Just as the world began to think that with a vaccine in sight, the pandemic could be under control, a new strain of the virus identified left countries baffled once again. The UK government recently announced that it has found a “highly contagious new variant of the virus” circulating in England. And citing the rapid spread in London and surrounding areas, Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed the strictest blockade in the country.
And while this information may have caused some panic in people, Dr. Rahul Pandit, director of critical care at Fortis Hospitals Mumbai and a member of the Maharashtra COVID-19 task force, explains that, like all viruses, the coronavirus it also changes shape. “Some genetic changes are inconsequential. “Researchers have recorded thousands of small modifications in the genetic material of the coronavirus as it has scratched around the world. The British variant has affected the way the virus attaches to and infects human cells. These mutations can allow the variant to replicate and transmit more efficiently, ”he says.
But questions remain: Should India be concerned? Will the vaccines work? How can we be more cautious and if we have to stop its spread, what should we do?
What is the new strain?
“The variant has been named ‘VUI – 202012/01’ (the first variant under investigation in December 2020). It is not uncommon for viruses to undergo mutations; seasonal flu mutates every year. Variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been observed in other countries, such as Spain. This variant includes a mutation in the “spike” protein. According to the researchers, this virus has at least 17 mutation changes. Changes in this part of the spike protein can make the virus more infectious and spread more easily between people, ”explains Dr. Pandit.
How harmful is it?
“While most mutations are harmful to the virus or have no effect, some mutations in this new variant appeared to potentially affect the way the coronavirus spreads. According to reports, the new variant of SARS-COV-2 could be up to 70% more transmissible than the previous variant. What is more concerning is that this strain is affecting people in the age group of 30 to 60 years, which is quite young. Preliminary data from the UK shows that the virus is spreading rapidly in parts of southern England, displacing other variants that have been circulating for months. But there are still several unanswered questions: does it make people sicker? Does it mean prolonged treatments? Will ongoing vaccines work? “
Have you come to India?
The doctor says that the new strain has not been found so far in India, at least as far as is known. However, the variant has already spread globally. “Apart from the UK, the variant has been detected in Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia, according to the WHO. A similar but separate variant has also been identified in South Africa. Now that the world knows how to look for the variant, it may appear in more countries. “
Will the vaccines work?
Dr. Pandit says that vaccines target multiple parts of the protein itself. “We don’t have to worry about them. We should do more genetic surveillance. In fact, I think people should get vaccinated. While there is a section of people that encourages others not to get vaccinated, I urge you not to be overwhelmed by this. Lobbying, as it raises questions about the vaccine, will only make vaccine developers more GMP compliant and make sure we get effective vaccines. “
What additional precautions to take?
“The best way to stop the infection is to follow the rules: wash our hands, wear a mask and maintain social distancing. The recommended control measures are still being tested to limit the spread of the new variant, following the existing isolation pattern and respecting the restrictions ”, concludes the doctor.
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