New Delhi: India has reported over 1,000 cases across four Omicron sub-variants, including JN.1, LF.7, and NB.1.8. While this may sound alarming, there is no reason to panic. The current strains are causing mostly mild, self-limiting illnesses, and the overall virus has weakened compared to earlier waves. Most healthy individuals can manage symptoms such as sore throat, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue at home by resting and staying hydrated. However, as per Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, Senior Consultant, Sharda Hospital, extra caution is advised for individuals with comorbidities, such as:
- Chronic liver, kidney, or heart disease
- Active cancer
- Those on immunosuppressive medications (e.g., for autoimmune disorders or post-transplant care)
Such individuals may be at higher risk for complications and should consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms.
What You Can Do
- Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Avoid close contact with those showing symptoms
- Ensure ventilation indoors
- Stay up to date with COVID vaccinations and booster shots
- Monitor your health and isolate if you are unwell
Government measures like enhanced testing, medicine stockpiles, and misinformation control are already in place. Doctors assure all: vigilance, not fear, is key.
Dr. Ruchi Golash, Pediatrician at CMRI Hospital, Kolkata, says, ” With COVID-19 cases gradually rising across India, children have been seen to show symptoms like fever, fatigue, mild respiratory symptoms, etc. These cases are largely not severe and don’t necessitate hospitalisation, yet this should serve as a warning, especially during summer, as children are away from school and are enjoying more time to be outdoors or in public spaces.”
“We must remember that even with mild symptoms, children can still carry and spread the virus. On that note, families should continue to tread with caution. Warn your children against anything that could be risky: improper handwashing, going into unwarranted crowds indoors (like a mall or theatre), and skipping on mask-wearing in public, especially in case of a few cold or flu symptoms. While schools are shut, go out less and organise safer playdates at home or an outside location with social distancing. Helping one another at this instance will prevent much wider outbreaks in the days to come. The children might be tough, but they deserve protection, and that’s where being alert comes in and not anxious,” Dr Golash added
India has reported over 1,000 cases across four Omicron sub-variants, including JN.1, LF.7, and NB.1.8. While this may sound alarming, there is no reason to panic. The current strains are causing mostly mild, self-limiting illnesses, and the overall virus has weakened compared to earlier waves. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
