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Published on: Aug 09, 2023
2 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Unveiling The Eris Variant: Understanding Its Emergence In Maharashtra And Expert Insights On India's Concerns

In recent Covid news, the emergence of the EG.5.1 variant, also known as Eris, has caught the attention of health experts globally. Initially contributing to a surge in Coronavirus cases in the UK, this variant has now caused a slight increase in Covid caseload in Maharashtra, India. Although not a cause for panic, understanding the implications of new Covid variants like Eris and staying vigilant is crucial. This article dives into the details, expert opinions, and steps individuals can take to navigate this evolving situation.

The Emergence of the Eris Variant

Variant Overview
The Eris variant, identified as EG.5.1, gained prominence due to its association with the Covid surge in the UK. More recently, it has made its presence felt in Maharashtra, India, leading to a rise in Covid cases.
Impact in Maharashtra
Maharashtra, a state that experienced significant Covid challenges, is now facing the ripple effects of the Eris variant. According to state health department data, Covid cases increased from 70 at the end of July to 115 on August 6. While the rise in cases is notable, there's no need to succumb to panic.

Expert Insights and Recommendations

Vigilance and Immunity
Health experts emphasize the importance of vigilance, especially considering the ongoing fluctuations in Covid trends. Dr. Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director & HOD-Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, notes that while there's no reason to panic, complacency isn't an option. With waning immunity from previous infections and vaccinations, taking booster shots becomes imperative to stay resilient against the virus.
Monitoring and Precautions
Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of critical care & Pulmonology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, suggests that while the Eris variant has been detected in Mumbai, it's not yet a major concern for India. Nonetheless, maintaining standard hygiene practices, wearing masks, and practicing proper sanitization remain essential measures to prevent any potential upsurge in Covid cases.

The Symptoms and Spread of Eris

Symptomatology
The symptoms of the Eris variant are akin to those associated with previous variants, including cough, cold, fever, throat pain, and chest tightness. In immunocompromised individuals, it could lead to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), making early detection and management paramount.
Transmission
The Eris variant, as part of the Omicron strain lineage, demonstrates traits of increased infectivity. However, with a significant proportion of the population having received double vaccinations, the risk of widespread infection and severe hospitalizations is believed to be minimal.

Precautionary Measures for Individuals

Holistic Approach
Health experts emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to safeguarding health. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, adopting a hygienic lifestyle, and considering regular vaccination or flu shots, where applicable.
Safety Precautions
While the Eris variant's impact may not be as severe, following Covid-appropriate behavior remains critical. Wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and practicing thorough sanitization are key actions to reduce the risk of transmission.

In Conclusion

The emergence of the Eris variant in Maharashtra serves as a reminder that the battle against Covid is far from over. While the variant's impact may not be as pronounced, staying informed, adhering to expert recommendations, and practicing preventive measures can collectively contribute to India's continued fight against the virus. As individuals and a community, vigilance and responsible actions will play a pivotal role in taming the potential effects of new Covid variants like Eris.

Read FAQs

A. The Eris variant, also known as EG.5.1, is a new strain of the Covid virus that emerged in the UK and has now been detected in Maharashtra, India. While it shares similarities with other variants, Eris carries unique mutations in the spike protein of the virus. These mutations have sparked concern due to their potential impact on transmissibility, severity, and vaccine effectiveness.

A. While the increase in Covid cases associated with the Eris variant is concerning, there's no need to panic. Experts emphasize the importance of vigilance and adherence to preventive measures. The rise in cases could be due to various factors, including waning immunity from previous infections or vaccinations. Taking booster shots, maintaining hygiene practices, and following Covid-appropriate behavior remain pivotal in managing the situation.

A. Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting against severe illness and hospitalization, even in the presence of new variants like Eris. While there may be some impact on vaccine effectiveness, they still provide significant protection. Individuals should prioritize getting vaccinated, consider booster shots when eligible, and continue practicing safety measures such as wearing masks, social distancing, and proper sanitization. These actions collectively contribute to minimizing the potential spread of the Eris variant and other Covid strains.

Read Blog

Add Indoor Cycles or Scooters at Large Offices – Promote Movement During the Day

Corporate offices today are larger, more digitally connected and more sedentary than ever before. Employees spend extended hours seated at desks, in meetings or on screens. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is among the top risk factors for global mortality. In India, rapid urbanisation and desk-based jobs have significantly increased sedentary behaviour.

One innovative workplace wellness strategy is to Add Indoor Cycles or Scooters at Large Offices – Promote movement during the day. This simple yet impactful initiative encourages daily physical activity within the office environment, helping reduce long-term health risks.

The Sedentary Workplace Problem

Large office campuses often require:

long walks between departments
elevator use for multiple floors
extended desk time

However, most employees still remain seated for more than 6–8 hours daily.

ICMR and NFHS-5 data show increasing prevalence of:

obesity
hypertension
diabetes

Sedentary habits contribute significantly to these conditions.

Why Movement During the Day Matters

Prolonged sitting affects:

metabolism
circulation
posture
heart health

Short bursts of activity improve:

blood flow
oxygen delivery
mental alertness

Encouraging movement throughout the day prevents metabolic slowdown.

How Indoor Cycles and Scooters Help

1. Break the Sitting Cycle

Indoor cycles placed in designated zones allow employees to:

pedal for 5–10 minutes
refresh during breaks
reduce continuous sitting

Scooters in large campuses encourage movement between departments.

2. Boost Energy Levels

Light physical activity stimulates:

endorphin release
improved circulation
mental clarity

Employees return to tasks with renewed focus.

3. Improve Cardiovascular Health

Regular low-intensity cycling helps:

regulate blood pressure
improve heart function
manage weight

Consistent activity reduces risk of heart disease.

4. Encourage Active Office Culture

Visible wellness initiatives create:

positive peer influence
cultural shift toward health
higher engagement

When movement becomes normalised, participation increases.

Impact on Productivity

Contrary to concerns, movement breaks:

improve concentration
reduce fatigue
enhance creativity

Research cited by global workplace health reports shows that active employees demonstrate better cognitive performance.

Suitable for Large Office Campuses

Large offices with:

multiple floors
wide corridors
campus layouts

can safely integrate scooters for short-distance mobility.

Indoor cycling stations can be placed in:

wellness corners
break rooms
near cafeterias

Accessibility encourages usage.

Addressing Safety and Practicality

To ensure safety:

provide clear guidelines
designate riding zones
encourage voluntary participation
maintain equipment regularly

Structured implementation ensures smooth integration.

Mental Health Benefits

Movement during the workday:

reduces stress
lowers cortisol levels
improves mood

Stress reduction contributes to better overall wellbeing.

Supporting Preventive Healthcare

Regular physical activity helps prevent:

metabolic syndrome
obesity
type 2 diabetes
hypertension

Preventive workplace initiatives reduce long-term health costs.

Encouraging Participation

Organisations can:

track voluntary participation
organise friendly cycling challenges
reward consistent engagement

Gamification increases motivation.

Complementing Other Wellness Initiatives

Indoor cycles and scooters can integrate with:

standing desks
walking meetings
stretch breaks
health screening programs

A multi-layered approach maximises impact.

Measuring Success

Metrics may include:

employee feedback
reduced absenteeism
improved wellness survey results
increased engagement scores

Data supports long-term continuation.

Economic Benefits for Employers

Preventive activity reduces:

sick leave
burnout
productivity loss

Healthy employees contribute more consistently.

Creating a Culture of Movement

Leadership participation encourages adoption.

When managers model active behaviour, employees follow.

Wellness becomes embedded in organisational identity.

Long-Term Impact

Encouraging daily movement leads to:

better cardiovascular health
improved metabolic function
reduced stress
enhanced workplace morale

Small, consistent actions create sustainable change.

Conclusion

Add Indoor Cycles or Scooters at Large Offices – Promote movement during the day is a forward-thinking corporate wellness strategy. By addressing sedentary habits directly within the workplace environment, organisations can reduce lifestyle disease risk, enhance productivity and foster a culture of health. Movement is not just exercise—it is preventive healthcare in action. When offices actively design for motion, they invest in the long-term wellbeing of their workforce.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Physical Activity and Health Reports
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease Data
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Obesity and Hypertension Trends
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare Strategy Reports
Lancet – Sedentary Behaviour and Chronic Disease Research

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