Travis Head and Shilpa Shirodkar Test Positive: Should Indians worry about the JN.1 variant?

Covid-19, a illness attributable to the coronavirus SARS-COV-2, was first recognized in 2019. It unfold in December 2019, and the next yr he developed a pandemic illness. It has now been revived in a number of Asian nations. Up to now few weeks, some Asian nations, together with Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand, reportedly observed a rise in coronavirus instances. And now there are experiences that cricketer Travis’ head and actress Shilpa Sirodkar assessments constructive for Covid-19. With contemporary coronavirus storms brewed in a number of Asian nations, we requested specialists if Indians ought to begin taking precautions.

Asian Covid-19 Surge

Within the week of April 27 to Could 3, 2025, the Ministry of Singapore stated the estimated variety of instances reached a most of 14,200 in comparison with the 11,100 instances the earlier week in Singapore. The same development is reportedly seen in China, the place instances greater than doubled within the 5 weeks main as much as Could 4th. The an infection reportedly appeared after the Tune Cran Pageant in April 2025. Round 30 folks have died in Hong Kong because of the virus. The rise in these instances could also be associated to elements together with declining inhabitants immunity, in line with the Singapore Ministry of Well being.

Important Variants Circulating in Asia

“Covid-19 is an infectious illness that impacts the respiratory system and spreads via drops from coughing, sneezing or intimate contact with an contaminated particular person,” says inner drugs specialist Dr. Vikram Jeet Singh. Since 2019, the coronavirus has advanced considerably, resulting in the emergence of a number of variants.

“The current spikes within the Covid-19 incident in Asian nations have primarily been attributed to the unfold of Omicron sub-variants, significantly descendants resembling JN.1 and LF.7 and Nb.1.8,” the skilled says. Individuals who had been contaminated with JN.1, first recognized in August 2023, typically expertise signs resembling fever, dry cough, sore throat and nausea, in line with a research printed in Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Ailments.

“These sub-variants of Covid-19 are extremely contagious and may partially keep away from immunity from previous infections and vaccinations,” says Dr. Singh. However it causes gentle sickness in most individuals, particularly those that have been vaccinated.

Covid-19: Is India in danger?

“The present state of affairs is underneath management, however India stays in danger,” the skilled says. Journey world wide will increase the chance of imported instances, giant inhabitants density promotes sooner spreads, and immunity might decline in some sections. “Nevertheless, India has a powerful vaccination base and the home well being care system is best ready than its earlier wave,” the specialists guarantee.

What precautions ought to we take to remain protected amid Covid-19 surges?

Listed below are some issues you are able to do:

1. Put on a masks in crowded locations

The Indian authorities doesn’t require folks to put on masks, however you may go to the correct masks, resembling N95s and surgical masks. It must be worn particularly in crowded locations resembling public transport, markets, spiritual gatherings, and hospitals. “There are sometimes folks in these places which are shut by, which will increase the chance of airborne transmission of viruses like Covid-19,” specialists say.

2. Maintains hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is likely one of the easiest but simplest methods to forestall an infection. You must wash your fingers often with cleaning soap and water for about 20 seconds, particularly after peeing or pooping, after touching public surfaces resembling elevator buttons, ATMs or door handles, earlier than consuming.

3. Keep away from crowded locations

If air circulation is proscribed, keep away from that location. “The virus tends to unfold extra quickly in surrounded or inadequately ventilated areas,” says Dr. Singh. If you’re indoors with others, be certain that home windows and exhaust are open to permit contemporary air to flow into.

4. Keep updated with vaccinations

Vaccination is a crucial precaution in opposition to many illnesses, together with Covid-19. You must make sure you obtain all advisable doses, together with booster photographs. Based on the World Well being Group, the only booster of XBB.1.5, the Covid-19 vaccine, may promote safety in opposition to the JN.1 variant.

5. Enhance your nutritious diet and immunity

A physique with room for vitamin signifies that it will possibly higher struggle infections. “I’ve immune enhance drinks and meals on daily basis, resembling seasonal fruits, inexperienced leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, nuts and tea,” the specialists counsel. Keep hydrated, sleep soundly and have interaction in at the very least half-hour of bodily exercise every day.

6. Use cough etiquette

We apply good respiration hygiene, which is vital to forestall unfold of an infection, in addition to hand hygiene. “All the time cowl your mouth and nostril with tissue, or use the within of your elbow everytime you prefer to cough or sneeze,” specialists say. Get rid of used tissue instantly so you may wash your fingers. It is a very fundamental and easy behavior, and may decrease the unfold of micro organism, particularly in workplaces and public areas the place others could also be uncovered.

Many Asian nations report Covid-19 incidents, so take precautions. Do not anticipate the federal government to concern pointers. Begin carrying a masks and wash your fingers totally, particularly if you’re in a crowded space.