Omicron BF.7 detected in India, know the symptoms and precautions

Omicron BF.7 a new Covid 19 strain has wreaked havoc in China and is now found in India. Over the past 6 months, three cases of this variant have been detected in India. The highly infectious strain is found in Gujarat and Odisha. It has been reported that 60% of the population will be infected in the next three months. With the latest BF.7 variant, there are 10 different variants of Covid 19 in the country. 

There is a new mutation of the coronavirus that spreads quickly and has a short incubation period. Globally, the virus has caused great distress, including in Brazil, the US, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan. 

What is BF.7 Strain?

It is a mutant of Omicron and has the highest transmissibility among all Covid variants. The R0 value of this mutant is approx 10-18.6, which means one individual can infect 10-18.6 people around him. This infection is more likely to spread to those who are not vaccinated or have weaker immunity power such as senior citizens and children. 

Omicron BF.7 Symptoms

• Infection in the respiratory tract
• Sore throat
• Fever 
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Pneumonia is seen in the elderly population or patients of underlying condition

Omicron BF.7 Precaution

As New Year and Christmas celebration is around, it is important to take precaution and follow Covid guidelines.

• People need to wear masks in public places
• Taking booster dose
• Maintain social distancing
• Avoid touching public places like elevator buttons, door handles, and handrails.
• Wash your hands after touching surfaces, especially in public places

Around 27-28% of the eligible population in India have taken the Covid 19 precautionary dose. Another strategy to migrate the risk of variant is Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate.

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