Vaccine deja vu? COVID-19 surge crosses 4000 as concerns mount

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported that India’s active COVID cases crossed the 4000 mark on Tuesday, instilling fresh concerns in the public. Kerala followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal top the charts for the most number of active cases. The health ministry is monitoring the situation, but with the onset of monsoon and flu season, the number of active cases may jump.

Why have cases surged?
The JN.1 variant, a sub-strain of the more deadly Omicron variant has been identified as the chief reason for the surge in active cases. JN.1 is a mild variant and hence symptoms have been mild, especially among those who have been vaccinated and have previously been infected with COVID. Most people infected with JN.1 have no or mild symptoms, yet it is important to be careful, especially those who are elderly and most vulnerable.

What are the symptoms?
While mild, JN.1 can cause some symptoms including but not limited to,
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Body pain
Fatigue
Runny nose
In some cases, loss of smell and taste

Also Read – COVID-19 Spike Alarms Gujarat: Ahmedabad Sees 60 New Cases In A Day; Rajkot SP Tests Positive

Precautions to follow
Sanitize hands
Wear face masks
Avoid crowded places
Take a COVID test if you have symptoms or feel unwell, stay at home
Take the vaccine if you haven’t yet

Do you need a booster dose?
While opinions of experts differ, most feel that if you have taken your initial vaccine shot, a booster is not necessary, especially if you follow precautions and are not vulnerable. While it is unlikely that India has achieved herd immunity, experts believe ‘hybrid immunity’ has been seen in India. The mix of vaccine protection and natural immunity is called hybrid immunity, and it helps reduce the chances of severe illness.