The new COVID-19 strain

  • A new COVID-19 virus strain has been identified which spreads faster.
  • It was first identified in Britain. 
  • The new mutant is called B.1.1.7. 
  • The new variant has come due to several mutations in the spike protein of the virus along with other RNA content.

WHY IT IS SPREADING FAST

  • Some preliminary evidence from Britain suggests that people infected with the new variant tend to carry, greater amounts of the virus in their noses and throats than those infected with previous versions. 
  • Hence when they breathe, talk, sing, cough or sneeze, it spreads easily.

CAUSE FOR WORRY

  • There is widespread concern that these mutations may prevent currently used tests from detecting the virus, make it more lethal.
  • There is also the fear that the new strain may evade vaccines under development. 
  • However, here is no evidence so far for any of these.

RELIEF 

  • Even though there are multiple mutations in the spike protein, most experts believe that vaccines currently in development would also work on the variant viruses.

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