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All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, change with time. The majority of alterations have little to no effect on the virus's characteristics. However, certain changes can impact the properties of the virus, such as how quickly it spreads, the severity of the accompanying sickness, or the effectiveness of vaccines, therapeutic drugs, diagnostic tools, or other public health and societal interventions.
The latest coronavirus variant, omicron’s sub-variant BF.7 is wreaking havoc in China and countries across the globe including the US, the UK, Belgium, Germany, France, and Denmark. This is because its transmission rate is very high. The R0 value (an estimate of the contagiousness of the virus) of the latest COVID BF.7 variant is 18, which means an infected person can transmit the virus to 18 people.
What is Omicron’s BF.7 Variant?
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BF.7 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5 and has the strongest infection ability. The full name of the BF.7 virus is BA.5.2.1.7.
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A virus can sometimes fail to create an exact copy of itself when it multiplies. This indicates that the genetic sequence of the virus may begin to vary gradually over time. It is characterized as a Mutation when this process results in any modifications to the viral genetic code. Variants refer to viruses that have undergone recent mutations. One or more mutations can distinguish between variants.
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BF.7 is a new mutation of SARS-CoV-2 and can be transmitted to other people very quickly and has a short incubation period. The BF.7 Omicron sub-variant has been in circulation for over a year now.
Consulting with the internal medicine specialist in Bangalore can help an individual to get rid of this infectious disease.
How Dangerous is Coronavirus BF.7 Variant?
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Due to its high infectivity rate, the new Omicron variant BF.7 is highly dangerous. It has already infected millions of people around the world and taken thousands of lives. The biggest threat comes from its transmissibility as a person infected with BF.7 can infect multiple people, thus creating a vicious cycle.
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In addition to that, the BF.7 virus has a short incubation period and infects people easily. Compared to the other Omicron variants, BF.7 is more dangerous and can prove fatal if not treated on time. Dr. Amitabha Ghosh, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Gurugram, the new variety spreads more quickly than existing Omicron variants despite not being as deadly.
To get the best covid treatment in Bangalore, consult with the doctors at Manipal Hospitals.
Coronavirus New Variant - BF.7 Symptoms
Most of the symptoms of the BF.7 variant are similar to other Omicron variants. A person infected with BF.7 can show symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. People with weak immune systems such as diabetics and people suffering from other chronic illnesses have a high risk of catching this virus. The initial symptoms of the BF.7 variant can appear as sore throat, fatigue, phlegm, and runny nose.
Dr. Amitabha Ghosh, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Gurugram, says, “The new variety spreads more quickly than existing Omicron variants despite not being as deadly.” According to Dr. Ghosh, to avoid illness, one must practice good hygiene, put on a mask, and wash their hands. He contends that although immunization and booster shots can assist to reduce mortality and the effects of the sub-variants, those with weak immune systems should take extra care.
How to Prevent Yourself from COVID-19 BF.7 Variant?
The best way to prevent getting the BF.7 variant is to follow precautionary measures. These are:
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Maintain Social Distancing
Avoid going to crowded and confined places. If you have to, make sure to maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet from others. Social distancing prevents you from getting in contact with droplets from an infected person.
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Weak Mask Properly
Whenever you are going outside, whether going to the office or shopping, wear a good-quality mask at all times. This will prevent you from catching the BF.7 variant virus from infected people. In addition to that, you will also avoid getting other infections such as cough, cold, and flu. These infections can weaken your immune system and make you vulnerable to more deadly viruses such as BF.7.
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Take Booster Jab
Go for a booster dose of coronavirus if you haven’t taken it already. Since, there isn’t any sure-shot cure available for COVID-19, getting vaccines is the best shot. It will prevent you from getting the BF.7 variant.
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Follow the Safety and Cleanliness Guide
As for other variants, you can avoid getting BF.7 Omicron sub-variant by following cleanliness guides. Wash your hands properly from time to time and apply good-quality sanitizer on them. Avoid touching outside objects when going to public places such as railings, walls, parked vehicles, etc.
The Omicron BF.7 strain has sparked fear of a fresh wave in India as the sub-variant has a high chance of transmissibility. India has already witnessed 3 waves of the coronavirus pandemic. Hence, people should follow the “2 Gaj Doori, Mask Hai Jaroori” approach to avoid any further waves which can result in more lockdowns and ruckus.
Department of Internal Medicine
Manipal Hospitals
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