New COVID-19 Variants Detected in India: Should You Be Concerned?
After COVID-19 had a big impact on us, we started feeling things change for the better, but the virus keeps coming back. Lately, new types of COVID-19 have been found in India. Because of this, many people are wondering, “Do I need to be worried?”
How about we go through this point by point. Just like we explain things in proper English, not with fancy technical jargon.
What Are the New Variants, Actually?
Early on, was when we saw names like Delta and Omicron in the news. They were new types (or variants) of the coronavirus that started the pandemic. These relatives are just like viruses which aren’t committed to any one plan and always vary. Different changes in the virus range from harmless to those that cause the virus to spread faster or beat the immune system.
There has been the identification of some new variants in India, mainly in Maharashtra, Kerala and Delhi. Health officials state that the number of cases has gone up a little and some hospitals in cities are facing more patients with COVID-related illnesses.
Should We Be Worry? Not Really. At the same time, always be prepared.
I wish to tell you this — don’t worry too much. The fact that there are new variants doesn’t always mean they are more risky. Experts in medicine say that only a few of the most recent cases are severe. The common symptoms among those recovering are sore throat, a mild fever and a cough and many are doing so in their homes. Does that seem familiar to you?
Even though allergies are not severe for most, we cannot treat them as little importance. The elderly, unvaccinated individuals or those dealing with health problems may have greater risk.
My Cousin’s Adventure from Last Month
To give an example — my cousin in Pune was diagnosed with COVID-19 again last month. Things turned out fine which was fortunate. His body temperature was elevated and he felt body pain for 3–4 days. What bothered him was that he kept putting on his mask in places full of people. He still got caught that time, too. We then saw — these new variants are good at helping the virus spread.
He took some time off at home, rested, drank plenty of hot water (and kadha, as always) and soon felt better. No one in his family tested positive. It does spread swiftly, yet most people are not severely ill from it.
What are the Symptoms to Look Out For?
Sometimes, the newer ones present slightly different symptoms from the ones we know about. Remember to look out for:
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Mild fever
- Being tired
- Runny nose
- Headache
Some state they experience dizziness and body aches when dealing with these things. If you’re not feeling right for more than a couple of days, it helps to get tested.
Is the Effectiveness of Vaccines Still There?
Yes, they still have a positive impact. An infection might occur after vaccination, but it is less likely to be severe, hospitalise you or result in death.
Actually, healthcare providers are asking some high-risk groups to get a booster dose, mainly if it has been more than six months since their last shot. For this reason, if you are putting together your parents’ or family member’s vaccinations and they have diabetes or heart problems, ask your doctor about the booster.
How is the Government Acting?
India’s government is being careful. Already, the Health Ministry is advising states to perform more tests, keep an eye on possible variants and ready hospitals in case cases go up.
Some councils may choose to advise people to mask up once again in busy spaces like airport terminals, subway stations and local markets. No nationwide lockdown or curfew has been discussed so far.
What Dos and Don’ts Can Help Us Be Safe?
There are some straightforward, wise ways that everybody can help:
- Remember to put on a mask when you are in indoor or crowded areas.
- Regularly clean your hands.
- Skip gatherings with many people if you feel unwell.
- Rest at home if you start to have any of the symptoms.
- Get your shots or take your booster if you meet the guidelines.
- Let in outside air by keeping some windows open in the house.
Naturally, stop any behavior that could cause rumors and worry. Consult news released by the Ministry of Health or WHO.
Final Remark — Keep Awareness, Not Fear
There’s no question: we want to avoid another year like 2020. Just being aware does not have to make us fearful. This requires us to pay more attention, take care of our loved ones and not be too naive.
As the virus changes, we are also changing for the better, by gaining knowledge, getting ready and becoming more caring. Staying aware can help us avoid big issues caused by these new variants.
Keep in touch with each other.
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