What is bf.7 Variant ? :  The new corona virus variant, bf.7 variant is a subvariant of the BA.5 this is a highly transmissible subvariant of Omicron. Concerns about a recurrence of the pandemic’s early stages are spreading worldwide as China faces a new coronavirus outbreak. In this article we will try to give some information and knowledge related to bf.7 variant.  The COVID-19 virus has been present all over the world since its emergence at the end of 2019 and has had time to evolve and mutate, resulting in waves upon waves of infections and almost constant emergence of new variants.

Like all other Omicron variants, the BF.7 variant transmits very quickly. Even if an infected person does not show any symptoms, they can spread the virus to 10 to 18 other people. While the pace of casualty, according to the information, isn’t high for this variation and in India there are not many instances of mortality and hospitalization, just time will uncover what occurs in the following couple of weeks or months. However, we should exercise greater caution and strictly adhere to COVID-appropriate behavior (wearing masks, avoiding social contact, and hand hygiene).

What is BF.7 Variant?

 

The virus BF.7 variant is a subvariant of the BA.5 which is a highly transmissible subvariant of Omicron. BF.7 is the abbreviation for BA.5.2.1.7. The coronavirus variant BF.7 according to reports, it is more infectious than the other variants. When viruses mutate, they form Lineages and sub-lineages, like SARS-CoV-2, which is like a tree with branches and subbranches that are its subvariants. The Omicron variant BF.7 is the most infectious, has a shorter incubation period, and is highly transmissible. SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein underwent a particular modification known as R346T, which led to the creation of BF.7 variant.  BF.7’s have also been found to have this mutation. Hence, we can say BF.7 variant is a highly transmissible subvariant of the Omicron’s BA.5

 All you need to know about BF.7 Variant

This isn’t the first time BF.7 has been talked about. In October, it started to replace the variants that were the most popular in the United States and a few European nations.

This BF.7 variant of Omicron is one of the Covid variants with the highest transmissibility. On November 22, only 2.5% of cases were from BA.5 lineages, despite the fact that the BF.7 variant was discovered in India as early as October.

The BF.7 sub-variant has a neutralization resistance that is 4.4 times higher than that of the original D614G variant, according to a study that was published in the journal “Cell Host and Microbe.” This means that in a laboratory setting, antibodies from a vaccinated or infected individual were less likely to destroy BF.7 than the original Wuhan virus, which spread worldwide in 2020, according to The Indian Express.

This indicates that the body’s immunity to the virus, whether acquired through previous infection or vaccination, is quickly bypassed by this variant. While a variant with a higher neutralization resistance indicates a greater likelihood of the variant replacing other variants in population.

How well-known is BF.7?

The Omicron variant BF.7, which is a sub-lineage of the BA.5 variant, is the most susceptible to infection, has a shorter incubation period, and is more likely to reinfect people who have been vaccinated. The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre discovered the first BF.7 case in India in October. Two cases have been reported so far, one from Odisha and two from Gujarat. (* by the time this article is published the original data may be changed). Chinese medical experts have said that the variant can be highly infectious and spread quickly. “Li Tongzeng, who works at Xiaotangshan Hospital in Beijing, told state-run newspaper The Global Times that Omicron BF.7 has more immune escape capability, a shorter incubation period, and a faster transmission rate than other variants found so far,” Li Tongzeng said.

          Five Facts About the Omicron BF.7 Variant

1. The new sub-variant’s symptoms are similar to those of the common cold and include body pain, fever, coughing, and so on. It quickly spreads to a larger population due to its high transmission rate.
2. The Bf.7 virus flood in China is credited to a low degree of resistance, which could be because of past diseases.
3.  It has been reported that the subvariant has a high capacity for reinfection, even unvaccinated individuals.
4.  Due to its high transmissibility, the BF.7 variant possesses the highest infection capacity.
5.  The highly transmissible BA.5 subvariant of Omicron contains a subvariant known as the BF.7 variant.
6.  According to experts, the BA.2 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron are thought to be highly transmissible and to have sub lineages that continue to emerge.

Differences Between Influenza (Flu) and Corona virus variants and its Sub Variant

Both respiratory illnesses are contagious, but their viruses are distinct. SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus, is the cause of COVID-19 variants, and influenza viruses are the cause of the flu. Because some of the symptoms are the same, you can’t tell the difference between the flu and Corona virus variants and its sub variant, just by looking at their symptoms. Some PCR tests can distinguish between the flu and Corona virus variants simultaneously. Numerous testing facilities offer separate COVID-19 and flu tests if one of these is unavailable. If you are experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting tested for both the flu and Corona virus variants and its sub variants.

When to Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Look for the following corona virus / bf.7 emergency warning signs: Pale, gray, or blue skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone If someone is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call an emergency number, visit the nearest hospital, or call to your local emergency facility to take the necessary action at the earliest.

What symptoms does variant BF. 7 present?

Patients should get tested for Covid-19 and its subvariants as soon as they experience symptoms in order to receive appropriate treatment and avoid cluster transmission. To combat the Omicron variant of Covid-19 and its sub variants, individuals ought to adhere to the directive as stated and the recommendation made by your doctor. This could mean wearing face masks, washing your hands frequently, and keeping a 1.5-meter distance from other people.

The following symptoms are indicative of Omicron variants: If you or any one near you is suffering from a new, persistent cough that lasts more than an hour or has three or more episodes in a 24-hour period, a change or loss in your sense of taste or smell, difficulty breathing, being worn out or exhausted need to undergo covid 19 and its subvariant testing at the earliest.

Other different symptoms may also occur as per below

1. Chilly but sweating.
2. Cough, dry, itchy throat, and muscle aches.
3. Phlegm appears and the voice changes.
4. fatigue and muscle soreness.
5. Cough, sore throat, and a severe throat pain when swallowing saliva.
6. fever of 39°C.
7. Nose that is runny or stuffy.

Pls Note : This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call and consult your doctor immediately for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

What is the incubation period for the new omicron Variant?

The incubation period is the time that passes between being exposed to the virus and experiencing disease symptoms like a cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, or both. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the omicron variant reduces the amount of time it takes for an infected person to experience symptoms following an exposure from a full week to as little as three days or less.  COVID-19 typically requires an incubation period of 5 to 6 days, but it can take up to 14 days.

When in self-Isolation following Do’s and don’ts is to be followed

1. If you notice COVID symptoms, don’t wait for your RT-PCR test results. Instead, wear a mask at home and stay in a separate room.
2. Maintain a daily routine, such as getting dressed and taking a shower.
3. Maintain physical activity.
4. Don’t use the same cutlery as the other members of the household; instead, spray your used mask with a solution of 1% sodium hypochlorite.
5. Alter your mask every six hours.
6. Make use of your own restroom.
7. To alleviate your sore throat, perform warm water gurgling. For gargling, you can add a few drops of the Betadine solution to lukewarm water.
8. To alleviate your sore throat, perform warm water gurgling. For gargling, you can add a few drops of the Betadine solution to lukewarm water.
9. Use mouthwash with chlorhexidine three times a day.
10. Don’t self-analyse and self-cure. It might harm more.
11. Complete the course and take all medications as directed on time.
12. Do allow your primary care physician to choose the course of prescription.
13. Remember to give yourself more than adequate rest.
14. Don’t Use out old masks.
15. Negative updates can depress you, so stop following the news.
16. Yoga Pranayama, pursed-lip breathing, and blowing balloons are all forms of breathing that can help improve lung efficiency, so do not disregard them.
17. Keep a thermometer and pulse oximeter with you at all times.
18. Every six hours, check your body temperature and oxygen saturation level in your blood. Inform your doctor of the readings.
19. Even if you feel drained, don’t sleep all day.
20. As a gentle form of exercise to prevent leg blood clots, do move or walk around your room. Avoid overworking or exercising.
21. Meditate, stretch, or take a deep breath.
22. Avoid smoking. Do not consume alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
23. Drink plenty of water and consume nutritious meals.
24. Concentrate on fun activities.
25. Share your feelings with others and connect with them.

Above are the minimum do’s and don’ts shown it is very important and necessary to follow the instruction given by your doctor when in self-isolation.

What Are the Safety measures to be followed for Bf.7 virus Infection?

 

Getting vaccinated if you haven’t already is the best way to stay safe right now. The other way  yo protect yourself from the coronavirus is to practice good hygiene habits and social distancing. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When you sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or your upper sleeve, not your hands. Avoid close contact with anyone outside of your household, and if you must go out, wear a face mask when in public. Additionally, stay up to date with the latest news and information from the World Health Organization and your local health department. Follow all WHO and government-mandated safety measures for bf.7 omicron sub variant.

1. Consult your physician right away if you notice any symptoms of illness, such as a fever, weakness, or sore throat.
2. when interacting with other people keep safe distance physically, limit your outdoor time as much as possible, and try to avoid crowds at all costs.
3. Follow and maintain proper hand hygiene by using sanitizer and respiratory protocol
4. Always wear mask when going outside or meeting someone from the outside
5. Take care and stay safe!

 When interacting with the patient, caregivers should follow the below  

• Must wear a mask.
• After handling anything the patient uses, they should wash their hands.
• Keep the cutlery of the patient discrete.
• Provide the patient with the appropriate nutrition in the form of daals, boiled eggs, sprouts, soups, coconut water, fresh fruit juices, dry fruits, lime juice, and freshly prepared food.
• The patient needs to be taken to the hospital for further care and evaluation whenever the patient’s oxygen levels fall below 93 or if they experience breathlessness, confusion, or a high fever for five days or more.
• Stress management can be improved by taking care of yourself. Additionally, it will assist you in supporting your loved one’s recovery.

How to increase immunity after covid recovery

After Covid your immune system get decrease, hence follow these 10 ways to boost your immune system to gain your fitness.

10 ways to boost your immune system

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly to keep your body in top physical condition.
• Get enough sleep to ensure your body has time to rest and recuperate.
• Avoid smoking, since it has been linked to lower immune system functioning.
• Minimize stress by taking regular breaks, meditating, or engaging in other stress-reduction activities.
• Take a daily multivitamin to make sure you’re getting all the essential vitamins and minerals.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated.
• Disinfect surfaces and keep your hands clean to reduce your risk of exposure to germs.
• Take probiotics to help replenish healthy bacteria in your gut and support your immune system.
• Consider adding immune-boosting supplements like vitamin C, zinc, and elderberry to your daily routine.

Take care and stay safe!

Following Below Advisory is given by the Indian Government’s.  

• At airports, international passengers arriving from China and other nations will be subjected to random sample testing.
• In light of the rising number of bf.7 subvariant of covid cases worldwide, the Health Ministry directed states and union territories to increase surveillance. Concern has been raised regarding the possibility of the emergence of a potentially lethal new variant due to an increase in the number of new bf.7 subvariant of covid cases in China.
• The district-level rapid response teams (RRT) will evaluate the unusual events and, if necessary, conduct outbreak investigations.
• According to Indian Health Minister all states has to increase surveillance and be ready for new bf.7 subvariant of covid strains, arguing that the disease is not over.
• On a regular basis, community-based surveillance will be carried out. This will focus on early detection of unusual community events like large outbreaks, unusual case presentation, mortality, and so forth.
• “COVID is not over yet.” I have instructed everyone involved to increase surveillance and remain alert. After meeting with experts and high-ranking officials, Union Minister stated, “We are prepared to manage any situation.
• A nationwide network of sentinel facilities will be established to monitor influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI).
• In order to track the variants union minister has requested the genome sequencing of positive case samples. Despite the fact that there is no reason to be alarmed, the Centre has advised individuals to wear masks in crowded areas.
• It has been requested that every day, samples from all positive cases be sent to INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs). INSACOG is a forum run by the Health Ministry that studies and monitors various Covid strains in India. It is mapped across all states and Union Territories.
• The government has stated that it will monitor the situation with Covid every week.

Conclusion:

Despite the rapid spread of the Omicron subvariants, our vaccination campaign is effective. Because it is believed that the rate of reinfection is high in some of the new subvariants, People who have previously been affected by COVID-19 or need to stay extra cautious as the rate of reinfection is thought to be high in some of the new subvariants. The risk of contracting an infection from the new variant can be reduced if you adhere to all safety procedures and practice good hygiene. Be responsible and accountable as a responsible citizen for preventing the virus from spreading and also encourage your nearest and dearest one to follow safety procedures.

This might be related & helpful!

FAQs  

Q1. Is the bf.7 Virus fast spreading? 

Ans: The sub variant of Omicron virus bf.7 may spread more rapidly than the previous COVID variants, as predicted by the mutations in the new variant. However, in order to fully comprehend the virus’s precise nature, we must follow and remain updated with the latest WHO report.

Q2. Is the Omicron subvariant Bf.7 virus causing a second lockdown?

Ans: The Health Ministry has made it clear that there will not be any immediate need for a lockdown. Nevertheless, the general public is strongly encouraged to adhere to all applicable Covid guidelines and to receive vaccinations as soon as possible.

Q3. Has the Omicron variant Bf.7 virus arrived in India?

Ans: Yes, India has been reported to have Omicron subvariant bf.7. The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre discovered the first BF.7 case in India in October. According to officials, two cases have been reported from Gujarat and one from Odisha.

Q4: Can vaccine save us against bf.7 virus?

Ans As per the recent study BF. 7 was able to avoid immunity even when people who had been vaccinated according to reports, but it is still too early to make a definitive statement regarding the effectiveness of vaccines against the new virus variant. In addition, there is no evidence that vaccines against the new variant are ineffective. Humans will always benefit from vaccines in the fight against the virus. Those who had been vaccinated earlier may follow the govt guidelines and immediately take a booster dose.

Q5. Is there a rapid spread of the Bf.7 Omicron subvariant virus?

Ans: Multiple medical reports predict that the Bf.7 virus may spread more rapidly than the previous variants due to the mutations in the new COVID variant.

Disclaimer: The  details & information given here in this article is based on information as  available on other published site on internet. Do take medical advice before adopting it. Fitness Mantram Does Not Confirm It. This site contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link the author/owner/creator may receive a commission at no ADDITIONAL cost to you. Thank you for your support!

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