The Omicron BF.7 subvariant is rapidly spreading around the world. So far, India has documented four instances. Cough, fever, and sore throat are among the symptoms of Omicron BF.7. Expert advice on determining whether your cough is caused by Covid.
The new Omicron BF.7 subvariant of Covid has been blamed for the large increase in hospitalisations in China, and it is feared that the virus may kill millions in the coming months. The same subvariant has infected four people in India so far, but health officials and scientists believe there is no cause to panic just yet.
Omicron BF.7 infects more quickly and is difficult to detect in RT-PCR tests. It is known to affect those who are unvaccinated, have weakened immunity – such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women – or have co-morbidities. Vaccinated persons are thought to have lesser symptoms when infected.
IS THE OMICRON BF.7 CHEAPER THAN OTHERS?
People have become more wary and prone to the symptoms of the new Omicron BF.7 virus since its introduction. Because the new sub-variant is extremely transmissible and has showed evidence of overriding the other variations’ built-up immunity, it has become one of the most deadly forms of Covid ever. This variant’s symptoms are similar to those of an earlier Covid infection, including fever, cough, sore throat, weakness, nausea, and diarrhoea. “However, it is critical to recognise what kind of cough or sore throat symptoms may indicate viral exposure,” says Dr Deepak Verma, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Ghaziabad.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE COVID COUGH
Dr. Verma explains how to evaluate whether a cough is caused by Covid or another infection.
1. Cough Type
The vast majority of Covid patients develop a dry cough as opposed to a wet cough. It starts off modestly but escalates over the course of many weeks. As a result, it creates various issues such as chest tightness and breathing difficulties. If the person has a cough that does not go away after a few days, it is an indication of a larger sickness, which might be Covid. They must immediately restrict their exposure to public settings and undergo testing.
2. Fatigue
A common cough infection does not result in extreme weariness and weakness. A Covid infection may instantly impair the body’s defences and tyre it, making even regular tasks difficult. In addition, a Covid cough makes it difficult to sleep well at night, leaving the body fatigued and unrested.
3. Runny nose and fever
A Covid cough is frequently accompanied by additional symptoms such as a persistent sore throat, a runny nose, coughing fits, a mild to moderate fever, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may begin mildly but worsen over time as the Covid virus replicates rapidly in the infected person’s chest lining, affecting lung function.
4. Public space exposure
Exposure to places where the virus is more prevalent might help establish why a person got a chronic cough. If the person ate anything out of season that may have caused a cough or inhaled fumes, the cough could be caused by such actions. However, if the individual has recently been overseas or has come into touch with persons who have Covid symptoms, they may be at risk of infection. The persistent cough might be a sign of this. It is recommended in such circumstances to be checked as soon as possible and to confine oneself until the symptoms resolve.
Why is it critical to recognise Covid symptoms?
“Covid infections have caused a wide range of symptoms. For some people, Covid is asymptomatic, and they recover without much difficulty; nonetheless, Covid is known to be profoundly damaging, and it has even resulted in many fatalities all over the world. As a result, it is critical to be aware of all indications and symptoms of the condition and to get tested as soon as any Covid-like symptoms develop in order to protect oneself and anyone around them “Dr. Deepak Verma concurs.
In the midst of the proliferation of Omicron BF.7, here are several symptoms that your cough is caused by Covid-19.
