One new variant from COVID-19 was detected and is in circulation in Brazil. It’s BQ.1, a subvariant of omicron. The news brings some doubts about its transmission potential and the differences between the already known variants. After all, what are the symptoms? How to protect yourself from the virus? We talked to infectologist Flavia Cohen who answered the main questions about the new variant of COVID-19. Check out!
New COVID-19 variant: understand symptoms and differences to previous variants
According to the infectologist, the main difference between the new variant of COVID-19 and the previous ones is its less aggressive behavior in the body: “This variant has not caused systemic inflammation of the organism, which is important, since it is a sign that most cases are milder and less aggressive”.
Symptoms of COVID-19 with the new variant are similar to the common flu. “In fact, the symptoms are very similar to those of a normal flu, with fever, headache, sore throat and runny nose”, explains Dr. Flavia. However, as with the flu itself and other variants of the coronavirus, symptoms can vary in intensity in each person.
How to prevent yourself against the new variant of COVID-19: strengthen your immune system
Although the new variant of COVID-19 acts less aggressively in the body, prevention is essential to reduce the chances of infection and transmission of the coronavirus. Dr. Flavia recommends adopting habits that reinforce immune system: “Prevention must be done in the same way as any other viral disease, that is, by taking very good care of the immune system. This can and should be done through the practice of physical exercises, a good diet, in addition to maintaining good hand hygiene”.
A vaccine against COVID-19 it is also fundamental for collective protection against the coronavirus and its variants. The Ministry of Health recommends complete immunization, with all booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The use of masks in closed places with large circulation of people, such as public transport and shopping malls, also helps to prevent the new variant.
I have symptoms of COVID-19! And now? Know what to do if you test positive for coronavirus
If you feel you may have symptoms of COVID-19, the first step is to get tested for the infection. In case of a positive result, the infectologist recommends the following precautions: “It is important to maintain the isolation not to transmit the disease to other people. If you experience symptoms in a more severe way and if they last more than 5 days, seek medical help immediately “.
Source: cuidadospelavida.com.br
