Four cases of the BF.7 variant have been detected in India, so far. Two cases have been reported from Gujarat and two from Odisha. This sub-variant has already been detected in several other countries including Germany, Belgium, France, Denmark, The US and the UK.
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.
The BF.7 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5. According to PTI, it is a highly transmissible variant with a shorter incubation period. It also has a higher capacity to cause re-infection and can even infect vaccinated individuals.
According to a study published in the journal ‘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 not effective enough against the virus.
OMICRON BF.7 SYMPTOMS: The new variant displays symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, and cough, that are comparable to those of an upper respiratory infection.
Some of the serious symptoms are mentioned below:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
Chest pain
Precautions: As Christmas and New Year celebrations are around the corner, it is more crucial than ever to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. Wearing a mask, social distancing and hand sanitization remain the basic steps that can help prevent a possible spread.
Cold, cough and other seasonal illnesses are also common during these months in India. But you should not ignore these symptoms. If you or someone around you experience the above-mentioned symptoms, get a Covid test done immediately and practice self-isolation.
