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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

Replace Junk with Subscription Snack Packs: A Practical Approach to Preventive Nutrition in India

India is witnessing a growing shift toward healthier eating habits, yet junk food consumption continues to rise across all age groups. According to ICMR and NFHS-5 data, high-calorie packaged snacks, sugary beverages and deep-fried foods contribute significantly to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular risk. Replacing these items with nutritious snack alternatives is one of the simplest yet most effective steps toward preventive wellness.

Subscription snack packs offer a structured, convenient and affordable way to transition from unhealthy snacking to balanced nutrition. SecondMedic promotes this approach as part of a broader preventive health ecosystem that focuses on long-term behavioural change rather than temporary diets.

Why Indians are Choosing Healthy Snack Subscriptions

1. Convenience in fast-paced lifestyles

Urban and semi-urban households often depend on quick, accessible snacks to keep up with busy schedules. Healthy subscription packs bring pre-portioned nutrition directly to the doorstep.

2. Rising health concerns

India now ranks among the world’s highest in:

Diabetes prevalence
Childhood obesity
Hypertension
High cholesterol

Replacing junk food is essential for reducing these long-term risks.

3. Growing awareness of clean eating

People are moving toward:

Low-sugar
Low-sodium
High-fibre
High-protein
Non-fried
snack alternatives.

4. Cost-effectiveness

Contrary to belief, balanced snack packs cost less than repeated purchases of unhealthy packaged foods.

What Makes Subscription Snack Packs Healthier?

Healthy snack packs are curated for balanced nutrition:

• Nuts and seeds

Rich in healthy fats, fibre and minerals.

• Millet-based snacks

Low GI, nutrient-dense and suitable for diabetics.

• Dried fruits

Provide natural sweetness without refined sugar.

• Roasted chana and legumes

Excellent plant-based protein sources.

• Low-sugar bars

Made from oats, dates, nuts and seeds.

• Whole-grain crackers

Better than refined flour biscuits.

• Herbal teas

Support digestion and relaxation.

These snacks reduce cravings while supporting metabolic health.

Why Junk Food Needs Replacement

• High in trans fats

Linked to heart disease and inflammation.

• Excess sugar

Promotes insulin resistance, weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

• Refined flour

Lacks fibre and elevates glucose rapidly.

• Additives & preservatives

May contribute to long-term digestive and metabolic issues.

• Instant cravings

Junk foods trigger overeating by stimulating dopamine pathways.

Replacing them with healthier options breaks this cycle.

How Subscription Snack Packs Support Preventive Healthcare

1. Portion control

Pre-measured servings reduce the risk of overeating.

2. Balanced nutrition

Snack packs provide fibre, healthy fats and micronutrients missing from typical Indian diets.

3. Reduced decision fatigue

Users do not have to search for healthy options daily.

4. Behavioural consistency

Weekly or monthly packs promote long-term habit formation.

5. Support for chronic disease management

Especially helpful for:

Diabetes
PCOS
Thyroid issues
Heart disease

SecondMedic integrates snack guidance into dietitian consultations and AI-driven nutrition analysis.

The Role of AI Health Guide in Smarter Snacking

SecondMedic’s AI Health Guide provides:

• Calorie and nutrient insights

Evaluates daily intake based on user habits.

• Snack recommendations

Based on medical conditions, preferences and goals.

• Craving pattern analysis

Identifies triggers for unhealthy eating.

• Personalised preventive plans

Aligns snacking habits with heart, gut and metabolic health.

This makes snack substitution easier and more sustainable.

How to Transition from Junk Food to Healthy Snack Packs

Step 1: Identify your biggest cravings

Sugary, salty, crunchy or fried?

Step 2: Find healthier alternatives

For example:

Replace chips ? roasted makhana
Replace sweets ? dates + nuts
Replace biscuits ? whole-grain crackers

Step 3: Use subscription packs for structure

Pre-curated boxes guide behaviour change.

Step 4: Track progress

Energy levels improve within 2-4 weeks.

Step 5: Build long-term habits

Consistency leads to metabolic improvement.

Conclusion

Replacing junk food with subscription snack packs is an effective and convenient step toward preventive wellness in India. By combining healthier ingredients, balanced nutrition and consistent delivery, subscription packs help individuals make better choices daily. With expert guidance and AI-driven insights from SecondMedic, these changes become sustainable, personalised and impactful for long-term health.

References

• ICMR - Dietary Patterns & Junk Food Consumption Study
• NFHS-5 - Nutrition Deficiencies & Lifestyle Data India
• NITI Aayog - Preventive Health & Nutrition Strategy
• WHO - Healthy Diet & Non-Communicable Disease Guidelines
• Lancet - Consumption Patterns & Cardiometabolic Risk
• Statista India - Healthy Snacking Trends
• EY-FICCI - Consumer Behaviour Toward Preventive Health

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