Bigg Boss Star Shilpa Shirodkar Tests COVID Positive — Early Signs You Need To Watch Out For (Image Credits: Instagram)
Veteran actress and Bigg Boss 18 contestant Shilpa Shirodkar has tested positive for COVID-19. She shared the news on Instagram with a brief message: “Hello People! I’ve been tested positive for COVID. Stay safe and wear your masks!” Her announcement has sparked concern among fans and highlights the growing number of COVID-19 cases being reported globally.
Shilpa’s diagnosis comes at a time when health experts are closely monitoring a fresh spike in COVID cases, especially in Southeast Asia. Singapore has emerged as a new hotspot, with the recent surge being driven by two new Omicron subvariants—LF.7 and NB.1.8. Both variants are descendants of the JN.1 lineage, which was responsible for a global wave in 2024.
Symptoms to Watch Out ForWhile these new variants are not yet considered more dangerous than previous strains, they are spreading quickly. Most cases remain mild, but experts urge the public to be aware of common symptoms, which include:
Sore throat
Nausea and vomiting
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Brain fog or confusion
Health officials stress that people in high-risk groups—such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions—should seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
COVID Surge in Singapore
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Health, COVID-19 cases rose to 14,200 during the week of April 27 to May 3, a sharp increase from 11,100 the previous week. The new variants, LF.7 and NB.1.8, now account for over two-thirds of all sequenced cases in the country. Though not yet classified as variants of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO), their rapid spread has prompted increased surveillance.
Vaccination Still Offers ProtectionThe good news is that existing COVID-19 vaccines continue to protect against severe illness from these new variants. Singapore’s health authorities recommend booster shots for:
Individuals with chronic health conditions
Residents of aged-care facilities
Healthcare and frontline workers
Booster doses are advised roughly one year after the last shot, and vaccines remain available for everyone aged six months and older.
Other countries in the region, such as Hong Kong and Thailand, have also reported an increase in COVID-19 cases, indicating a broader regional pattern of transmission. While the illness linked to LF.7 and NB.1.8 is generally mild, health authorities warn that their high transmission rate could lead to local outbreaks if precautions are not taken.
