Covid BA.3.2 Variant: Corona cases are increasing again in more than 20 countries of the world including America. The BA.3.2 variant is under discussion, in which several mutations have been found. According to experts, the risk in India is currently low, but caution and wearing a mask in crowded places can be beneficial.
Till some time ago it seemed that the Corona epidemic was now completely over. Things like masks, sanitizers and social distancing gradually disappeared from people’s everyday lives. But now the news coming from many countries of the world has once again drawn people’s attention towards Covid.
Cases of corona infection are seen increasing again in more than 20 countries of the world including America. The special thing is that a variant of Covid, SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2, has started spreading rapidly in America. Health agencies are keeping an eye on this and people are being advised to remain alert.
Impact of BA.3.2 variant increasing in America
According to the US health agency CDC, the BA.3.2 variant is gradually spreading and its cases have seen an increase in the last few months. Actually this variant is not completely new. Many of its cases were reported in South Africa in the year 2024, but now it seems to be becoming more active in America.
According to experts, about 75 mutations have been found in the spike protein of this variant. More mutations mean that the virus is capable of changing its form. For this reason, it can trick the immune system to some extent and cases of infection may increase.
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Can the era of masks return again?
Amidst the news of increase in Covid cases, the question is also arising in the minds of people whether masks can become mandatory again. According to epidemiologists, at present no case of this new variant has been reported in India. Apart from this, a large population in the country has been vaccinated with Covid vaccine, hence the risk of serious disease is considered to be less.
Experts say that there is no need to panic right now because the symptoms of this variant have been seen to be mild in most of the cases. As far as masks are concerned, at present there is no mandatory guideline regarding it. However, doctors advise that wearing a mask in crowded places, hospitals and public transport can be a safe habit. This can prevent not only Covid but also many other infectious diseases.
Can cases increase in other countries also?
Experts believe that after the increase in cases in America, the possibility of infection increasing in other countries also cannot be ruled out. However, doctors say that the current situation is less likely to become a serious epidemic like before, because vaccination has been done in most of the countries of the world and people’s immunity against Covid is better than before.
Will there be a need for vaccine or booster dose again?
On this question, experts say that at present there is no such situation that everyone will have to take a booster dose again. According to Dr. Jugal Kishore, people in many countries of the world have already received the Covid vaccine. The vaccine may not completely prevent infection, but it significantly reduces the risk of severe symptoms and hospitalization. Because the BA.3.2 variant is not completely new, the likelihood of the need for large-scale vaccination again is considered low at present.
What precautions are necessary at this time?
Health experts say that people do not need to panic, but caution must be taken. If anyone shows symptoms like fever, cough or cold, then keep distance from the crowd and consult a doctor if necessary. Cleanliness and basic hygiene habits are still considered the easiest way to avoid infection.
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