New Covid-19 variant able to evade immune system, next four weeks crucial: Experts
New Delhi, April 11: With the recent increase in the number of Covid cases, medical experts have cautioned that the new XBB1.16 variant is able of evading people's immune systems, and the next four weeks are crucial.
"The XBB 1.16 variant is the primary cause of the rise in cases among children and adults. This variant is showing immune escape and is able to evade the immune system. It is infecting those who had the Covid infection during the previous waves and also teenagers and adults who have been vaccinated," Senior Pediatrician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr Dhiren Gupta, said.
"It is likely to spread. Infections like adenovirus and influenza seem to be more bothersome than covid. The next four weeks are going to be important," he added.
Dr Dhiren further stated that the XBB 1.16 variant is more contagious and virulent than previous strains of the virus.
"There has been a significant rise in the number of Covid cases in India during the past few weeks, this has been attributed to a new variant known as XBB 1.16. The number of cases in children under 12 has also been increasing."
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Dr S K Nakra, Consultant General Paediatrician at Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital, stated that conjunctivitis has been reported in a few Covid-positive cases.
"The symptoms of Covid 19 are high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches and gastrointestinal symptoms. Red sticky eyes (conjunctivitis) has been also been reported by some physicians. However, this was seen in the earlier strains also in about 1-3 per cent of Covid patients. It is too early to say that this red eye is more common with XBB 1.16 variant," he said.
He stated that the majority of paediatric patients had mild symptoms that are similar to other viral infections (adenovirus) that are currently circulating.
"RT PCR testing is required to confirm Covid 19. Infants, obese children and children with co-morbidities like asthma, juvenile diabetes and those on immunosuppression may get a severe form of Covid and need to be more careful. "
He also cautioned children who have comorbidities. "Prevention can only happen through Covid appropriate behaviour- masking in public places, frequent handwashing and avoiding indoor crowded places."
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- ANI
