Although the pandemic is no longer a threat, COVID-19 does not appear to have slowed down. The ever-evolving micro-villain has re-entered several countries in the form of a new variant called BA.2.86. Cases of this variant are increasing in the UK, China, Israel, Denmark and the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the COVID-19 variants as ‘variants under surveillance’ due to multiple mutations. This means the global health authority is closely monitoring the variant and will upgrade it to a ‘variant of concern’ if there is enough evidence. As of now, the impact of this variant remains uncertain.
BA.2.86: New Covid-19 variant detected
After SARS spread in the United Kingdom, a new COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 has spread around the world. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is a new sub-variant of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 that causes coronavirus disease. It was first identified in Denmark in 2022, after which it has been found in many countries. According to global health officials, this sub-variant has several mutations.
Dr. Charu Dutt Arora, Infectious Disease Specialist and consultant Physician, AmeriHealth, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, says, “This variant has large-scale changes in its antigenic and spike structures that may lead to increased affinity for ACE2 receptors and immune resistance. Can be saved.”
Is the new Covid variant BA.2.86 more dangerous than Aris?
Dr Tribhuvan Gulati, principal consultant, of diabetes, obesity and internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, says it is too early to say whether this variant is more contagious or dangerous. Arris variant Because the cases that have come are still not so many that we can comment on it. Additionally, the cases that have been found have not been very serious, and do not show any signs of being contagious or dangerous.
What are the characteristics of the new Covid variant BA.2.86?
Like other variants of Covid-19, the symptoms of this variant are also similar to flu. Therefore, be alert if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Cold
- Fever
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- laziness
- myalgia
- Headache
- loss of taste and smell
- sore throat
- loss of appetite
New COVID variant: Is it a threat to India?
Experts say that while India has fought against multiple variants over a period of three years, another variant should be a cause for concern. However, this does not mean that you should take precautions. Experts say that if you have not yet protected yourself from any potential threat, you should take proper precautions and get vaccinated. covid variant Which can affect you.
Dr Gulati says the new variant could be a major threat to India if international travel is done without taking proper measures to prevent the surge of COVID-19. Travel may also increase the number of cases.
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While there is always a possibility of infection, Dr Dutt highlights that India has seen multiple waves over the last three years, and we have had a massive vaccination drive. Therefore, we do not need to take it as a threat or panic. What we must do is continue to follow Covid-appropriate behavior, protect vulnerable populations, and seek immediate boosters if not done so already. This will help reduce hospitalization and severity of infection.
How to protect yourself from the new Covid variant BA.2.86?
The CDC, the US and several European countries have recommended against unnecessary testing because they say the new variant does not pose a threat. While doctors around the world have advised people to avoid unnecessary testing, there are some measures you can take to keep yourself safe. Here are some measures that can help you protect yourself from the new Covid variant B.2.86, suggested by experts:
- Avoid unnecessary international travel as it can expose you to various types of risks.
- Wear a mask when traveling, especially at airports and during flights.
- Take off the mask only when you are eating or drinking something, otherwise keep the mask on always.
- If you notice any flu-like symptoms, consult a doctor and get timely treatment.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise daily to strengthen your immune system.