New Covid variant Eris detected in Maharashtra; ought to India be anxious? What consultants say

New Covid variant EG.5.1 or Eris that has been including to the surge of Coronavirus instances in UK has additionally been inflicting slight improve in Coronavirus caseload in Maharashtra. The new Omicron variant was first detected in May however didn’t trigger any notable affect within the months of subsequent months of June and July. However, as per state well being division information, Covid instances have elevated from 70 on the finish of July to 115 on August 6, stated a TOI report. The new Covid pressure Eris has elevated hospitalisation instances amongst aged in UK and whereas there isn’t any have to panic, it is crucial to maintain a detailed watch on it. The rise in Corona instances may very well be as a consequence of waning immunity from earlier infections or vaccinations and it is essential to take booster pictures to battle the virus

‘India must be cautious amid waning immunity’

“The concern about new Covid-19 strains depend on various factors, including their transmissibility, severity, and the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments against them. Given that viruses can mutate over time, there is always a possibility of new strains emerging. The latest strain EG5.1, also known as Eris is one such strain which WHO is closely monitoring. India needs to be careful, since the Covid appropriate behaviour has taken a back seat and vaccination immunity is probably waning. So, if caught off guard, it can be disastrous,” says Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director & HOD-Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad.

“The new strain was initially started from the United Kingdom, and now very few cases have been reported in Mumbai. Since the positivity rate or any upsurge in cases have not been reported so far, thus this strain may not be of much concern for India,” says Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of essential care & Pulmonology – CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon.

Symptoms of Eris or EG5.1

“The symptoms are same as previous variants, like cough, cold, fever, throat pain and chest tightness, but in immunocompromised people and some susceptible individuals, it can lead to fatal ARDS. It also appears to be more contagious than previous variants,” provides Dr Jha.

“Usually, infected people may witness mild kind of Covid feelings since this is the new co-variant of Omicron strain, but that may not cause any significant harm. As we all know that rapid spread of the Covid strain is characterised by more infectivity and less visibility. But since almost every individual has been double vaccinated and has developed hybrid immunity, the infection spread rate may be minimal, with almost nil hospitalisation,” says Dr Grover.

“We need to keep a close watch and need to follow normal hygiene like hand wash and mask at public places which also effectively reduces the risk of other viral and some bacterial infections. The cases in Maharashtra are not of too much concern but again, since this is flu season and season of fever due to other causes too, like malaria, typhoid and Dengue, we are not testing enough for Covid, so cases may be missed. We need to be careful if we see sudden spike in fever cases where no cause could be established,” says Dr Jha.

What individuals in India have to do for avoiding Covid an infection

“So first and foremost, three things to ensure – healthy balanced diet, hygienic lifestyle, regular vaccination (if applicable or flu shots), and again following the Covid appropriate behaviour – wearing mask, avoiding crowded places and proper sanitisation,” says Dr Grover.

While the pressure hasn’t elevated the instances a lot, “public need to be vigilant on their part and follow the safety precautions, even though this strain does not seem to be that much contagious,” as per Dr Grover.