7,830 new COVID cases recorded in the last 24 hours
The total number of active COVID cases in the country currently stands at 40,215 with more than 7,500 cases recorded in the last 24 hours.
As per the data shared by the Union Health Ministry, the daily positivity rate stands at 3.65% and the weekly positivity rate is 3.83%.
COVID causing coronavirus has mutated to several strains till now. The XBB 1.16 strain is currently spreading fast and health experts have said that this is driving the recent surge in COVID cases in the country.
It is important to know key COVID symptoms
The classic COVID symptoms are similar to that of common cold and flu. The commonly seen signs of COVID are mostly related to the respiratory tract.
As per ZOE Health Study, which actively studied COVID symptoms during the initial years of the pandemic, the common signs of COVID are sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, cough without phlegm, headache, cough with phlegm, hoarse voice, muscle aches and pains and an altered sense of smell.
Though the pattern of occurence of traditional symptoms has changed now, with less severe cases seen these days, few unusual symptoms associated with COVID have also been seen.
COVID signs which seem to be remotely connected to the infection
Unusual signs of COVID like shortness of breath which is characterized by forced breathing or difficulty in breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes and bumps on skin, discolored skin on fingers and toes, hives, swelling in toes and fingers are also seen in people who get COVID.
Confusion or delirium, pink eye or conjunctivitis, light sensitivity, sore eyes and itchy eyes are also seen in patients who catch the coronavirus.
What are the symptoms specific to the superspreader variant XBB 1.16?
As per reports, people who are getting COVID these days show signs like fever lasting for 1-2 days, sore throat, splitting headache, abdominal discomfort like diarrhea and extreme body pain.
No severe cases of COVID XBB 1.16 have come to fore until now.
Who needs to be more careful?
As mentioned above XBB 1.16 does not lead to severe complications, as per the information available on this strain until now.
However, there are certain groups who need to be careful of the coronavirus in view of the damaging effects it has put on people. Elderly populations, individuals with respiratory complications should be very careful.
What can keep you safe from COVID?
Keeping hands sanitized, wearing masks, avoiding going outdoors if not necessary and isolating once the symptoms are seen can keep you safe from COVID.
In view of the growing COVID cases, the New Zealand government has retained a seven day COVID self isolation rule. “The isolation period serves not just to relieve pressure on the health system and result in fewer people being infected, but actually there is a labour market incentive for this as well," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Prime Minister Chris Hipkins saying. "Under NZ law, people who catch COVID-19 must isolate for seven days from their first symptoms. People living in the same house do not need to isolate but are asked to test daily," the media reported.
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