Understanding the Symptoms of the New COVID Variant
In December 2019, the world started to witness a new virus that began to spread rapidly in Wuhan, China. Since then, COVID-19 has infected millions of people across the globe. Despite the development of vaccines, new variants of the virus have emerged, causing concern among scientists and health experts. The new COVID variant, also called B.1.1.7, has been identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of the new COVID variant and how it differs from the previous strain.
What is the New COVID Variant?
The new COVID variant is a mutated form of the virus, which means that some of the genetic material of the original virus has changed. It is important to note that these changes are normal for viruses and occur over time. However, some mutations make the virus more infectious or more deadly, which is why health experts are closely monitoring the new strain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the new COVID variant is more easily transmitted from person to person, but it does not appear to be more deadly.
Symptoms of the New COVID Variant
The symptoms of the new COVID variant are similar to those of the original strain. However, some people may experience more severe symptoms. The CDC has identified the following symptoms as the most common among people infected with the new variant:
– Fever
– Cough
– Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
– Fatigue
– Muscle or body aches
– Headache
– New loss of taste or smell
– Sore throat
– Congestion or runny nose
– Nausea or vomiting
– Diarrhea
It is important to note that not everyone infected with the new COVID variant will experience all of these symptoms. Some people may only have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, the CDC advises that if you experience any of these symptoms, you should get tested for COVID-19.
How the New COVID Variant is Different
The new COVID variant is different from the original strain in several ways. First, it is more easily transmitted from person to person, which means that it can spread more quickly. Second, it appears to affect children more than the original strain, although it is not yet clear why. Third, some studies have suggested that people infected with the new variant may have a higher viral load, which means that they may be more contagious. Finally, the new variant has several mutations in the spike protein of the virus, which is the part of the virus that allows it to enter human cells. This may make the virus more resistant to certain treatments or antibodies, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Conclusion
The new COVID variant is a cause for concern, as it is more easily transmitted than the original strain. However, it is important to note that the symptoms of the new variant are similar to those of the original strain. If you experience any symptoms, it is important to get tested for COVID-19. It is also important to continue practicing pandemic safety measures, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands frequently, to prevent the spread of the virus. By staying informed and taking preventative measures, we can slow the spread of the new COVID variant and protect ourselves and our communities.
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