Omicron’s latest variant BF.7: Experts fear a new COVID wave this Diwali; here are the symptoms to watch out for

For over two and half years, we have battled waves after waves, variants after variants and there seems to be no end to it.

The emergence of the Omicron variant did change the course of COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike the dangerous and deadly Delta variant, the Omicron leads to milder cases of coronavirus infections and has almost started resembling other respiratory infections such as common cold or the flu.

However, with every new variant and subvariants, COVID cases shoot up and the vulnerable continue to be at risk.

Omicron's new sub-variants BA.5.1.7 and BF.7 are said to be the newest strains of COVID-19. With greater transmissibility, experts express concern over a fresh COVID wave this Diwali.

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Omicron BF. 7 is the latest subvariant of the Omicron variant, first detected in Northwest China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Also known as the 'Omicron spawn', this new variant is fast spreading and has even infiltrated the walls of several other countries including the United States, UK, Australia and Belgium.

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According to recent reports, the first case of BF.7 has been found in India as detected by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre.

Many health experts have warned against negligence and have said that the variants BF.7 and BA.5.1.7 are reportedly behind the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in China.

The new COVID variant Omicron BF.7 is said to surpass immunity and can dodge the antibodies from earlier infection or vaccinations better than the many other Omicron sub-variants, according to two studies.

"The next two to three weeks are crucial. Covid-19 is still around, and new variants are being reported in different parts of the world. Obviously, we cannot remain unscathed from them. So, we need to be careful as festivals are a few days ahead," said Dr N.K. Arora, chairman, National Technical Advisory Group of Immunization (NTAGI).

There is an increase in transmissibility with the new variants. According to health experts, these variants are able to evade the immunity from previous infections and can even infect even the fully vaccinated people.

In these newer variants, only a few viral particles are enough to infect someone. This means that even little exposure can make you sick, compared to the previous variants which required a lot more exposure, in comparison, to infect someone.

Reportedly, common symptoms of Omicron BF.7 remain the same as those before. Sore throat, congestion, fatigue, cough and runny nose continue to be the most reported symptoms of COVID-19.

Ahead of the 5-day festival of Diwali, Dhanteras, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj experts advise taking caution and being vigilant. While lockdowns and restrictions have eased, after over two years, people in India are likely to celebrate the festive season in full fervour and great enthusiasm.

However, this could lead to a possible surge in the number of COVID cases, which is why experts recommend wearing masks, maintaining social distance where needed and isolating in case of symptoms.

Remember, the objective is to protect those who cannot protect themselves and those who fall under the high risk group.