Cricketer Travis Head and actress Shilpa Shirodkar have examined optimistic for Covid-19 amid studies of the virus placing completely different components of Asia. Know if the JN.1 variant is one thing that Indians must be anxious about.
Covid-19, the illness attributable to SARS-CoV-2, which is a coronavirus, was first recognized in 2019. After spreading in December 2019, it grew to become a pandemic illness the next 12 months. Now, it has made a comeback in a number of international locations in Asia. In the previous couple of weeks, some Asian international locations reminiscent of Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand reportedly famous an increase in coronavirus instances. And now, there are studies of cricketer Travis Head and actress Shilpa Shirodkar testing optimistic for Covid-19. As a contemporary coronavirus storm is brewing in a number of Asian nations, we requested an knowledgeable if individuals in India ought to begin taking precautions.
Covid-19 surge in Asia
Within the week of April 27 to Could 3, 2025, the estimated variety of the instances shot as much as 14,200 in comparison with 11,100 instances within the earlier week in Singapore, as per the Ministry Of Well being Singapore. Comparable developments have been reportedly seen in China, the place the instances had greater than doubled within the 5 weeks main as much as Could 4. Infections reportedly emerged in Thailand after the Songkran competition in April 2025. In Hong Kong, round 30 individuals died because of the virus, in accordance with information studies. The rise in these instances might need to do with components, together with waning inhabitants immunity, in accordance with the Ministry Of Well being Singapore.
The principle variant circulating in Asia
“Covid-19 is an infectious illness that primarily impacts the respiratory system and spreads by means of droplets from coughs, sneezes, or shut contact with contaminated individuals,” says inside medication knowledgeable Dr Vikram Jeet Singh. Since 2019, the coronavirus has developed rather a lot, resulting in the emergence of a number of variants.
“The current spike in Covid-19 instances within the Asian international locations is basically attributed to the unfold of the sub-variants of Omicron, significantly the JN.1 and its descendants like LF.7 and NB.1.8,” says the knowledgeable. Folks contaminated with JN.1, first recognized in August 2023, typically expertise signs like fever, dry cough, sore throat and nausea, as per a research printed in Therapeutic Advances In Infectious Illness.
“These sub-variants of Covid-19 are extremely transmissible, and able to partially evading immunity from previous infections or vaccinations,” says Dr Singh. Nevertheless, it causes milder sickness in most individuals, particularly those that are vaccinated.
Covid-19: Is India in danger?
“The present scenario is below management, however India stays in danger,” says the knowledgeable. International journey will increase the chance of imported instances, the big inhabitants density facilitates sooner unfold, and immunity is likely to be waning in some sections. “Nevertheless, India has a robust vaccination base, and the healthcare system within the nation is healthier ready than within the earlier waves,” assures the knowledgeable.
What precautions must be taken to remain secure amid Covid-19 surge?
Right here are some things you are able to do:
1. Put on masks in crowded locations
The Indian authorities has not made it necessary for individuals to put on masks, however you may go for a well-fitted one, reminiscent of an N95 or surgical masks. You must significantly put on one whereas in crowded locations like public transport, markets, non secular gatherings or hospitals. “These locations typically have individuals in shut proximity, rising the chance of airborne transmission of viruses like Covid-19,” says the knowledgeable.
2. Keep hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is without doubt one of the easiest but handiest methods to ensure you don’t get contaminated. You must repeatedly wash arms with cleaning soap and water for about 20 seconds, particularly after peeing or pooping, touching public surfaces like elevator buttons, ATMs, or door handles, and earlier than consuming.
3. Keep away from crowded spots
If air circulation is proscribed, keep away from the place. “Viruses are inclined to unfold extra quickly in enclosed areas or these which can be poorly ventilated areas,” says Dr Singh. If you find yourself indoors with others, ensure that the home windows or exhausts are open to permit contemporary air to flow into.
4. Keep up-to-date with vaccination
Vaccination is a vital safety measure towards many illnesses, together with Covid-19. You must make sure you obtain all really useful doses, together with booster pictures. The XBB.1.5 monovalent booster, a Covid-19 vaccine, might increase safety towards the JN.1 variant, in accordance with the World Well being Group.
5. Eat wholesome and increase immunity
A well-nourished physique means you may combat off infections higher. “Have immune-boosting drinks and meals reminiscent of seasonal fruits, inexperienced leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, nuts and tea daily,” suggests the knowledgeable. Keep hydrated, get night time’s sleep and interact in a minimum of half-hour of bodily exercise daily.
6. Use cough etiquette
It’s not simply hand hygiene, but in addition training good respiratory hygiene that’s essential to forestall the unfold of infections. “All the time cowl your mouth and nostril with a tissue or use the within of your elbow everytime you really feel like coughing or sneezing,” says the knowledgeable. Get rid of the used tissues as quickly as you may then wash your arms. It is a very primary and easy behavior, which may minimise the unfold of germs, particularly in places of work and public areas the place others might get uncovered.
As many international locations in Asia report Covid-19 instances, ensure that to take precautions. Don’t look forward to the federal government to points tips. Begin carrying masks, particularly if you’re out in crowded locations and wash arms completely.
Associated FAQs
Are you able to go to work when you’ve got Covid-19?
In the event you check optimistic for COVID-19, you must isolate at dwelling till you get better and are not contagious. Going to work dangers spreading the virus to colleagues and the general public.
What are Covid-19 signs?
Frequent signs embrace fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nostril, fatigue, headache, lack of style or odor, physique aches, diarrhea or nausea. Respiratory problem could be skilled in extreme instances. The signs fluctuate by particular person and should resemble the flu or chilly.
Does Covid-19 hit abruptly
It may possibly begin progressively or abruptly. Some individuals really feel superb within the morning and develop signs by night. Others develop delicate signs that worsen over 2-3 days. Sudden onset of excessive fever or fatigue is frequent with newer Omicron sub-variants.
Is there a drugs for Covid-19?
There is no such thing as a single remedy, however efficient remedies can be found. In delicate instances, relaxation, fluids, fever medicine (paracetamol), and monitoring at dwelling assist. If it is reasonable or extreme, antivirals like Paxlovid, steroids (below medical supervision), and oxygen assist is given when wanted.
