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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

Virtual Cooking Class with Dietitian: A New Era of Healthy Eating in India

Healthy eating has become a top priority for individuals across India. With rising lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and PCOS, food decisions now play a critical role in preventive healthcare. However, most people struggle with questions like what to cook, how to modify recipes, and how to balance nutrition with traditional Indian meals.

Virtual cooking classes with dietitians are transforming how Indians learn about food. They combine practical kitchen skills with scientific nutrition knowledge-something traditional cooking tutorials cannot offer. SecondMedic integrates expert dietitians, AI-driven nutrition analysis and preventive health frameworks to support individuals in building lifelong healthy eating habits.

This blog explores how virtual cooking classes work, why they matter and how they support long-term health.

Why India Needs Dietitian-Led Cooking Classes

Rising Lifestyle Diseases

The ICMR Nutrition and Metabolic Health Study reports alarming trends:

Over 100 million diabetic individuals
High prevalence of fatty liver
Vitamin deficiencies in large sections of the population
Increasing PCOS, thyroid disorders and obesity

Many of these conditions are strongly influenced by diet.

Lack of Nutrition Awareness

NFHS-5 highlights low dietary diversity among Indian households. People often overconsume oil, sugar and refined grains without realising the long-term impact.

Busy Lifestyles

Urban professionals struggle to plan meals due to:

Time constraints
Lack of structured nutrition knowledge
Dependence on takeaways and packaged food

Virtual cooking sessions solve these problems by offering guided, practical learning directly from home.

What Happens in a Virtual Cooking Class?

A SecondMedic virtual cooking class includes:

1. Live Demonstrations

Dietitians prepare recipes step-by-step while explaining:

Nutrient functions
Health benefits
Cooking techniques
Smart portion strategies

2. Ingredient Education

Participants learn about:

Low-GI alternatives
High-fibre grains
Clean protein sources
Anti-inflammatory spices
Healthy fats

3. Meal Planning Guidance

Classes often include weekly planning tips to simplify daily decisions.

4. Nutrient Breakdown

AI-based tools analyse the recipe’s:

Sugar load
Sodium balance
Protein density
Vitamin & mineral profile

5. Condition-Specific Variations

Recipes can be adapted for:

Diabetes
PCOS
Thyroid health
Heart health
Weight loss

This ensures suitability across lifestyles.

Benefits of Virtual Cooking Classes

1. Practical, Hands-On Learning

Participants cook alongside the dietitian, making learning interactive and easy to remember.

2. Prevention-Focused

Unlike regular cooking tutorials, these sessions emphasise preventive eating patterns recommended by WHO and NITI Aayog.

3. Customisable for Families

Healthy recipes become household-friendly, improving community nutrition.

4. Convenient and Accessible

Join from anywhere without travel or scheduling challenges.

5. Increases Long-Term Adherence

When people understand why a recipe is healthy, they adopt it more consistently.

Example Recipe Taught in Class

Vegetable Khichdi (Diabetes-Friendly Version):

Moong dal for high protein
Mixed vegetables for fibre
Minimal ghee
Brown rice/millet for lower GI
Turmeric + cumin for anti-inflammatory benefit

SecondMedic’s AI engine evaluates glycaemic impact and micronutrient density.

Integrating Virtual Cooking With Preventive Care

SecondMedic combines cooking classes with:

Teleconsultations
Diet assessments
AI nutrition scores
Weight and glucose monitoring
Lifestyle coaching

This creates a unified ecosystem for long-term behaviour change.

Conclusion

Virtual cooking classes with dietitians empower individuals to transform their daily meals into preventive healthcare tools. By teaching practical skills, nutrition fundamentals and personalised recipe adjustments, these classes make healthy eating accessible, enjoyable and sustainable.

SecondMedic is redefining preventive nutrition by blending expert guidance with digital interactivity and AI insights-helping people cook better, eat smarter and live healthier.

References

• ICMR Nutrition & Metabolic Health Study - Dietary Impact on Chronic Diseases
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• NITI Aayog - Preventive Healthcare & Nutrition Strategy for India
• WHO Healthy Eating & Non-Communicable Disease Guidelines
• Lancet Public Health - Effectiveness of Lifestyle Interventions
• Statista India Digital Health & Online Learning Trends
• EY-FICCI Digital Nutrition & Virtual Wellness Report

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