New Delhi: Just as our hopes for the vaccine for COVID19 were coming to fruition, the UK government announced that a new infectious strain had been circulated in England. Referring to the rapid spread of the virus through London and the surrounding areas, Prime Minister Boris Johnson stopped the country ‘s toughest lock.
Scientists are concerned about these variables but are not surprised. Like all viruses, Coronavirus is a creator. Some genetic changes are uncertain. Researchers have recorded thousands of mutations in the genetic material of the Coronavirus as it has emerged worldwide. The British variant has affected how the virus locks on human cells and infects them. These mutations can allow the variable to reproduce and disperse more efficiently.
Therefore, the questions arise:
‘Does India have to worry? Will the ongoing vaccinations work? How are we going to be more vigilant and if we need to stop spreading, what should we do? ‘
We will understand this later.
What’s the new strain?
The variation was noted as a result of a proactive and improved Public Health England (PHE) study following the increase in cases seen in Kent and London. The variant was named ‘VUI – 202012/01’ (first study under review in December 2020). Mutation viruses are not uncommon; seasonal flu moves every year.
Modifications of SARS-CoV-2 have been observed in other countries, such as Spain as well. This variation involves a mutation in the ‘spike’ protein. According to researchers, this virus has at least 17 variants of movement. Changes in this part of the spike protein could lead to the virus becoming more infectious and spreading more easily between humans.
How harmful is it?
While most of the vulnerabilities are harmful to the virus or have no side effects, a few mutations in this new version looked like they could affect the spread of the Coronavirus. According to reports, the new variant of the SARS-COV-2 could be up to 70% more mobile than the old variant! Of particular concern is that this stress affects people in the 30-60 year old age group who are relatively young.
Preliminary data from the UK shows that the virus is spreading rapidly in parts of southern England, eliminating other mutations that have been circulating for months. But there are still a number of unanswered questions that are multiplying as fast as a new strain of the virus: Does it make people sicker? Does it mean long cures? Will ongoing vaccines work?
The variant has already spread across the globe. In addition to the UK, the variant has been found in India, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia, according to the WHO. A similar but distinct variation was identified in South Africa. Now that the world knows to look for the opposite, it may appear in more countries. The Indian government has suspended flights from the United Kingdom for fear of the new snoring.
Separately, several states are also taking steps. Maharashtra has applied curfew 11 pm-6am in major cities until January 5, 2021, and is ordering 14 days of institutional quarantine for all travelers coming from Europe and the Middle East without a report negative COVID19 (produced within 72 hours of travel).
Do vaccines work?
Vaccines target several parts of the protein itself, so we don’t have to worry about them. We should be doing more genetic analysis. In fact, I feel that people should vaccinate themselves. While a section of people are urging others not to get vaccinated, I urge people not to get over this. The lobby, as it raises doubts about the vaccine, will only make vaccine developers more GMP complaints and will ensure that we get effective vaccines.
What warning should we take?
The best way to prevent the disease is to adhere to the rules – wash our hands, wear a face mask and maintain a social pace. The proposed control measures to limit the spread of the new differential are still being tested, following the existing isolation guidelines, and adhering to the restrictions.
(Author Dr Rahul Pandit is Director-Critical Care, Fortis Mumbai Hospitals, & Member of Maharashtra COVID-19 action group)
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