It has been greater than three years, however the world continues to reel towards the microscopic villain, Covid-19. Whereas infections aren’t as harmful as they had been in the beginning of the pandemic, the menace nonetheless looms massive. Since Covid variants have the tendency to mutate, there’s no certainty which variant may set off the following wave. With new Omicron variants XXB, and BQ.1 getting into India, it’s essential to maintain your guard up towards the illness.
Well being Photographs reached out to Dr Umang Agrawal, Infectious Illnesses Advisor, PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Mahim, Mumbai that will help you perceive if Omicron’s new variants are extra harmful and how one can safeguard your self.
Right here’s what you have to learn about Omicron’s new variants
New Omicron variants have entered India and they’re inflicting the infections to rise at a speedy tempo. XXB, BQ.1, BQ.1.1, and BF.7 are among the many newest Omicron variants inflicting a major rise in COVID instances within the nation.
“Virus have a pure tendency to mutate. So, it isn’t a shock {that a} new omicron variant has not too long ago been found. As per the World Well being Organisation, the info obtained so far pertaining to this variant doesn’t point out it to be extra harmful or trigger extreme illness or extra ICU admissions. They’ve, nonetheless seen an rising incidence of reinfection with this explicit variant predominantly in those that had been contaminated previous to the omicron Period,” explains Dr Agrawal.
“There have been some experiences suggesting that instances of lengthy Covid have elevated. Nonetheless, on the subject of my very own follow, I’ve probably not seen a whole lot of sufferers coming in with lengthy Covid no less than presently. Extra information is required to substantiate this explicit discovering. As for the signs, this explicit variant is much like some other variant of Covid or Omicron at current,” he states.
Nonetheless individuals who have low immunity are at a better danger of getting a extreme an infection, as per the skilled. The danger of an infection additionally is determined by the precautions you are taking towards Covid, together with social distancing and masking. The severity of the illness is determined by the immune system of the host. That is the rationale you have to enhance your immunity.
Immunity-boosting meals to struggle Omicron
Pavithra N Raj, Chief Dietitian, Manipal Hospitals, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru shared a listing of immunity-boosting meals with Well being Photographs.
1. Protein-rich meals
Protein is a should in your immunity food regimen. It additionally retains your lungs secure from illnesses. Eggs, almonds, lentils, chickpeas, nuts, milk, oats, salmon, and so forth. are a few of the meals you could embrace in your food regimen. It’s also possible to add protein-rich snacks like boiled groundnuts, boiled eggs, Sundal, boiled corn, soya and boiled gram usli.
2. Vitamin C wealthy meals
A pure complement and antioxidant, vitamin C will assist maintain your physique wholesome and chase away an infection sooner. Top-of-the-line sources of vitamin C is Amla. Not solely does it assist enhance immunity, but in addition your metabolism and stop viral and bacterial infections.
3. Vitamin B6 meals
It’s a essential vitamin that helps the biochemical response within the immune system. Oatmeal, wheat germ, brown rice, soya beans and eggs are good sources to incorporate in your food regimen.
4. Vitamin E
A robust antioxidant, vitamin E helps struggle infections like Covid. Plant oils, greens, nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E.
5. Black pepper
Since black pepper accommodates antibacterial properties, it may be a superb addition to your food regimen. You possibly can sprinkle some on on a regular basis dishes to profit from it.
6. Natural teas
Hail tea lovers, you might be in for a deal with! Natural teas containing cinnamon, pepper, basil, cardamom or ginger could be a welcome addition to your immunity-boosting food regimen. They’re typically wealthy in antibacterial properties and antioxidants.
7. Turmeric milk
The antibacterial and antigen properties in a glass of milk with a tinge of turmeric must be sufficient to persuade you to make it part of your food regimen.
8. Water
Don’t neglect to remain hydrated! Drink 3-4 litre of water on daily basis to detox and take away toxins out of your physique.
