Doctors say most of the COVID-19 cases are mild and happen due to waning immunity levels among the population
Cases of COVID-19 are rising across India, the central health ministry has confirmed, with several states issuing advisories regarding the spread of coronavirus infection. The Centre has alerted all states and has asked them to remain vigilant and initiate preventive measures.
According to the data, Maharashtra has reported the maximum surge - saw an uptick in active cases - from 12 to 56 within a week. Others, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu, have also reported a spike in COVID-19 cases, along with Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim, which have reported single-digit infections.
Why are COVID-19 cases rising?
According to health experts, most of the COVID-19 cases are mild and happen due to waning immunity levels among the population. Doctors suggest that people - especially the elderly, pregnant women, and those with health issues—should start following basic safety steps again.
These mostly include wearing masks, washing hands often—with soap and using sanitiser—and avoiding crowded places as much as possible.
The sharp increase in cases is linked to increased transmissibility of sub-variants as well. Doctors say even though everyone has got COVID at some point in their life, that immunity is now decreasing naturally. This shift in variant dominance has led to a 28 per cent spike in infections even in Southeast Asian cities like Singapore and Hong Kong earlier this month.
According to experts, this rise is also influenced by reduced protection from previous vaccinations, increased socialising, and relaxed preventive behaviour. Also, since it is the peak of summer, the weather also plays an active role in amplifying transmission.
Fast spreading variants
News reports say the sudden increase in the cases is also being driven by two fast-spreading sub-variants - OF.7 and NB.1.8 - both of which are descendants of the JN.1 lineage - itself a subvariant of the Omicron strain—that killed thousands during the second COVID-19 wave in 2021.
The World Health Organisation has classified JN.1 as a “variant of interest” due to its rapid transmission, though it has not been labelled a “variant of concern," at least for now. Its descendants, LF.7 and NB.1.8 are now under global observation.
How are the two variants different from the others?
As of now, doctors say most symptoms linked to LF.7 and NB.1.8 are consistent with other Omicron sub-variants, which include:
- Cough and cold
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Fatigue and tiredness
- High fever
- Sore throat
However, one of the other main symptoms—loss of smell and taste—which was dominant during the delta wave is not there now. Health authorities are reporting that most cases remain mild, especially among those who have been vaccinated. However, those who are suffering from underlying health conditions and the elderly can be more vulnerable to complications and should take extra care.
How do you protect yourself?
According to experts, vaccines still remain the best possible protection from COVID-19 infection. To mitigate the spread, the Ministry of Health has recommended that high-risk groups like the elderly and immunocompromised should receive booster vaccinations. Additionally, the public is also being advised against being in extremely crowded places, apart from regularly wearing masks and washing hands.
Doctors say if you have been feeling unwell, make sure to stay at home to prevent spreading the infection.
