Omicron BF.7 Covid variant, a new Covid-19 strain -Know Symptoms and Precautions of highly infectious Covid strain
What is Omicron BF.7 Covid strain?
It is a brand-new coronavirus mutant that spreads to others very quickly and has a short incubation period as well.
This variant is an Omicron mutant and of all Covid variations, it has one of the highest transmissibilities.
According to studies, the reproduction number, or, RO value of this mutant is approximately 10 to 18.6, which means that every person who is infected can spread the disease to 10 to 18.6 persons nearby.
In other words, if an infected person is exposed to the non-infected, the variant can multiply and infect 10 to 18.6 people in one go.
Omicron BF.7 Covid variant Symptoms:
The symptoms are similar to earlier Covid-19 variants, including Respiratory tract infection, Fever, Cough, Sore throat, Fatigue, Muscle pain, etc.
That is, the symptoms of the new BF.7 sub-variant are similar to those of the common flu including fever, cold, cough, body pain, and so on.
Pneumonia is another symptom that is common among the elderly or those with underlying conditions.
The risk of catching this virus is higher in those who are not vaccinated or have weaker immune systems such as senior citizens and children.
Omicron BF.7 Covid Precautions:
Wearing masks in crowded places and taking booster doses are the two most important precautions that people should take.
Covid vaccination and Booster doses can help in the prevention of subvariant complications.
People with weak immune systems need to take extra precautions because the holiday and festive season approaches.
They have to maintain proper hygiene.
Another strategy to reduce the risk of Omicron BF.7 variant is to T3V, that is,
"Test, Track, Treat, and Vaccinate.
Why should you be worried?
This virus quickly spreads to a larger number of people within a short duration, because it is highly transmittable.
Viruses create lineages and sub-lineages with each mutation, similar to a flowchart, that helps the bug adapt to human innovation.
It is suspected that 60% of people in China will be infected by this variant in the next three months, according to the report of Hindustan Times.
The virus has, in the meantime, caused great distress many countries, including the US, Hong Kong, South Kore, Japan, and Brazil.
A Chinese epidemiologist Eric Dengi stated, "this virus can lead to the deaths of millions across China in the next few months".