All you need to know about the New Strain of Coronavirus
The matter of concern is that the new strain is 56 percent more contagious than the previous one, so it is going to spread fast. The new variant which is named “VUI 202012/01”, has 17 mutations giving the virus a slightly different shape including a change in its spike protein.
Is this Virus more deadly?
There is no clear evidence to suggest that it is deadlier, but then it is too early to make a conclusive statement.
Young people could be more prone to this Virus
Hans Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe said the new strain could affect the younger age groups more, unlike the previous strains.
Is this the first Variant of Coronavirus
No. The coronavirus strain we see in most parts of the world is not the same as the first detected in Wuhan, China. D614G mutation which emerged in Europe last February is the globally dominant form of the virus. Another variant called A222V was linked to people from summer holidays in Spain.
Will it affect diagnostic tests?
According to WHO, Coronavirus PCR assays look upon several target segments, and therefore the impact of the mutation on diagnostics is not anticipated to be very significant. In fact, the new strain was found through a conventional RT-PCR test.
Ray of Hope ?
The current vaccines could be effective against this strain of the Coronavirus, eventhough mutation has happened around the spike protein. But then even if you have taken the vaccine or have recovered from a COVID-19 infection, it’s advisable to continue to follow all recommended precautions. Also this variant kind of point towards the fact that virus is rapidly trying to adapt and the virus will probably be able to generate vaccine escape mutants in future, which for sure is a concern.
Common symptoms
The new variant is showing 7 new symptoms in addition to the 3 shown by the old strain.
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Loss of smell and taste
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Mental confusion
What should a common man do ?
Keep wearing your mask and continue using hand sanitizer. Ensure you maintain a safe distance when you go out and keep the elderly and kids as much as possible at home.
