Rising COVID cases every day
India is witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases. Delhi recorded 115 fresh Coronavirus cases with a positivity rate of 7.45 percent on Monday, according to the data shared by the health department.
As per data, active COVID cases in Uttar Pradesh have increased three times in the past 10 days.
The latest government data shows that the number of districts with a weekly test positivity rate (TPR) of 10% or more has increased to 32 across 14 states and UTs, a 3.5-fold rise in two weeks.
XBB.1.16 could be behind the surge
As per experts, the new COVID variant XBB.1.16 is a cause of concern for the sudden surge in the number of cases.
Vipin M Vashishtha, former convenor of Indian Academy of Pediatrics and consultant pediatrician at the Mangla Hospital and Research Centre, Bijnor, tweeted, “XBB.1.16 has a 140% growth advantage over XBB.1.5,” adding, “It is far more aggressive than XBB.1.5. And probably faster than XBB.1.9.”
What makes it different?
Vipin M Vashishtha shared that according to the UK Health Security Agency, “XBB.1.16 is a lineage with 3 additional spike mutations (E180V, K478R, and S486P)".
"All eyes should be on India! If XBB.1.16 aka #Arcturus could succeed to wade through the 'sturdy' population immunity of Indians that successfully resisted the onslaught of variants like BA.2.75, BA.5, BQs, XBB.1.5, then whole world must be seriously worried!!," he added in the Twitter thread.
Common symptoms of the new COVID variant
According to doctors, COVID patients are showing a similar set of symptoms as during the third wave of the pandemic in India between January and March last year.
Common symptoms of this new variant include fever, sore throat, cold, headache, body aches, and fatigue. It could also impact your digestive system.
Hospitalisations remain low
Even with the rise in numbers of cases, hospitals across the country are not getting a rush of COVID patients and overall hospitalization remains low. There is little evidence of any severity associated with the new, highly transmissible variant, according to research.
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Tips to prevent getting infected
Basic hygiene measures play a big role in helping one protect themselves from getting infected. Avoid crowded places and wear a mask if you have to go into one. Carry a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitiser in your pocket and keep using throughout the day. Wash your hands with soap and water, especially before eating a meal. Avoid touching your face, eyes or nose.
Stay away from those who show symptoms of a respiratory infection and if you experience any symptoms, isolate yourself to avoid spreading the infection and seek necessary treatment.
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