Travis Head and Shilpa Shirodkar test Covid-19 positive: Should Indians be worried about JN.1 variant?

Covid-19, the illness brought on by SARS-CoV-2, which is a coronavirus, was first recognized in 2019. After spreading in December 2019, it grew to become a pandemic illness the next 12 months. Now, it has made a comeback in a number of international locations in Asia. In the previous couple of weeks, some Asian international locations equivalent to Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand reportedly famous an increase in coronavirus instances. And now, there are reviews of cricketer Travis Head and actress Shilpa Shirodkar testing constructive for Covid-19. As a contemporary coronavirus storm is brewing in a number of Asian nations, we requested an skilled if folks in India ought to begin taking precautions.

Covid-19 surge in Asia

Within the week of April 27 to Could 3, 2025, the estimated variety of the instances shot as much as 14,200 in comparison with 11,100 instances within the earlier week in Singapore, as per the Ministry Of Well being Singapore. Related tendencies had been reportedly seen in China, the place the instances had greater than doubled within the 5 weeks main as much as Could 4. Infections reportedly emerged in Thailand after the Songkran pageant in April 2025. In Hong Kong, round 30 folks died as a result of virus, in line with information reviews. The rise in these instances could need to do with components, together with waning inhabitants immunity, in line with the Ministry Of Well being Singapore.

The primary variant circulating in Asia

“Covid-19 is an infectious illness that primarily impacts the respiratory system and spreads by way of droplets from coughs, sneezes, or shut contact with contaminated folks,” says inside drugs skilled Dr Vikram Jeet Singh. Since 2019, the coronavirus has advanced quite a bit, resulting in the emergence of a number of variants.

“The current spike in Covid-19 instances within the Asian international locations is essentially attributed to the unfold of the sub-variants of Omicron, notably the JN.1 and its descendants like LF.7 and NB.1.8,” says the skilled. Folks contaminated with JN.1, first recognized in August 2023, typically expertise signs like fever, dry cough, sore throat and nausea, as per a examine revealed in Therapeutic Advances In Infectious Illness.

“These sub-variants of Covid-19 are extremely transmissible, and able to partially evading immunity from previous infections or vaccinations,” says Dr Singh. Nevertheless, it causes milder sickness in most individuals, particularly those that are vaccinated.

Covid-19: Is India in danger?

“The present state of affairs is underneath management, however India stays in danger,” says the skilled. World journey will increase the danger of imported instances, the big inhabitants density facilitates quicker unfold, and immunity is likely to be waning in some sections. “Nevertheless, India has a powerful vaccination base, and the healthcare system within the nation is best ready than within the earlier waves,” assures the skilled.

What precautions needs to be taken to remain secure amid Covid-19 surge?

Right here are some things you are able to do:

1. Put on masks in crowded locations

The Indian authorities has not made it necessary for folks to put on masks, however you possibly can go for a well-fitted one, equivalent to an N95 or surgical masks. You need to notably put on one whereas in crowded locations like public transport, markets, non secular gatherings or hospitals. “These locations typically have folks in shut proximity, rising the danger of airborne transmission of viruses like Covid-19,” says the skilled.

2. Preserve hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is without doubt one of the easiest but simplest methods to be sure you don’t get contaminated. You need to recurrently wash fingers with cleaning soap and water for about 20 seconds, particularly after peeing or pooping, touching public surfaces like elevator buttons, ATMs, or door handles, and earlier than consuming.

3. Keep away from crowded spots

If air circulation is proscribed, keep away from the place. “Viruses are likely to unfold extra quickly in enclosed areas or these which are poorly ventilated areas,” says Dr Singh. When you find yourself indoors with others, make sure that the home windows or exhausts are open to permit contemporary air to flow into.

4. Keep up-to-date with vaccination

Vaccination is a crucial safety measure in opposition to many ailments, together with Covid-19. You need to make sure you obtain all really useful doses, together with booster pictures. The XBB.1.5 monovalent booster, a Covid-19 vaccine, could increase safety in opposition to the JN.1 variant, in line with the World Well being Group.

5. Eat wholesome and increase immunity

A well-nourished physique means you possibly can combat off infections higher. “Have immune-boosting drinks and meals equivalent to seasonal fruits, inexperienced leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, nuts and tea every single day,” suggests the skilled. Keep hydrated, get evening’s sleep and interact in a minimum of half-hour of bodily exercise every single day.

6. Use cough etiquette

It’s not simply hand hygiene, but additionally training good respiratory hygiene that’s vital to stop the unfold of infections. “At all times cowl your mouth and nostril with a tissue or use the within of your elbow everytime you really feel like coughing or sneezing,” says the skilled. Get rid of the used tissues as quickly as you possibly can then wash your fingers. This can be a very primary and easy behavior, which may minimise the unfold of germs, particularly in workplaces and public areas the place others could get uncovered.

As many international locations in Asia report Covid-19 instances, make sure that to take precautions. Don’t look forward to the federal government to points pointers. Begin carrying masks, particularly in case you are out in crowded locations and wash fingers completely.