HYDERABAD: The Omicron variant is so infectious that it can spread within an hour of exposure to the entire family, say doctors.
“Practically, one can get infected within an hour, but it takes a while for symptoms to manifest. What we are seeing is entire families are simultaneously developing symptoms which goes to show they are infected around the same time. Using masks at home is the best way to avoid spread since Omicron variant has a very high infectivity,” said Dr Ashish Chauhan, consultant physician and Covid care expert, Apollo Hospitals.
A source at King Koti Hospital said, “We are seeing entire families turning up for testing. They report developing symptoms within hours of each other. This shows how fast the infection is spreading.” The source said when people come, most say they have improved. Many are not coming on the same day they develop symptoms. “We are also seeing many who do not have symptoms but have come because a family member is positive,” the source said.
