Medical

The New COVID-19 Variant: Omicron BF.7: Know Your Symptoms And Risks

Just as we were getting used to being COVID-free, there’s a new variant out there. The new Omicron variant symptoms are unlike the previous variants, and this variant can be transmitted by people who do not have any symptoms as well.

By URLife Team

09 Jan 2023

The COVID-19 BF.7 variant is a new strain that is spreading quickly in China and has also been found in India. It is more contagious than previous versions and has an R0 rate of 10 to 18.6, which means that it can potentially infect an average of 10 to 18.6 people. The new Omicron variant symptoms are different, and so it’s vital that you know what they are.

It is crucial for individuals to understand the risks posed by the new COVID-19 variant, BF.7, in order to take the necessary precautions and protect themselves and others from infection. By following recommended prevention measures and reporting any symptoms promptly, we can work to mitigate the spread of this variant and safeguard public health.

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

Symptoms Of The Omicron Variant

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is currently the most dominant strain worldwide. According to the ZOE Healthy Study, which has closely monitored the symptoms of COVID-19 since its early stages, the most commonly reported symptoms of the Omicron variant include:

Sore Throat: This is a pain or discomfort in the throat, often accompanied by swelling or redness.
Runny Nose: This is the discharge of thin, watery nasal discharge from the nostrils.
Blocked Nose: This is a feeling of nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose.
Sneezing: This is the sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth, often accompanied by a sound.
Cough Without Phlegm: This is a reflexive action to clear the throat and airways of irritants, such as mucus or foreign particles.
Headache: This is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck.
Hoarse Voice: This is a change in the quality or pitch of the voice, often characterized by a rough or raspy sound. Muscle aches and pains: These are sensations of discomfort or tenderness in the muscles.
Altered Sense of Smell: This is a change in the ability to detect odors.

The Severity Of COVID-19 Caused By The Omicron BF.7 Variant

The COVID-19 Omicron BF.7 variant is highly contagious, but the infection itself is generally not severe. People with strong immune systems may be able to recover from the infection on their own. However, those with compromised immune systems, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or who are receiving long-term chemotherapy, as well as elderly adults and infants, may be more vulnerable to the infection and suffer from a more severe disease, including death.

While hospitalization is usually not necessary for most cases of the BF.7 variant, it spreads at an alarming rate and can lead to severe complications for people with underlying conditions. Additionally, the BF.7 variant may cause post-infection syndromes in these cases. It is important for people at higher risk to take extra precautions and follow the guidance of their local health authorities.

Safeguarding Yourself And Others: COVID-19 Precautions To Follow

To protect yourself from the Omicron BF.7 variant of COVID-19, it is important to take a few simple precautions. These include:

Wearing a well-fitted mask in public places
Getting vaccinated and receiving booster doses as needed
Washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands first
Being aware of the symptoms of infection and seeking medical attention if necessary
Avoiding crowds and maintaining physical distance from others
Covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals

Tracking India's Growing BF.7 Outbreak

Between July and October, four variant cases were discovered—three in Gujarat, one in Odisha, and some more recently in West Bengal. While the situation is currently being managed, it is important to follow guidelines in order to protect yourself from a potential infection.

COVID-19: Understanding The Evolution Of The Virus

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the world, it's important to understand the evolution of the virus and how it has changed over time. The virus has undergone several mutations, leading to the emergence of different variants. These variants can vary in their level of infectivity and severity and can have different impacts on different populations.

One of the more notable variants is the Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2. This variant was first discovered in October 2020 and was highly infectious. However, it is no longer causing a significant spread.

Another significant variant is the beta variant, which was the first mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and was discovered in May 2020. This variant spread rapidly and caused many fatalities.

The Alpha variant was discovered in September 2020 and was more infectious than the Beta variant. However, it is no longer in circulation as the virus has mutated into new forms.

The Gamma variant, discovered in November 2020, was even more infectious and fatal than the other variants. It has since mutated and is no longer in circulation.

The latest mutation, known as the Omicron variant, is very infectious but not extremely fatal. This variant is constantly mutating and giving rise to sub-variants, such as the BF.7 variant currently active in China.

FAQs

What is the new variant of COVID-19?

A new sub-variant of COVID-19, known as BF.7, has emerged in China and India. This variant is a sub-variant of the Omicron strain of the virus, which is known for its high level of infectivity.

How can I prevent the BF.7 infection?

To reduce your risk of contracting the BF.7 strain of COVID-19, it is important to follow the recommended prevention measures, such as regularly washing your hands, wearing a mask in public, and practicing social distancing. If you begin to experience any symptoms of the virus, it is crucial that you inform the medical authorities as soon as possible.

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

The story is verified by Dr. Suneetha Narreddy, Infectious Diseases Specialist, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.