What is BF.7 Covid Variant? 4 cases reported in India - check symptoms, precaution, treatment and vaccine | Covid-19 News Today

BF.7 Covid Variant India Cases, Symptoms: There has been a sudden spurt in Covid-19 cases in China. Chinese health experts warned that a new wave of Coronavirus has hit the country. In the backdrop of rising Covid cases in China and other parts of the world, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review the Covid situation in India. He urged people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, including wearing masks in crowded places and getting vaccinated. 

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also review the situation related to COVID-19 in the country at a high-level meeting, officials said, as per a PTI report.

What is Omicron Subvariant BF.7 ?

BF.7 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5, and has the strongest infection ability since it is highly transmissible, has a shorter incubation period, and has a higher capacity to cause reinfection or infect even those vaccinated, a PTI report said.

BF.7 Covid Variant Cases in India

India in the last six months has reported four cases of COVID Omicron sub-variant BF.7 which is driving the current surge of infection in China, an ANI report said.

Sources said BF.7 cases were reported in India in July, September and November and there are four cases so far and added that three cases were reported from Gujarat and one from Odisha. They said more cases have not been reported and the infection has not been found to be strong, the ANI report added.

Omicron Subvariant BF.7 Symptom, Precaution, Treatment

According to Dr Akshay Budhraja, consultant at Aakash Healthcare Super Specialty Hospital, the most common symptoms of the new variant include sore throat, congestion, fatigue, cough and runny nose.

He said that the best way to limit the spread of the virus is to take precautions. Speaking to Zee Business earlier, Dr Akshay advised to follow the appropriate Covid behaviour and avoid crowded areas.

"We should be cautious by isolating ourself if sick, wearing a good protective mask, avoiding mass gatherings and following covid appropriate behaviour," he said.
Covid-19 cases rising with each additional variant and subvariant, putting vulnerable and old people at risk.

"The new variant of omicron known as BF.7 is a variant of concern in many countries like the US, France, UK and Germany, due to its high transmissibility and capability to evade immunity from prior infections or vaccinations," the doctor said.

Akshay suggested wearing a mask and avoiding overcrowding because the weather is changing in India and people are more susceptible to viral illnesses. This, he said, will help prevent a generalised increase in respiratory viral infection cases.

ALSO READ: Covid-19 Omicron subvariant BF.7: Will precautionary dose protect against the latest COVID variant?