A new COVID strain, BF.7, has been posing a threat to people once more as the globe just managed to breathe gently following the gradual drop in COVID cases over the past year.
In China, the new variant has been catching on like wildfire; Denmark and Britain have also reported cases. What is the BF.7 variant? How fatal is this? Let’s find out.
BF.7
The BF.7 variant is the mutant born from the Omicron BA.5.
Epicenter
The virus was first found in Mainland China, which is also the birthplace of the COVID pandemic. The variant started spreading as the COVID restrictions were lifted in China due to public demand.
Impact of the variant
In a short amount of time, experts predict that BF.7's effect will be twice as great as Omicron's. Those who have already caught Covid's infection run the danger of contracting his variant.
According to the physicians, vaccination recipients may also get the virus. Despite the quick spread, it is anticipated that the severity would be minimal.
Symptoms
The symptoms are the same as in the four variants of COVID that the world has seen. They include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and a runny nose.
Right back in November
As per reports, the variant was detected in India in the month of November, and according to Indian medical professionals, it is a subvariant of Omicron.
BF.7 cases in India
In India, Gujarat and Odisha both reported two BF.7 cases. The doctors are providing extensive treatment for the patients. Plans are being made by the authorities to control the spread.
The officers of the Health Department had previously met with Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who enquired about the new variant and assured the public that there was nothing to worry about.
Pandemic didn’t end
Since there hasn't been a surge in cases since last year, people all across the world anticipated that the pandemic would come to an end. However, the BF.7 variation shows that the COVID outbreak is still active.
The number of BF.7 cases has sharply increased in China. The situation has become so bad that patients are now being treated on the floor since there aren't enough beds in the hospitals.
Festival season
We must take precautions and wear masks so because holidays of Christmas, New Year's, and Sankranthi are just around the corner. If possible, try to stay home and be tested if you think you have symptoms.