Cricketer Travis Head and actress Shilpa Shirodkar have examined optimistic for Covid-19 amid stories of the virus placing totally different elements of Asia. Know if the JN.1 variant is one thing that Indians must be fearful 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 turned a pandemic illness the next 12 months. Now, it has made a comeback in a couple of international locations in Asia. In the previous couple of weeks, some Asian international locations akin to Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand reportedly famous an increase in coronavirus instances. And now, there are stories 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 professional if folks in India ought to begin taking precautions.
Covid-19 surge in Asia
Within the week of April 27 to Might 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. Related developments had been reportedly seen in China, the place the instances had greater than doubled within the 5 weeks main as much as Might 4. Infections reportedly emerged in Thailand after the Songkran competition in April 2025. In Hong Kong, round 30 folks died as a result of virus, in response to information stories. The rise in these instances could need to do with elements, together with waning inhabitants immunity, in response to the Ministry Of Well being Singapore.
The primary variant circulating in Asia
“Covid-19 is an infectious illness that primarily impacts the respiratory system and spreads via droplets from coughs, sneezes, or shut contact with contaminated folks,” says inner drugs professional Dr Vikram Jeet Singh. Since 2019, the coronavirus has developed rather a lot, resulting in the emergence of a number of variants.
“The latest spike in Covid-19 instances within the Asian international locations is essentially 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 professional. Individuals contaminated with JN.1, first recognized in August 2023, usually expertise signs like fever, dry cough, sore throat and nausea, as per a research revealed 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 state of affairs is beneath management, however India stays in danger,” says the professional. International journey will increase the chance of imported instances, the big inhabitants density facilitates quicker unfold, and immunity is likely to be waning in some sections. “Nevertheless, India has a powerful vaccination base, and the healthcare system within the nation is best ready than within the earlier waves,” assures the professional.
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 obligatory for folks to put on masks, however you’ll be able to go for a well-fitted one, akin to 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 usually have folks in shut proximity, growing the chance of airborne transmission of viruses like Covid-19,” says the professional.
2. Keep hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is without doubt one of the easiest but best methods to ensure you don’t get contaminated. You must usually wash fingers 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 are poorly ventilated areas,” says Dr Singh. When you find yourself indoors with others, be sure 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 ailments, together with Covid-19. You must make sure you obtain all advisable doses, together with booster pictures. The XBB.1.5 monovalent booster, a Covid-19 vaccine, could enhance safety towards the JN.1 variant, in response to the World Well being Group.
5. Eat wholesome and enhance immunity
A well-nourished physique means you’ll be able to combat off infections higher. “Have immune-boosting drinks and meals akin to seasonal fruits, inexperienced leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, nuts and tea day by day,” suggests the professional. Keep hydrated, get a very good night time’s sleep and have interaction in a minimum of half-hour of bodily exercise day by day.
6. Use cough etiquette
It’s not simply hand hygiene, but in addition practising good respiratory hygiene that’s vital 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 professional. Get rid of the used tissues as quickly as you’ll be able to then wash your fingers. It is a very fundamental and easy behavior, which may minimise the unfold of germs, particularly in places of work and public areas the place others could get uncovered.
As many international locations in Asia report Covid-19 instances, be sure that to take precautions. Don’t look forward to the federal government to points pointers. Begin sporting masks, particularly if you’re out in crowded locations and wash fingers totally.
Associated FAQs
Are you able to go to work in case you have Covid-19?
In case you take a look at optimistic for COVID-19, it is best to 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?
Widespread signs embody 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 range by particular person and will resemble the flu or chilly.
Does Covid-19 hit out of the blue
It could possibly begin step by step or out of the blue. Some folks really feel high quality 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 widespread with newer Omicron sub-variants.
Is there a drugs for Covid-19?
There isn’t any single remedy, however efficient remedies can be found. In delicate instances, relaxation, fluids, fever remedy (paracetamol), and monitoring at dwelling assist. If it is average or extreme, antivirals like Paxlovid, steroids (beneath medical supervision), and oxygen assist is given when wanted.
