It’s been about a year since COVID-19 forced us all to hit pause, keeping us indoors for months as government and health authorities around the globe banded together to deal with the crisis. As businesses start to pick up the pace again, more people are getting rapid tests so they can get back to work.
But just when we thought we had the virus cornered, new versions popped up. These new COVID-19 variants have us all learning on the fly, and there’s a lot to know!
Let’s talk about these variants. It’s normal for bacteria to multiply, but sometimes a glitch in the process creates a mutation, essentially producing a tweaked version of the original. The coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19, known as SARS-CoV-2, has done just that — and these new variants have scientists worried because they latch onto human cells really fast.
The big three are B.1.1.7 (first identified in the UK), B.1.351 (from South Africa), and P.1 (originating from Brazil).
So, are these new guys more contagious? Well, the UK variant B.1.1.7 seems to spread really easily, followed by B.1.351 and P.1. Even though they spread fast, we don’t have enough evidence to say if they cause milder or harsher diseases than the original virus.
As for more mutations, it’s hard to say; viruses are a tricky lot. Right now, it looks like SARS-CoV-2 is adapting well, but things could change anytime.
For more info about COVID-19, check out this infographic from Harley Medic International. And remember, we’re here to help you understand this tricky virus better.
[Infographic link]
