Explained: Do we need to panic about new Covid variants?

Hyderabad: Amid an uptick in Covid cases, scientists have clarified that the pandemic is over and the world has entered into endemic stage where different variants dominate different parts and regions.

“It is the end of the Covid-19 era as the SARS-CoV-2 strains that cause Covid 19 are not of a particular variant. Different variants are dominating different parts,” said an Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium, as different variants dominate different parts of the world.

Will the new variants of SARS-CoV-2 be monitored now?

SARS-Cov 2 viruses are being monitored across the globe for understanding the different strains and patterns of virus. This is to ensure that the virus mutation is tracked for caution.

A senior INSAGOG member explained, “The pandemic and epidemic stage of SARS-CoV-2 is over. It is now in the endemic stage. The endemic stage means that different parts of the world have different strains of the virus. The virus has now become a part of every country’s atmosphere. Having said that, whenever there are seasonal changes, Covid 19 will be a seasonal disease.”

This also means that one strain that attacked people during the pandemic stage is no longer there.

Presently, the strain circulating in India is identified as NB.1.8.1, explained Dr Kiran Madhala, senior anesthesiologist at Gandhi Hospital in Secunderabad.

What does this mean for common people?

Common people need to understand that Covid 19 disease is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus but now this virus is a part of the local atmosphere. This means that SARS-Cov 2 is now a part of the viral flu family.

Will the disease be mild?

Yes, the disease of Covid 19 is going to be like any other viral flu and will be mild. It will be mild in:

Those who have a strong immune system

Those who are vaccinated

Those who are observing the basic principles of keeping their body hydrated, eating well, and sleeping when struck by flu.

Can this virus cause severity?

Dr Ramana Prasad, senior pulmologist explains, “The Covid 19 virus can become severe in those who are immune compromised. This happens with every flu virus. So if the person is suffering from diabetes, hypertension, cancers or any other diseases the chances of any viral infection aggravating and causing pneumonia are high. Those who are immune-compromised must follow the principles of hand wash, cough etiquette all the time.”

Total 1009 cases in India :

Kerala has the highest 430 cases recorded in a day according to ministry of health and family welfare. Covid 19 testing is being done by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra regularly while other states are doing only when required.

What are the basic precautions that people must take?

Doctors say that every viral infection has the same protocols:

Avoid large gatherings

Stay at home and recover

Keep your body hydrated

Sleep well

Eat a balanced diet

If you need to go out, mask up, so that you don’t spread the infection to others.