BF.7 is a new, previously unknown variant of the coronavirus that has now been identified in India. It is a sub-variant of Omicron, spreading widely in the past few months. This new strain is highly contagious, causing a rise in the number of omicron cases in India with each passing day. Experts say it's likely that the virus will continue to spread across the country. The health department of India has also confirmed the Omicron BF.7 symptoms may include severe throat infections, runny nose, body aches, and a medium-to-high fever.Find all the details on the rate of spread, symptoms, and health issues due to the new deadly covid variant BF.7.
Here is all you need to know about BF.7 strain -
- BF.7 is the new covid variant capable of spreading the COVID infection.
- It is a sub-variant of the prevailing omicron strain.
- The infection is highly contagious and has the highest transmissibility among all COVID variants.
- The infectivity rate of BF.7 is 18, i.e., if you get the infection, you can spread it to 18 other people.
- It can reinfect people with previous COVID-19 infections.
- The BF.7 variant is characterized by extreme fatigue and muscle pain.
- The new omicron variant is known to evade the antibodies produced by prior vaccines; hence, complete protection against the new variant may not be possible.
Health Concern & Symptoms of BF.7 sub-variant -
BF.7 is the latest emerging threat to the Indian healthcare industry. The new variant causes a mild to severe respiratory disease that can be spread through direct contact with an infected person.Symptoms typically start within 24 hours of exposure, but it can take up to 7 days to show up. The symptoms of BF.7 are similar to that observed in the case of Omicron and may occur as follows:Initial common symptoms of the virus may cause,- Fever with chills
- Sore throat
- Aching muscles
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Persistent cough
- Asthma attacks
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Altered sense of smell
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
What happens during BF.7 sub-variant infection?
- Upon contact with the new strain of the coronavirus, the person feels no internal, not external physical changes. Symptoms of fever, headache, and weakness only appear after one week.
- Without knowledge of the infection, symptoms appear full-blown, causing extreme tiredness, fatigue, and slow movements. The infected person will not want to get out of bed. Loss of appetite and general discomfort sets in.
- Medicines to treat the symptoms should be taken to avoid progressing into more severe conditions.
- If a cold-like symptom sets in, nasal decongestants, pain relievers, and antibiotics specific to the upper respiratory tract must be taken to prevent the spread of the virus into the lungs.
- The Omicron subvariant can affect the lungs. In the case of COPD patients, immediately consult a doctor to prevent further damage to their health.
- The person infected with the new covid strain may have to withdraw from work or studies due to weakness, muscle aches, and lack of concentration.
- Recovery from the symptoms is slow. People may experience fatigue and weakness for months after recovery.
- Recovery is quickened with rest, a healthy diet, hydration, and medication.
- Persons previously vaccinated with both doses of the COVID vaccine are less prone to the symptoms of the new variant.
How is the Omicron BF.7 sub-variant spread?
Like the previously known strains of the virus, the omicron subvariant is spread via,Respiratory droplets: Infected people spread the bacteria by talking, breathing, sneezing, and coughing in public. COVID strains of the virus reside in the air as droplets. You can catch the infection if you,- inhale the respiratory droplets of an infected person
- touch an object with these droplets, and then touch your mouth with the same hands
- eat from the same plate and drink from the same glass as a person infected with the coronavirus.
- Roam in crowded groups frequently.
How should India prevent the spread of Bf.7?
COVID-19 vaccine is made available to every citizen in India. While we cannot avoid the spread of the infection in a densely populated country as India, prevention from the infection can be achieved if you,- Maintain hygiene, wash hands regularly, use personal cutlery, bottles, and glassware
- Stay away from an infected person, and not sharing your belongings
- Sneezes by an infected person can spread the virus.
- Wear a mask while moving around
- Maintain the social distancing protocols and guidelines
- Get vaccinated, get a booster dose
- Isolate yourself if you think you have come into contact with an infected person
How is BF.7 detected?
The new COVID variant is difficult to detect with a regular RT-PCR test. However, Mumbai-based HiMedia Laboratory has developed an RT-PCR kit to detect the recently mutated Omicron BF.7 subvariant.Who is at risk of infection with the BF.7 variant?
- Those who are not previously vaccinated with any of the available COVID-19 vaccines.
- Those with weak immune systems- children, pregnant women, elderly citizens.
- Those with comorbidities of diabetes, cancer, heart, and pulmonary diseases.
- Healthcare workers in a hospital.
Complications due to BF.7 sub-variant
COVID infection can be fatal in individuals having comorbidities and in persons with compromised immunity. Though the new COVID variant is found to be mild, if the new subvariant is anything like Omicron, if symptoms are left untreated, the virus can affect internal organs.- Can progress into pneumonia
- Seizures in unvaccinated children
Conclusion -
The BF.7 sub-variant is highly contagious. This variant is not fatal, but time will tell the true nature of its spread. Suppose you believe you may be suffering from BF.7 symptoms. In that case, it's important to seek immediate medical attention so that your symptoms can be treated properly and in time to avoid serious conditions.Frequently Asked Questions
Are symptoms of the BF.7 variant different from Omicron?
The symptoms of the new variant are similar to that observed in the infection by Omicron. Doctors opine that it is impossible to tell the difference between the symptoms of the two variants.
Why is the BF.7 variant highly contagious?
The new covid variant can evade the antibodies produced by the previous vaccines. It has a shorter incubation period and is faster to be transmitted than other COVID variants. It also has a high infectivity rate of 18, which means an infected person can further infect 18 other people.
What are the symptoms of the BF.7 variant?
Symptoms are similar to the omicron variant and include cough, runny nose, fatigue, muscle pain, and fever.
Can the BF.7 sub-variant infect me if I was previously infected?
Yes, you can get infected by the new variant. COVID vaccines cannot provide complete immunity against the new variant, and hence there is a high chance you can get infected.
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