The COVID family includes the rapidly spreading BF.7 strain that has recently emerged in China. Although Omicron sub-variant BF.7 has not yet spread to India, its global spread necessitates preventative measures such as receiving both the COVID and booster doses of vaccination.
Four people in India have contracted the same subvariant, but that isn’t cause for alarm, according to health officials and experts. The infection rate of Omicron BF.7 is higher, and it is not easily detected via RT-PCR. Those who aren’t immunized, have a weakened immune system (such as young children, the elderly, or pregnant women), or have other health issues are more likely to contract the disease.
Is the Omnicron BF.7 more deadly than other bacteria?
“With the arrival of the new Omicron BF.7 virus, people have started feeling cautious and vulnerable to the symptoms of this infection. As the new sub-variant is highly transmissible and has shown signs of overriding the built-up immunity of the previous variants, it has become one of the most dangerous forms of Covid yet. The symptoms of this variant are similar to those of an earlier Covid infection, like fever, cough, sore throat, weakness, nausea, and diarrhea. However, it is important to understand what kind of cough or sore throat symptoms could mean exposure to this virus,” says Dr Deepak Verma Consultant – Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad.
What are the symptoms of the BF.7 variant?
Omicron BF.7 shares symptoms with other subvariants of the virus. However, those who already have a compromised immune system or other health concerns are more likely to contract a life-threatening illness as a result of the variant.
The following symptoms are commonly seen in patients with BF.7 infection :
- Common Cold
- Sore Throat
- Fever
- Body Ache
- Dry or Wet Cough
- Runny Nose
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty in Breathing
- Not being able to walk without losing breath
- Not being able to lift heavy weights
COVID Omicron BF.7 Severity
Hospitalisation is not required in most cases of the BF.7 variant but it spreads at an alarmingly fast rate. Although the Omicron BF.7 variant of COVID is highly contagious, it typically causes only mild illness in humans. In healthy individuals, the infection typically clears up on its own. However, the infection can be particularly dangerous, and even fatal, for those who have compromised immune systems due to age or illness.
Is the COVID Omicron BF.7 variant deadly?
Even though the COVID BF.7 variant is not typically life threatening, it can be particularly dangerous for those who are already weak from other causes.
Due to hybrid immunity from both vaccine doses and exposure to different Coronavirus variants, it is anticipated that the virus will not affect many people in India.
Omicron BF.7 Precautions
For the Omicron BF.7 variant, standard safety measures are adequate. To avoid contracting the disease, just follow the safety measures outlined below.
- Put on a mask that fits properly whenever you go out in public.
- Get all of your immunizations and booster shots.
- Always make sure to wash your hands.
- Never put unwashed hands anywhere near your face, especially your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of infection and get checked out right away if you experience any of them.
- Keep your distance from other people and stay out of crowded areas.
- When you have to sneeze or cough, always make sure to cover your mouth with a handkerchief or your elbow.
- Avoid close contact with people who are infected with the BF.7 variant.
