Omicron

Hybrid immunity, through vaccines and exposure to the virus, is likely to protect people but they still need to follow Covid appropriate behaviour, says the health expert

34 cases of Covid's JN.1 variant detected in Karnataka

Out of 34 JN.1 cases in State - 20 are from Bengaluru city, while four from Mysuru, three from Mandya, one each from Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Kodagu and Chamarajanagara, and three deaths.

In Pics: Omicron subvariant ‘Pirola' is the new threat after COVID-19

BA.2.86 differs from other coronavirus strains because of the presence of many mutations.

Covid-19 cases show signs of increase in Maharashtra, new Omicron subvariant detected

As per the data received from the state health department, the number of active Covid-19 cases has increased from 70 at the end of July to 115 on August 6. The case count on August 7 was 109.

436 cases of XBB1.16.1 mutated sub-variant found in India: INSACOG

XBB1.16.1 is a mutation of Omicron's infectious XBB1.16 variant. The XBB 1.16 variant was first found in January when two samples tested positive for the variant.

All you need to know about the Omicron XBB. 1.16 variant that is causing a fresh surge in COVID-19 cases in India

The latest uptick in coronavirus infections comes amid the parallel outbreak of seasonal flu, driven by H3N2 influenza virus, which is making people sick across the country

COVID-19: Experts stress weeks ahead crucial as cases creep up in many states

In light of a rising trend in influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory illnesses being witnessed in many states, the Centre also called an interdepartmental review meeting last week

Influenza outbreak in several cities; patients report severe, longer sickness

In India, influenza virus circulation usually peaks during the monsoon season between June-September with secondary peaks during winter seen between November-February

Budget 2023: Aviation industry has a wishlist but doesn't expect much action

This year as well airlines are hoping to receive several monetary benefits and concessions from the government including a reduction in excise tax on ATF, which accounts for a significant chunk of an airline's operational costs.

Omicron XBB.1.5: All you need to know about this highly-contagious Covid variant

XBB.1.5, one of the recent descendants of the highly-contagious Omicron, is spreading in the US. According to WHO, it’s the most transmissible version of Covid yet. Here’s all we know about it

11 Omicron sub-variants found during testing of international travellers; all variants earlier reported in India: Report

Of the 19,227 international travellers tested during the period, 124 were found Covid positive, they said, adding that all of them were put in isolation.

Four Omicron BF.7 cases detected in West Bengal

Genome sequencing of the four people, who have recently returned from the US, confirmed that they were infected with the new variant of the coronavirus

As testing rises 3-fold, COVID-19 cases in India register slight increase

The weekly rolling average COVID-19 test positivity rate in India stood at 0.13 percent on January 3, way lower than the 5 percent level where it becomes alarming, by World Health Organization standards.

Omicron's XBB most prevalent sub-lineage circulating all over India: INSACOG bulletin

According to the bulletin, BA.2.75 and BA.2.10 were also circulating but in lesser extent.

50-70% of those under 19 years globally still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2: Study

It also found that worldwide seroprevalence estimates varied from 7.3 per cent in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to 37.6 per cent in the fifth wave and 56.6 per cent in the sixth wave.

Delhi: Omicron-driven Covid third wave in early 2022; government keeps eye on fresh threat

Among other healthcare sector decisions, the Delhi government on December 13 had announced that it will provide 450 types of medical tests free of cost at its hospitals and health centres from January 1.

Don't worry, get a Covid vaccine booster shot

According to health ministry officials, the virus usually hits India about 30-35 days after it appears in East Asia. So the countdown has started. BF.7 could appear at our doorsteps in January.

Fourth Covid vaccine dose unwarranted right now but increased surveillance needed: experts

As Covid gets back on the radar with a surge in China and people worry about another wave in India and whether the government should now allow a second booster shot to add to the two-jab protection, some scientists call for a reality check.

China’s economy shows increasing strain from the Covid tsunami

Although there’s no reliable data on the extent of the spread of the virus or the number of sick and dead now, it had reached every province before the end of extensive and regular testing

Covid test must for fliers from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand

The current surge in Covid-19 infections is believed to be driven by Omicron sub-variant BF.7. In India, four cases of the variant have been detected so far.

India sees rise in Covid variants driving cases abroad, govt steps up surveillance

The detection rate of BA.5 variant, whose sub-strain BF.7 is wreaking havoc in China, went up from 26% in September to 38% in December, while that of BQ.1.1 rose to 33% in December from 27% in September. Official says the rise is marginal

COVID policy-making task force hasn’t met since April

The National Task Force on COVID has met only seven times this year and some of its 24 members have retired

LIVE | China Covid Surge: Time For India To Mask Up Again? Dr Randeep Guleria Excl | Omicron BF.7

Top epidemiologists have sounded alarm bells over the rising number of Covid cases in China. Four cases of the Omicron BF.7 sub-variant which is behind the China surge have been found in India. The Centre and the states are on alert again. While the government has advised people to wear masks in public places, they've also urged people not to panic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level meeting to review the situation. Should India really be worried over the China outbreak? Moreover, how can we as individuals best exercise caution? Join the discussion with Medanta's Dr Randeep Guleria!

MC Explains | Why COVID-19 is spiking in China and whether you should be worried

The situation in China has triggered global concern even though there is a lack of specific data on disease severity, hospital admissions and intensive-care requirements. The fear is that, as before, what happens in China may not stay in China.

Four cases of Covid variant driving China surge detected in India; govt directs random testing of foreign travellers: Sources

In view of the rising threat, the health ministry has called for the random testing of international passengers at Delhi airport, the persons privy to the development said.