Covid 19 has raised its head again! Yes, after wreaking havoc in the world from 2019-2022, the virus is seeing a gradual return to Asia with Singapore and Hong Kong recording the maximum number of cases in the last few weeks.Closer home, the country has been seeing a rise in variant NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants, detected recently in different parts of the country. While the disease is still endemic, and (for now) poses no immediate threat according to the government, what is this new variant, and what makes it different from the rest? Let’s dig deeper…

Current situation

Currently, India has around 257 active COVID-19 cases spread across multiple states. Kerala has recorded the maximum number of cases, followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi Most cases remain mild and manageable at home. The government and health agencies are closely monitoring the situation and have issued advisories to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and people with other health conditions.(like cancer, heart disease etc)

Everything you need to know about the new variants

NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are new sub variants of the coronavirus recently detected in India. NB.1.8.1 was first identified in Tamil Nadu in April 2025, while four cases of LF.7 were found in Gujarat in May. Both variants are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “Variants Under Monitoring” (VUMs). This means they are being tracked carefully but are not yet considered Variants of Concern (VOCs).These variants have been linked to recent COVID-19 surges in other parts of Asia, suggesting they may have higher transmissibility or some changes in behavior compared to older strains. However, for now, these symptoms remain mild.How Are These Variants Different from Previous Ones?

Genetic Mutations

NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 carry distinct genetic mutations that differentiate them from earlier variants like Delta or Omicron. These mutations can affect how the virus spreads, how it interacts with the immune system, and how it responds to vaccines or treatments. While more research is needed on the same, their classification as VUMs means they have changes worth monitoring, but for now, there is no cause to panic.

Transmission and Spread

Both NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 appear to spread more easily than some older variants, which may explain the recent rise in cases. However, unlike the initial waves caused by Delta or early Omicron variants, the current infections are mostly mild, and there is no evidence yet of a significant increase in hospitalizations or deaths directly caused by these new variants.

Severity of Illness

Early reports suggest that infections with NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 cause symptoms similar to common flu or mild COVID-19. Most patients recover quickly at home without needing hospital care. This contrasts with earlier variants like Delta, which caused more severe illness and higher death rates, especially among unvaccinated people or those with co-morbidities.

Impact on Vaccines and Treatments

Current vaccines and treatments remain effective against these new variants. Health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination and boosters to maintain protection. There is no indication that NB.1.8.1 or LF.7 significantly evade immunity from vaccines or past infections, unlike some earlier variants that partially escaped immune responses.

Where Are These Variants Found in India?

NB.1.8.1: First detected in Tamil Nadu in April 2025.LF.7: Four cases confirmed in Gujarat in May 2025.Other states reporting active COVID-19 cases linked to these or other variants include Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, and several northeastern states. Kerala currently has the highest number of cases, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The rise, while noticeable, is not yet worrisome.

Situation remains under monitoring

The Indian government and health agencies are actively monitoring the situation through genomic surveillance programs like the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). They are tracking the spread of these variants and assessing their impact on public health.Authorities have issued advisories urging people to continue practicing basic COVID-19 precautions such as:Wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spacesMaintaining hand hygiene by washing hands or using sanitizerAvoiding large gatherings where possibleGetting vaccinated and receiving booster doses as recommendedSpecial attention is being given to vulnerable groups such as elderly people, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions and comorbidities. Hospitals and health centers have been issued advisory to stock up on adequate beds, oxygen supplies, and medicines in place.

Should You Be Worried?

While the rise in cases and new variants should be monitored, there is no need to panic. The current situation is under control, with most cases being mild and manageable at home.

Health professionals recommend staying informed from reliable sources, following health guidelines, and maintaining vaccination schedules. Panic or misinformation can cause unnecessary fear and disrupt public health efforts.For the latest updates on Covid, check this