Latest news with #DikshaGoyal
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First Post
3 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Dr explains: Why booster shots are crucial even with mild Covid-19 symptoms prevailing
India is experiencing a mild surge in COVID-19 cases driven by new Omicron subvariants, with mostly mild symptoms and low hospitalizations. Experts stress the importance of boosters, surveillance and protecting vulnerable groups. Firstpost brings out a doctor's view on symptoms, vaccine effectiveness, and the country's preparedness in tackling the evolving situation. read more According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India's active Covid-19 cases have reached 5,364 as of Friday, with Kerala remaining the most affected state, reporting over 1,600 active cases. Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi follow, with Delhi recording 592 active cases while conducting an average of 1,200 RT-PCR tests daily. The recent surge is primarily driven by newer Omicron subvariants. Firstpost talked to Dr. Diksha Goyal, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram to shed light on the current Covid-19 scenario, the impact of emerging variants and what people need to know. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reports indicate new variants like LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1 are driving the surge. Which of these are currently most prevalent in India? The JN.1 subvariant of Omicron is currently the most widespread in India. Other variants like LF.7, XFG, and NB.1.8.1 are present but less common. All appear to cause mild, self-limiting infections, with no significant rise in severe cases or hospitalisation. Are there any emerging symptoms that differ from previous Covid-19 waves? Yes, while traditional symptoms like fever and cough persist, new symptoms such as hoarseness, sore throat, fatigue, and mild gastrointestinal issues (like nausea or diarrhoea) are increasingly reported. These variants may feel milder but remain highly transmissible. How do current case and hospitalisation numbers compare to earlier waves? The current surge is far less severe than previous waves. Most infections are mild, and the healthcare system is not under strain. Authorities are maintaining readiness, but infrastructure and critical care services are coping well. How deadly are these new variants compared to earlier ones like Delta or previous Omicron strains? Clinically, the newer variants are more contagious but less lethal than the Delta variant. Symptoms are often milder than or similar to previous Omicron subvariants, particularly in vaccinated individuals. However, those at higher risk should remain cautious. The WHO has classified NB.1.8.1 as a 'Variant Under Monitoring.' What does this mean? This label signals genetic changes that could affect how the virus behaves, including its ability to spread or evade immunity. While not currently a major threat, it warrants close observation in case of any future risk. Are specific groups more vulnerable to severe illness with these new variants? Yes. Older adults, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and children remain more susceptible to complications. Their immune systems may be weaker or still developing, so vaccination and preventive measures are essential. With waning immunity, what's your advice on booster doses? Booster shots are crucial, especially for high-risk people. They help sustain protection, reduce the severity of illness, and lower the chance of hospitalisation. Staying up to date with boosters remains a key preventive strategy. How effective are current vaccines against these variants? Do we need new formulations? Existing vaccines still offer strong protection against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. While they may be less effective at preventing infection, they remain beneficial. Updated formulations targeting newer variants could enhance this protection further. What about people with 'hybrid immunity' from both vaccination and infection? Hybrid immunity offers stronger, more durable protection than either vaccination or infection alone. It significantly reduces the risk of severe illness. However, this immunity may wane over time, so periodic boosters are still recommended. How important is genomic surveillance? Is India prepared? Ongoing surveillance and sequencing are vital for tracking new variants and guiding public health responses. India has ramped up its genomic capabilities, but sustained funding, coordination, and vigilance are needed to remain prepared for future waves. Could Covid-19 become seasonal like the flu? That's a strong possibility. Covid-19 may eventually become endemic with periodic surges, much like influenza. The pattern will depend on factors such as mutations, immunity levels, and public health responses. What key lessons from past waves should guide future responses? The most important lessons are early detection, rapid response, and transparency. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, ensuring vaccine access, and maintaining public health measures during surges are essential for staying ahead of the virus.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid cases surge in Singapore and Hong Kong: Key symptoms of LF.7 and NB.1.8 variants
COVID-19 cases are rising sharply across parts of Asia, particularly in Singapore and Hong Kong. The latest surge is being driven by two fast-spreading subvariants—LF.7 and NB.1.8—both of which are descendants of the JN.1 lineage, itself a subvariant of the Omicron strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a 'variant of interest' due to its rapid transmission, though it has not been labeled a 'variant of concern.' Its descendants, LF.7 and NB.1.8, are now under global observation. What's driving the spike? The sharp increase in cases is primarily linked to increased transmissibility of these subvariants and waning immunity in the population. According to Singapore's Ministry of Health, 'At present, LF.7 and NB.1.8 (both descendants of the JN.1 variant) are the main COVID-19 variants circulating in Singapore, together accounting for more than two-thirds of locally sequenced cases.' This shift in variant dominance has led to a 28% rise in infections in Singapore during the week ending May 3, 2025. Similarly, Hong Kong has observed a significant increase in cases, with COVID-19 test positivity jumping from 6.21% to 13.66% over a four-week period, indicating rapid spread of these variants. Experts say the rise is also influenced by reduced protection from prior infections or vaccinations, increased social mixing, and relaxed preventive behavior. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Médicos alertam: se você tem varizes, faça isso todos os dias Fim das Varizes Undo Seasonal effects may also play a role in amplifying transmission during certain periods. Symptoms So far, the symptoms linked to LF.7 and NB.1.8 remain consistent with other Omicron subvariants. These include: Sore throat Mild cough Fatigue Fever Health authorities across the region report that most cases remain mild, especially among vaccinated individuals. However, older adults and those with underlying health conditions remain more vulnerable to complications. An official from India, which is currently monitoring 257 cases, noted: 'As per the preliminary information available, the cases are mostly mild, not associated with unusual severity or mortality.' As per Dr. Diksha Goyal, Senior Consultant at Internal Medicine Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram, the symptoms of LF.7 include- "fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and occasionally gastrointestinal symptoms in the form of nausea or vomiting." Further, she added, "Respiratory symptoms of cough and dyspnea may be present in certain instances. The severity can also depend on the immunity and conditions of the patient. " "NB.1.8 will usually have mild to moderately severe respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, rhinitis, cough, and mild fever intermittently. Some will also present with fatigue, muscular aches, or a mild headache," said Dr Diksha. She also explained that while the symptoms are similar to a typical common cold but "can have variable severity by age, immunity, and comorbidities." Vaccine protection and WHO classification Vaccines—particularly booster doses designed against Omicron—continue to offer strong protection against severe disease and death. However, preliminary data suggests LF.7 and NB.1.8 may partially reduce the efficacy of existing vaccines, leading to more breakthrough infections. This has prompted health experts to consider updating vaccine formulations in the months ahead. As of May 2025, the WHO has not classified LF.7 or NB.1.8 as Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants of Interest (VOI). Instead, they are designated as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM). This status indicates that, while they do not currently pose a global health threat, they are being closely observed for their potential to affect transmission dynamics or vaccine effectiveness. (Images are for representational purpose only) One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
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Business Standard
20-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Covid-19 cases cross 250 mark in India: Should you worry about JN.1 variant?
Covid spreads across Asia as India records 257 active cases A new wave of Covid-19 has quietly taken hold across parts of Asia, from Singapore and Hong Kong to India and Thailand. India is witnessing a modest increase in cases, with 257 active infections reported nationwide as of May 19, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The infections in Singapore increased to over 14,000 in early May 2025, up from 11,100 cases in the last week of April. But what's fuelling this surge? Meet JN.1, a highly transmissible descendant of Omicron. The surge in Singapore and Hong Kong has been linked to the LF.7 and NB.1.8 variants, sub-lineages of the broader JN.1 variant. However, health officials in India have not confirmed the presence or spread of JN.1 variants within the country so far. What is JN.1 and how is it different from earlier Covid strains? According to Yale Medicine, the JN.1 strain is a close relative of BA.2.86 (informally referred to as 'Pirola'), a lineage of the Omicron variant. 'A difference between BA.2.86 and JN.1 is that the latter has one mutation in its spike protein, a single change that may or may not alter any of the traits that characterise the virus, although preliminary research shows that it may provide extra immune evasion,' it added. First detected in August 2023 and later classified as a Variant of Interest by the World Health Organization (WHO) in December 2023, JN.1 has some 30 mutations that help it sneak past our immune defences. This variant has even evolved with additional mutations that may make it spread more efficiently than its predecessors, according to Yale Medicine. Although it's genetically clever, doctors say it's not necessarily more severe. Still, its ability to evade immunity is what makes it tricky. 'The current JN.1 variant is not more severe than past variants but is more transmissible. That's why it's causing concern across Asia,' said Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director – Max Healthcare & Senior Director – Institute of Internal Medicine. Why is there a rise now and could India face a summer wave? According to Dr Diksha Goyal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, the current wave—especially during summer when respiratory illnesses usually dip—is unusual. The surge is likely being driven by waning immunity, as most people received their vaccines long ago and haven't had booster shots in recent times. 'This unusual summer wave is being linked to waning immunity, since many people haven't received booster doses in over a year,' she said. 'Covid-19 hasn't disappeared,' said Dr Budhiraja. 'It's become endemic and will likely cause periodic spikes. What's important is to monitor these carefully, especially through genomic surveillance.' How does JN.1 spread and how contagious is it? According to doctors, JN.1 is more efficient at spreading compared to its parent strains. Its mutations help it attach more easily to human cells and dodge some immune responses. The virus spreads the same way as earlier Covid variants: Airborne droplets from talking, coughing, or sneezing Close contact in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces Contaminated surfaces (less common but still possible) What are the symptoms of JN.1 Covid infections? The symptoms of JN.1 are similar to previous Covid-19 variants, and most cases remain mild. Common symptoms include: Sore throat Runny or blocked nose Dry cough Fever and chills Headache Muscle achesFatigue or exhaustion Nausea or diarrhoea Loss of smell or taste (less common now) 'There's nothing unusual about the symptoms; it behaves like earlier Omicron strains,' said Dr Budhiraja. 'But people with weaker immune systems may experience more fatigue.' Doctors said that most cases are mild and can be managed at home. However, high-risk individuals—such as the elderly, people with diabetes or heart disease, or those on immunosuppressants—should remain extra cautious. 'Most patients recover well, but we are seeing more moderate cases in high-risk groups,' noted Dr Goyal. How is JN.1 detected through testing? 'Standard real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are used for diagnosis,' explains Dr Niranjan Patil, AVP at Metropolis Healthcare. 'If a sample tests positive, it is then sent for genomic sequencing to identify the specific variant, such as JN.1.' Main testing options include: RT-PCR (gold standard, accurate but takes 24–48 hours) Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) (faster but less sensitive) Multiplex PCR tests (such as BioFire, QIAstat) that check for Covid along with other respiratory viruses Test costs: As per government capping, most labs charge between ₹500–₹800 for RT-PCR. Multiplex tests are more expensive. Do vaccines still work against JN.1? Yes, they do—at least to a significant extent. 'Updated Covid-19 boosters provide significant protection against symptomatic JN.1 infections,' says Dr Budhiraja. 'They also significantly reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalisation.' Even though no JN.1-specific vaccines are available yet, health experts strongly recommend booster doses, especially for those in vulnerable groups. Should people start wearing masks again? Doctors recommend mask use, especially in crowded indoor settings or if you're in a high-risk group. Precautionary measures: Wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor spaces Wash hands frequently Avoid crowded places if you're feeling unwell Get your booster dose if you haven't yet Stay home and isolate if you test positive 'It's not about panic, it's about preparedness,' says Dr Budhiraja. Is JN.1 a cause for panic in India? No. There's absolutely no need to panic. India's numbers are still low, and most cases are mild. But this resurgence is a wake-up call that Covid-19 isn't gone—it's just in a different phase. Think of it like the seasonal flu: manageable but still a threat to the vulnerable. Doctors have called for stronger collaboration between countries and better reporting to help stay ahead of future waves and avoid another global pandemic. 'Genomic surveillance helps identify emerging variants and track their spread,' said Dr Budhiraja. 'It is also crucial for updating treatment guidelines and vaccine strategies.'
