12 Frequently asked questions about covid transplants and vaccines

I get a lot of questions about the new mutant viral vaccines and strains and I thought I would share the main questions I got, as well as explain what we know and don’t know we still have.

Mutant sequences

First, questions arise about the Visible coronavirus mutations originated in Britain and South Africa. The “UK” version is called B117 or VUI-202012/01 (Variant Under Investigation).

Although viruses and bacteria come under pressure in their genetic form all the time, many of them do not affect the infectiousness of the virus or the course of the disease. Scientists need to keep an eye out for these changes. This is done by genetic sequencing – looking for changes in the genetic code of the virus. Detecting a mutation tells us nothing about its effects, but the more likely it is, the more likely it will be to mutation of a virus. Variables are random and not good or bad, they are just how evolution works. Expect to get more virus mutants.

One big problem is that the U.S. lags well behind other countries in ordering virus samples to detect these mutations – so the cat may be out of the bag before we even know.

WHO Doctor Tedros explained at a recent press conference, “The bottom line is that we need to eradicate all SARS-CoV-2 viruses as soon as possible. The more we let it spread, the more it has a chance to change. One big problem is that the U.S. lags well behind other countries in ordering virus samples to detect these mutations – so the cat may be out of the bag before we even know. However, the biggest problem is the chaotic political and social response in this country, and about that, more time.

Is the changing nature of the UK more easily spread?

Yes, this strain seems to be far more flexible – and could suffer more children. The stage of the disease is called R0 (pronounced R naught); for the Covid virus, it has been 1.1. This means that each person with an infection is likely to catch another 1.1. For the RA variable, the R0 appears to be ~ 1.5, meaning that about 50% more people are (on average) infectious than one person. Some estimates are higher, at 70%.

Do people get sick from the mutant Covid?

That is not what we have seen so far. There is no evidence that there is more intensity However, our health systems have already recovered, with many hospitals full of ICUs. They cannot handle a new wave of patients from this type of movement.

Is Covid’s disease worse than the flu?

Of course! Covid has 20 times the flu mortality rate, receiving an average of 22% overall compared to 0.1% for influenza. Another complication that exacerbates disease for Covid is the high number of people with persistent symptoms months after the infectious disease. We have little understanding of what causes persistent symptoms in humans, becoming “long haulers,” or the wide range of their symptoms.

Can you be more easily protected by the new layers?

That has not been seen so far. The same immunity is induced by vaccination as well.

Will the Covid-19 vaccine protect against the new strain?

There is. “None (of the mutations) have significantly affected the susceptibility of the virus to any of the medications, drugs or vaccines currently being developed,” according to WHO’s Dr Soumaya Swaminathan. .

However, it is only a matter of time before new mutant rays reduce that viral bias.

Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergency Program, confirmed that while the new Covid mutations make the virus easier to transmit, the pandemic can be controlled by infectious control measures fundamentally more careful – isolation, shelter and social distance. He noted that his home country, Ireland, has seen a sharp spike in issues “not because of the difference-but mainly because of greater social diversity and a reduction in physical distance.” Ryan said, “It doesn’t change the rules of the game. It will not change what we need to do to win… we just need to redouble our efforts. ”

Is the vaccine safe?

To date the vaccine has been very safe and effective, and an investigation is ongoing. The worst reaction is anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. It occurred in 11.1 cases per million doses of the Pfizer vax; 71% of these occurred within 15 minutes of vaccination. Most were in people with a history of severe allergic reactions. No data have been reported for reactions in people with a history of autoimmune diseases or Bell’s palsy. With the unregulated pandemic, the CDC recommends vaccines for everyone because the risks from Covid ‘s disease – death and long – term disability – are as high as those from the vaccine.

Is there a difference in the safety of these vaccines among different ethnic groups or populations?

Dr Bruce Aylward (WHO) emphasized that there is no reason to expect a difference and because of the speed with which it is needed, there is no time to accurately test the vaccine in specific countries or populations.

Can you mix and match vaccines?

There is some debate about the theoretical benefits of using vaccines that work in completely different ways to boost immunity. For now, we have the same vaccines in the US, manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna both mRNA – based vaccines. While they work in the same way, they are not the same formulation, and there is no data in whether the combination of the doses would do any harm, provide benefit, or no side effects. Feeling lucky?

Are you infectious after receiving the coronavirus vaccine?

None of the vaccines contain a live virus. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are produced by mRNA, or messenger RNA. Carl Zimmer has a good explanation here. This tiny piece of genetic material enters our cells and uses them to make antibodies against the virus. The vaccine cannot alter your DNA, cause infection, or spread infection to others. And you don’t test positive for Covid’s disease.

How long does it take to develop antibodies and be protected from infection?

For Pfizer, protection is very good ten days after receiving the vaccine and it appeared to offer 52% protection in the time between the two required injections. For AstraZeneca’s, the protection was 73% three weeks after the first injection.

When you see people complaining that the vaccine didn’t work because they were still getting Covid, it seems that the vaccine didn’t have time to work. And remember, a vaccine is not perfect – both of these have a remarkably good 95% protection after the second dose, but not 100%.

Can you stop masks and socializing once you get the vaccine?

This is a very important point and a source of confusion. Many believe they can stop protective measures once they have been vaccinated. That is not true! Vaccines prevent serious infections. They have No shown to prevent asymptomatic infection or transmission. Studies are currently being carried out to find out. So we all need to wear masks in the future. See what’s most comfortable for you and make a fashion statement on it! The best are form-fitting and three-layer tight-fitting textiles, or synthetics such as surgical masks.

If you are open to someone who is ill, can you just go about your business if you have no symptoms?

No! If you are in contact with someone who is getting sick, you need quarantine for 7-10 days. This is to break the transmission chain and prevent you from hurting someone else. You can become infected and spread the virus even if you have no symptoms.