespread manner, we have developed immunity and the chances of severe disease are less.

COVID doctors in Kolkata

 

Conclusion

COVID doctors in Kolkata advise the population to follow COVID norms like social distancing and wearing masks. Get tested as soon as you notice any symptoms. Wash your hands regularly. Moreover, you can also choose to get tested if you know anyone who is suffering from the same.