Just when medical experts and governments worldwide thought they have the COVID-19 condition under control by hitting the target of creating and producing vaccines to contest the high number of coronavirus victims, something was adamant with the virus itself. There are observations that the virus produced newer versions of itself, and experts have made a pretty clear statement that this COVID-19 mutation can spread faster; that’s why some people are now open to the idea of undergoing a fit to fly COVID test as a precaution.
Thanks to technological advancement, information can be disclosed faster to the public to warn people and remind them to stay vigilant and thoroughly follow health protocols.
Here some things you didn’t know about the COVID-19 mutation.
A quick background, propagation is a natural process that happens to all life forms, even to the smallest bacteria. But sometimes, when bacterial propagation happens, a change in the bacteria’s genetic code happens, which results in a new variant of the same bacteria—a mutation—eventually causes a new way of affecting its host. The same is true with COVID-19.
The New COVID-19 Strains
In one year, the COVID-19 virus has created 2 million deaths worldwide, and the number continues to rise. The virus has already gone through a period of evolution and adaptation process, resulting in discovering the mutated versions.
It was said that these new variants could easily attach themselves to human cells by passing through our Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 or ACE-2 nose receptors. These fast transmissions of the said virus variations are highly observable among adults because children have fewer of these receptors.
The new variants were are namely, B.1.1.7 which was identified in the UK, B.1.351 which emerged in South Africa, and the P.1 variant which was found in Brazil.
Are the New COVID-19 Variants More Contagious?
Epidemiological data show that the UK variant is highly transmissible than the variants found in South Africa (50% contagious) and Brazil.
Although these mutations could be more infectious, patients who underwent polymerase chain reaction or PCR test and exhibited symptoms don’t seem worse. But regardless of the observable virus behavior in patients, there is not enough proof that the new strains could be milder or more severe.
As health experts work around the clock to further study these mutations, the public must continually apply and follow health measures that could protect them from contracting the virus. If you want to learn more about the COVID-19 mutation, take a peek at our infographic.