What Is The New Covid-19 Variant Of Concern

Published on: 25th February 2023
Medically reviewed by: Medical Director at First Response Healthcare

COVID-19 cases are on the rise around the world, with the latest variant of the virus being particularly concerning. A recent WHO Technical Advisory Group on the SARS-CoV-2 virus shared insights on the current evolution of certain variants of SARS-CoV, such as BF.7, XBB, and BQ.1. The group discussed how these variants are currently spreading and their potential public health implications. The WHO has identified Omicron as one such subvariant and urges all individuals to take precautions in order to avoid infection. People in Dubai must also be aware and informed about the new variant in UAE and take the necessary steps for their health and well-being.

Let’s take a look at some of the new Covid-19 variants spreading in UAE:

BF.7 VARIANT

One of the latest variants is BF.7, also called Omicron. The BF.7 variant first surfaced in November 2021, and its transmissibility is high. While the variant is still new in UAE, an infected individual can pass the virus on to 15-18 people quite quickly. There’s a chance that it would not be detected through standard PCR tests. However, getting a PCR test would help keep you out of harm’s way.

The symptoms of this latest BF.7 variant are generally the same as other strains of the virus, including fever, a sore throat, cough, body pain, and headache. Unlike some variants that cause more severe infections in people with low immunity or chronic medical conditions, this particular strain has not been linked to many deaths so far. There has been an increase in Covid cases throughout the world in China, Japan, South Korea, France, and the United State reportedly due to this latest BF.7 variant.

Currently, there are no specific guidelines for quarantine from the government in cases of infectious diseases. If you experience flu-like symptoms in Dubai, it is best to take a PCR test in order to determine if you are infected. Additionally, you should maintain distance from your family and friends while following other preventive measures for at least seven days. Even if the results of the PCR test show that you do not have an infection, continue taking precautions until further notice. If you reside in Dubai, FRH provides PCR Test sample collection services in the comfort of your home.

Some other variants that you should know about include:

XBB

XBB is a recombinant of BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75 sublineages, and it has been detected in 35 countries worldwide and is believed to have a global prevalence of 1.3%. Recent reports suggest that it may be associated with an increase in new infections, but additional research needs to be conducted before any definitive conclusions can be made.

The current data does not suggest that XBB infections are more severe than other Omicron sublineages. However, early evidence suggests a higher risk of reinfection among patients who contracted the virus prior to the emergence of Omicron strains. Cases involving reinfection were primarily limited to individuals whose infection occurred before this period. It’s better to get a PCR test and safeguard your health from the risk of getting infected again.

BQ.1

BQ.1 is a sublineage of BA.5 and it has been detected in 65 countries across the globe. Based on current data, this latest variant appears to have a growth advantage over other variants circulating within Europe and the United States, and thus warrants close monitoring.

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement asserting that there is currently no evidence to suggest an increase in the severity of diseases around the world. While vaccines may have limited efficacy against some infections, they are still expected to provide substantial protection from more severe illnesses.

Doctors advise individuals who have already received two doses of vaccines, or two doses and a booster shot, to take another vaccine booster before traveling. Get quick and detailed reports before traveling by getting a PCR test done in Dubai through FRH. As per Covid-19 prevention guidelines, residents should wear masks in crowded areas and follow other precautionary measures such as taking medications as prescribed by their doctor. Additionally, those with comorbidities or the elderly are also advised to do so. Get a PCR test done in Dubai for the elderly to protect their health as they are more prone to face the dire consequence of the virus.

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PCR Test In Dubai | First Response Healthcare

If you are seeking a COVID Test in order to diagnose or monitor symptoms because of the new variant in UAE or if you need to take a PCR test in Dubai before travel, First Response Healthcare offers the convenience of having your COVID-19 test done at home, your office, or even your hotel. Our services are available 24/7 and can be accessed within 30 minutes from anywhere in Dubai. With services like these, you surely won’t face a problem getting a PCR test done.

We offer a PCR test service wherein a nurse will visit your chosen location for the purpose of collecting a sample. All our staff is expertly-trained which makes it a perfect choice for your PCR test to be carried out in Dubai. According to DHA data collection guidelines, you will be asked to provide your name, Emirates ID number or passport, contact email address, and other personal information. Once the samples have been collected, they will be sent off to an approved and accredited laboratory for diagnostic evaluation. The results of your test will be emailed back to you within 10-12 hours via our express service. With easy testing facilities like these in Dubai, avail a PCR test and secure the health of your family as soon as you can.

If you’re traveling anywhere from Dubai, getting a PCR test done should be the first thing on your mind. This is because getting a test of PCR in Dubai is not just crucial to protect your own but your fellow passenger’s health as well. Before traveling from Dubai, get PCR test reports which are accepted by all airlines through FRH trusted services.

It does not matter what your requirement is, you avail of FRH services in Dubai for numerous PCR tests. Be it conducting a test for an individual or for an entire group, our services can arrange for all your Covid-19 test procedures. Be it your villa, your hotel, or your apartment, we offer FRH’s PCR testing facilities in the entire emirate of Dubai.

How to Book A PCR Test With First Response Healthcare?

Booking COVID-19 Test at First Response Healthcare is easy and straightforward. If you reside in Dubai, we offer our PCR testing and several other facilities through easy mobile services. Let’s take a look at some of the ways through which you can book a PCR test

You can call or WhatsApp on 0505050387 or Dial 800 CALL DOC
Bookings are available 24/7 and can also be made by emailing appointment@firstresponse.ae .
You can book an appointment online by visiting our website: https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai
Once your appointment has been confirmed, you will be asked to share your location with our team. They will then reach you at the scheduled time and take a swab sample for testing purposes at an authorized laboratory in Dubai operated by DHA.

What Makes Our Services Stand Out?

Our testing services of PCR stand out from the rest of the competitors for the following reasons:

The test is administered by a qualified nurse who has received training on the subject.
Through our express service, you can get your PCR test results within 8-10 hours
Our Test Reports are accepted by all airlines and help prove your travel eligibility.
The labs that we have partnered with are certified, accredited and DHA-approved
We are available in all parts of Dubai.
We offer 24/7 customer support, so you can reach us at any time.
We collect samples from a variety of locations, including homes, offices, and hotels.
We make sure to provide you with your test results in a timely fashion if you need to take an emergency trip or have a flight scheduled on the same day.