The Covid-19 pandemic caught the world off-guard and let's just say we've learnt and done a lot of things that once seemed like a far-fetched reality. As the Covid-19 virus has been mutating, it's also brought new sops, which means we too have had to evolve and understand the changes with every new variant.
At present, it's the Delta variant that has taken the world as hostage with vaccines doing their bit to keep us safe and immune. But did you know that the Delta variant is just one of the many variants of the infection?
Now, mutation happens with all living organisms - humans and the virus alike. The viruses though mutate quickly and can get worse or stay neutral at the end of the process.
In this case, while some variants of the viruses aren't too concerning, there have been other mutations that did more damage that we originally anticipated due to its high transmissible nature.
You've known about the Alpha, the first variant after the original Covid-19 infection, and since it has mutated into different types. So don't be surprised if you soon hear about a new variant of Covid 19 out there.
As we move towards what could be an endemic, here's a look at the different variants of Covid-19 and their current status.
What Are The New Variants of Covid 19?
At present, there are four known variants of concern and six variants of interest under Covid-19. All of these are on the watchlist of the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
While officials say there might be many more variants, these 10 odd variants of Covid-19 that the health officials actually worry about.
Interestingly, there's also a third category that would be 'variants of high consequence' that sits above variants of concern.
This is the really scary list that you would never want. Fortunately, none of the Covid 19 variants have been classified in the category yet.
Variants of Concern
The WHO and CDC classify some Covid-19 variants as variants of concern. These are worse for diagnosis, treatments or vaccines, and are transmissible at a faster rate. In essence, these are more dangerous and people need to avoid them as much as possible.
1. Alpha
What You Should Know: It is 50 per cent more transmissible compared to the original Covid-19 virus. It may cause severe health complications. Convalescent therapy and vaccination may be minimally impacted.
First Identified In: UK, September 2020
Where It Is Now: It's the second-most common variant but far less spread out than the Delta variant.
2. Beta
What You Should Know: The Beta variant is 50 per cent more transmissible than the original virus. One type of antibody treatment is significantly less effective against it. Convalescent therapy and vaccination are less effective against it.
First Identified In: South Africa, May 2020
Where It Is Now: Fewer cases have been currently reported.
3. Delta
What You Should Know: It's easily the most popular among all variants at present and twice as transmissible. Antibody treatments and vaccination may be less effective against it.
First Identified In: India, October 2020
Where It Is Now: In several countries worldwide. It is responsible for a major number of new Covid cases.
4. Gamma
What You Should Know: One type of antibody treatment is significantly less effective against it, and convalescent therapy and vaccination are less effective against it.
First Identified In: Brazil, November 2020
Where It Is Now: One of the most common variant in Brazil and Chile.
Variants of Interest
1. Eta
What You Should Know: Antibody treatments, convalescent plasma therapy, and vaccination may be less effective against it.
First Identified In: UK and Nigeria, December 2020
Where It Is Now: Few cases are currently being reported.
2. Iota
What You Should Know: Less susceptible to a certain type of antibody treatment. Convalescent plasma therapy and vaccination may be less effective against it.
First Identified In: New York, November 2020
Where It Is Now: Few cases are currently being reported.
3. Kappa
What You Should Know: Some antibody treatments and vaccination may be less effective against it.
First Identified In: India, December 2020
Where It Is Now: Few cases are currently being reported.
4. B.1.617.3
What You Should Know: Some antibody treatments and vaccination may be less effective against it. Listed by the CDC but not by the WHO.
First Identified In: India, October 2020
Where It Is Now: Few cases are currently being reported.
5. Lambda
What You Should Know: Vaccination may be less effective against it, and it may be more transmissible. Listed by the WHO but not by the CDC.
First Identified In: Peru, December 2020
Where It Is Now: Few cases are currently being reported.
6. Mu
What You Should Know: Vaccination may be less effective against it. Recently listed by the WHO, but not by the CDC.
First Identified In: Colombia, January 2021
Where It Is Now: It has been detected in at least 45 countries, but it represents only 0.1% of new cases globally. In the past four weeks, 60 cases have been detected in the US.
The more we keep dropping our guards and meet people, we are potentially increasing the chances of the Covid 19 variants to to spread, mutate and evolve. While staying at home isn't the absolute solution, getting your vaccination shot is.
So please go out and get your jab in time. And make sure to get both of them unless it's a one-shot vaccine.
Source: Fatherly
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