COVID-19 resurges! Are the XFG, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7 variants more transmissible?
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💬 What You Need to Know About
After years of relative calm, COVID-19 is making headlines again as new variants—XFG, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7—emerge in Asia, particularly Singapore, Hong Kong, and now India. With active cases surpassing 1,000 and states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Gujarat reporting spikes, health officials are on high alert. But what do these new variants mean for the public, and how worried should we be?
Are These Variants More Transmissible?
Early data indicates that the NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants may be more transmissible than their predecessors. The NB.1.8.1 variant, in particular, shows a “growth advantage,” suggesting it can spread more rapidly. The World Health Organization is closely monitoring LF.7, while XFG is also under scrutiny as a “variant of interest.” Key factors driving their spread include mutations in the spike protein, immune evasion, and seasonal changes—combined with human behavior.
What’s New and What’s Familiar?
The early symptoms of these variants largely mirror those of previous Omicron strains: sore throat, fatigue, cough, nasal congestion, and fever. Notably, loss of taste and smell—a hallmark of earlier COVID-19 waves—is now less common. However, some new symptoms are emerging:
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Unlike earlier variants that caused high fever, the new strains often result in a mild, lingering fever that can be easily overlooked.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms like nausea, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea are more prominent with these variants, especially JN.1.
Severity and Vaccine Effectiveness
The good news is that, so far, these variants do not appear to cause more severe illness, especially in vaccinated individuals. Most cases remain mild, and current vaccines and boosters continue to offer strong protection. There’s no evidence that NB.1.8.1 or LF.7 significantly evade vaccine-induced immunity.
Staying Safe Without Panic
While these new variants spread more easily, they are not more dangerous in terms of severity. The best defense remains simple: wear masks in crowded places, maintain hand hygiene, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and stay updated on vaccinations and boosters. If you experience symptoms, consult a healthcare provider promptly.
📰 News Roundup
In Chennai, 36 people, including children, were trapped mid-air for over three hours after the ‘Top Gun’ amusement park ride malfunctioned. Rescue teams used sky lifts to safely bring everyone down from 50 feet. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, though the incident left many traumatised.
🎥 Film & TV
Popular TV actress Dipika Kakar has been diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer, as she revealed in an emotional Instagram post. After experiencing stomach pain, doctors discovered a tennis ball-sized tumour in her liver. Dipika remains positive and has asked fans to keep her in their prayers during this difficult time.
🏆 Sports Update
Shubman Gill has been withdrawn from the India A squad for the England tour to ensure he remains fresh for the upcoming five-Test series. Meanwhile, sacked fielding coach T Dilip has been reinstated with a new one-year contract, after BCCI failed to find a suitable foreign replacement.
🏛️ Political Tensions
Protesters in Manipur, led by Meitei civil groups including COCOMI, locked central government offices such as the Chief Electoral Officer and Geological Survey of India in Imphal. The agitation erupted after security personnel allegedly ordered the removal of "Manipur" from a state bus, sparking demands for official apologies and resignation.
🤖 Science & Tech
OnePlus has unveiled its new AI strategy, introducing the “Plus Key”—a customizable hardware button replacing the iconic Alert Slider—on the upcoming OnePlus 13s. This button activates AI Plus Mind, which lets users capture, organize, and search on-screen content. The suite also includes AI VoiceScribe, live translation, and enhanced privacy features.
🌐 Global Affairs
Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, part of an all-party delegation in Singapore for Operation Sindoor, presented evidence of Pakistan’s links to terrorism, citing Pakistani military officials attending terrorists’ funerals. The delegation aimed to brief international partners on India’s stance and response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
🙃 Fun Fact
Did you know that listening to music can actually change the structure of your brain? Studies show that musicians have more developed areas in the brain related to hearing, motor skills, and memory compared to non-musicians. So, music isn’t just fun—it’s a brain booster too!
⏳ What Happened Today in History
In 1883, Birth of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, prominent freedom fighter and proponent of Hindutva philosophy.
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