With several states reporting a hike in Covid cases, the overall number of cases is low across the nation. Dr. Gagandeep Kang stated XE variant cannot be confirmed as the cause of the surging numbers unless we sequence them all. She also added that XE is a derivation of omicron i.e., it’s a virus that replicates more on the upper respiratory tract than in the lower respiratory tract. Hence, the symptoms should include fever, and restlessness, but not the kind of severe disease that can cause hospitalization.

She also stated that the gradual surge in the cases cannot be called the fourth wave yet. However, the people should be ready for reinfection despite our experience in the last two years, which has left us with a hybrid immunity mixed with immunization. 

She also reassured the parents that they should not be looking at the infection rate or the number of cases. They should think that if their child is getting exposed irrespective of the scenario, he/she should be a healthy child. In the majority of cases, a healthy child doesn’t manifest any symptoms related to infection. A recent sero survey showed that 80% of children have already been infected. All the governmental data shown regarding the children hospitalized due to infections had some comorbidities and suggested that closing school in a hurry is not an ideal move.

(Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-best-time-to-get-covid-19-top-scientist-dr-gagandeep-kang-dismisses-fears-for-children-2891104#pfrom=home-coronavirus_coronavirus-lateststories_live )