Introduction
COVID-19 infection is always surprising, with newer variants every few months. Omicron BF 7 is the recent subvariant of the Omicron variant. Many countries are under threat from this new subvariant. It was first detected in inner Mongolia of northwest China on October 4th. BF 7 and BA. 5.1.7 are causing a surge in COVID cases in China. It has also been detected in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Belgium. Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center in India has been detected with a case of Omicron BF 7. It may be a dangerous outbreak during this Diwali.
What Is Omicron BF 7?
The Omicron variant of COVID (coronavirus disease) was first identified in South Africa on November 24th, 2021. This variant was a concern because it was highly contagious and had a high mutation rate and transmissibility. However, the Omicron variant had milder symptoms. Omicron BF 7 and BA.5.1.7 are the new sub-variants of Omicron.
The BF 7 variant is also referred to as “ Omicron spawn.” It poses a new threat because it dodges the antibodies created for their earlier versions and surpasses the immunity gained from previous infections and vaccinations. It is also known as the immune escape variant, evading immunity. BF. 7 is the name given to downstream descendants of BA. 5. BF 7 can mutate fast. The mutations began with BA.1, and at present, it has chronicled BF 7.
How Dangerous Is Omicron BF 7?
It is known that any mutant variant of a virus has an advantage over the wild-type virus. Omicron BF 7 is immunologically evasive, fast-mutating, and more virulent. It can counter the antibodies acquired from previous infections and vaccinations. This variant has a better binding ability. Hence, a few viral particles are sufficient to cause BF 7 infection. It has increased transmissibility because it evades immunity.
What Are the Symptoms of Omicron BF 7?
The globally reported symptoms of Omicron BF 7 include the following:
-
Continuous coughing.
-
Congestion.
-
Difficulty in hearing.
-
Chest pain.
-
Shaking or quivering.
-
Changes in the sense of smell.
-
Body pain.
-
Fatigue.
Why Is Omicron BF 7 Concerning?
It is a big concern because of its greater transmissibility, and BF 7 has already been detected in India. However, according to health experts and scientists, it is not a big threat because BF 7 is from the Omicron family. Omicron had a high transmissible rate but did not create havoc in India.
The Omicron variant is continuously evolving, but global initiatives on sharing avian influenza data (GISAID) from India showed that there is no sequence available for BF. 5.1.7 variant, from the data submitted to Gujarat biotechnology research center. Therefore, according to a senior scientist at ICMR (Indian council of medical research), cases are present in India, but it is not a panic situation. However, it is essential to maintain social distance and follow preventive strategies to prevent the potential spread.
Why Is Omicron BF 7 an Immune Evasive Variant?
Omicron has been mutating ever since it arrived. The mutation started as BA 1 and reached BF 7. The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of the virus is responsible for the mutations. The virus uses the receptor binding domain of the spike protein to attach to the human cells. The new sub-variant can escape the immune responses from vaccination or infections, with their convergent evolution involving about five frequent mutations. Hence, it is referred to as an immune evasive variant.
Will Diwali Trigger a Fresh Wave?
Every new variant and subvariant of COVID stalks the vulnerable individual and puts them at risk. A new variant always increases the chance of spread. According to health experts, there are chances for a new wave with the emerging BF 7 variant.
Diwali is the biggest festival in India. 2022’s Diwali is in full swing as people are gathering in huge numbers from different locations, violating social distancing and protection norms. Omicron BF 7, an immunologically evasive variant with highly potent transmissibility, may trigger a new wave. As the flu and winter season is forthcoming, cases of sore throat, congestion, and runny nose are likely expected to hike.
What Are the Preventive Strategies?
Individuals should not panic about this new subvariant but should be careful and take necessary precautions. As the festival season is approaching, the following precautions should be followed to prevent the spread:
-
Maintain social distancing everywhere, even at home.
-
Wear a proper, well-fitting face mask that covers the mouth and nose.
-
Personal hygiene and coughing into bent elbows or tissue should be followed.
-
Wash hands with soap and water to maintain hand hygiene.
-
Proper ventilation should be maintained through open windows.
-
Vaccination and booster doses should be in place.
-
Keep an eye out for infection signs, and if there are any symptoms, get medical help right once.
What Is the Update on Omicron BF 7 Research?
Omicron BF 7 cases are being monitored, and research is ongoing. The behavior of Omicron BF 7 in terms of severity is yet to be determined.
Conclusion
India has reported different COVID variants, such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, B.1.6, AY, Omicron, XE, XM, and XJ since the pandemic started. India is now experiencing a decline in COVID cases. However, COVID is continuously evolving into more evasive variants. Omicron BF 7 variant may put all the gains achieved so far in vain because of its high transmissible rate. The impacts of BF 7 infection are being monitored. It is essential to follow COVID-appropriate precautions and behavior to prevent the spread of this mutated variant.
