Will the BF.7 variant lead to another wave of COVID-19?

Introduction of BF.7 variant:

While the world is starting to believe that the era of Covid-19 has come to an end. People can breathe in the free air, but there is always a new virus surge introduced in the world. The latest Covid-19 surge evolved from the Omicron BA.5 as the sub-variant BA.5.2.1.7 and is named SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BF.7 variant.

The first announcement of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BF.7 virus is in the USA and Europe since August 2022. It accounted for October 2022 in the USA for over 5% of the cases and over 7% of the cases in European countries. Health experts have monitored the cases of this variant, however, there was no sudden increase in cases or hospitalization appeared in these countries. 

How does BF.7 virus spread:

The latest coronavirus surge in China is driven by the Omicron BF.7 sub-variant. According to the latest report, there are over 500 Omicron sub-variants circulating across the world. Any genetic changes in the Virus cells are called mutations. Virus mutates and creates lineage and sub-lineage. This variant spread in the same way as the main trunk of the SARS-CoV-2 tree is sprouting its lineage. The recommended medicines for BF.7 variant are the same prescribed medicine for SARS-CoV-2.

According to the WHO study, the BF.7 sub-variant is 4.4 times more resistant to neutralization than the original D614G variant, Higher neutralization resistance means there is a higher chance to spread of the virus in the population and makes less effective the pre-vaccination. Thich means that in a lab setting, antibodies from vaccinated or infected people were less likely to destroy BF.7 than the original Wuhan virus that broke out globally in 2020. 

Formation of the BF.7 variant:

BF.7 Variant forms in the result of Omicron BA.5 variant multiplication. BA.5 variant multiplication produced different variants BA.5.2.1.7 which evolved from the BA.5 sub-variant. It is the new strain of the Virus. It has different functional properties from the original virus and has become established across the globe. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus forms from its parental strain Omicron BA.5 variant. The formation of virus shown in the picture below.

The BF.7 sub-variant forms as a result of a specific mutation known as R346T in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.  The vaccines of Coronavirus produce the ability of the COVID-19 virus to evade neutralizing antibodies. This is associated with the mutation of the BF.7 virus. It is also present in the “parent” variant Omicron BA.5.

According to a study that was released in the journal Cell Host & Microbe in November 2022,BF  has increased neutralization resistance. The neutralization of BF.7 in the sera of triple-vaccinated medical personnel and patients exposed to Omicron BA.1 and BA.5 waves. The liquid portion of the blood proteins and clotting factor that have been eliminated is called sera. The N460K mutation is the primary cause of BF.7’s greater neutralization resistance.

How will the USA be affected?

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BF.7 variant is first introduced in the USA in August 2022. Medical experts are sincerely monitoring the situation, however, there is nothing dramatic changed in cases since it comes to the effect. Some mutations that the resulting variants and sub-variants acquire as the virus mutates over time give them the ability to function more effectively. People contaminate with the Virus  infection, however, there are no severe symptoms that appear in patients. Since the immune-evasive characteristics of BF.7 and alarming indications of its spread in China, the Omicron sub-variant is stable in other parts of the world. Anticipation is that the total number of BF.7 virus infections in the US would be 5.7% in the upcoming months.

How to prevent bf.7 variant:

BF.7 has the strongest ability to infect, the shortest incubation period, and the greatest capacity to infect even those who have received the vaccination. Omicron evolved into the two sub-variants, known as BA.1 and BA.2. The forms BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, and BA.2.75 distinguish from one another. Also, the development of BA.4/5 is the BF.7 experiencing tremendous growth in China.

Everyone is aware of the COVID-19 appropriate behavior guidelines. The government has urged people to get  adhere to the COVID guidelines. Seniors and those with coexisting conditions should exercise extra caution when entering public spaces.

Wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, frequently washing hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer  to stop the spread of the virus. As per the medical council of the US, Vitamin C, and B12 medicines are the frequent prescribed medicines for the treatment of the symptoms of BF.7 virus.

Symptoms:

According to Chinese reports, BF.7 virus is more threatening than the other Omicron sub-variants, it has the highest transmissibility. Virus carrier can spread the disease to many individuals. The remaining Omicron variants have shorter incubation times and can infect, on average, 4 people as soon as the patient contaminates other people. Virus

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BF.7 variant is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5 and has the fiercest infection ability. It is highly transmissible, has a significantly shorter period of incubation, and a higher possibility to cause reinfection or affects.

Similar to other Omicron variants, the BF.7 sub-variant causes the following symptoms.

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Runny Nose
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

In addition, when patients contaminate the BF.7 sub-variant, people with weakened immune systems may develop a serious illness.