What is BF.7? What are its symptoms? All you need to know about BF.7 Covid Variant

The BF.7 is the same as BA.5.2.1.7, which is a sub-lineage of the Omicron sub-lineage BA.5.

The BF.7 sub-variant of Omicron has become a hot topic. This is the Covid variant responsible for the current surge in COVID-19 infections in China. This isn’t the first time that BF.7 is hitting the headlines. In October this year, it is this variant that started to replace the variants that were then dominant in the United States and several European countries.
India has so far reported four cases of Omicron sub-variant BF.7.

What is the BF.7 variant?

1. The BF.7 is the same as BA.5.2.1.7, which is a sub-lineage of the Omicron sub-lineage BA.5. It is a new mutation of the coronavirus, which can quickly transfer to other people and has a short incubation period as well.
2. The variant is a mutant of the Omicron and has one of the highest transmissibility amongst all Covid variants.
3. BF.7 is believed to have a reproduction value, meaning a person can be infected with the BF. 7 variants and are likely to transmit the virus to others.
4. BF.7 accounted for more than 5% of US cases and 7.26% of UK cases in October.

People who are not vaccinated or have weaker immunity, such as elderly citizens and children, are at high risk of catching this infection.

What are its symptoms?

BF.7 symptoms are similar to the previous variants of Covid-19 :
• Infection of the respiratory tract
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Muscle Pain
• Fatigue

Pneumonia is another symptom that is seen in the elderly population or people with an underlying condition.

Precautions that you need to take:

Because the BF.7 variant is the most contagious of all COVID variants, the first and most important precaution is to wear a mask in crowded places and to take booster doses.

Secondly, maintaining a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others is suggested. You also need to avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces.

The last and most important thing you need to do is wash your hands regularly and use sanitizer.

Another strategy for mitigating the risk of the Omicron BF.7 variant is to test, track, treat, and vaccinate.

Amid a spurt in COVID cases across the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to chair a high-level meeting to review the COVID-19 situation and its related aspects in the country today.

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