World/National News
U.K. COVID Strain By: Ana Gaztañaga
The coronavirus has not only altered the vivacious lifestyles everyone relies on, but has also physically mutated itself to impact other parts of the world. Over time, viruses are bound to change and revamp through mutations and develop new and diverse variants of itself. However, the real problem lies within the strain’s reaction to its environment: arise and dissipate or emerge and persevere? Although experts are still not fully aware of the strain’s effects or its capacity to harm others, day by day, they grow more confident in their research for both the strain’s potentials and cure. What is it? In the fall of 2020, the United Kingdom (UK) detected a strain called B.1.1.7 with several mutations (about 23). Since then, the variant has overtaken 50% of cases in the UK, officially becoming the most common strain in England. The COVID variant spreads more easily than other English strains,
with a 50% to 70% more chance of transmission compared to the original coronavirus. B.1.1.7 shares similar symptoms to that of the original COVID-19, with the common cough proving to be the most prominent manifestation of the strain. Other typical symptoms include fatigue/weakness, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, and fever. However, the probability of the loss of taste or smell is lower than that of the original coronavirus. In January of 2021, experts in the UK perceived the new strain as deadlier than the original virus, yet many more studies need to be conducted to confirm these findings. Vaccine for the Strain Vaccination for the current coronavirus is both essential and in high demand throughout the world, but will it work for this new strain? Studies show that the vaccine is still effective towards the variant despite its mutations. According to the BioNTech CEO Uğur Şahin, 99% of
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the proteins on the new variant are identical to the strain that the vaccine targets. The variant itself does not have enough mutations to overpower the effects of the vaccine, relieving all Britons throughout the UK. Although it is possible for the new strain to evolve and evade the current vaccine, experts are ensuring frequent updates within the cure, continuing to guarantee safety and relief internationally. The coronavirus has taken, and will continue to take, a toll on everyone, limiting our social lives and complicating our fight back towards normal. However, as new variants of the virus emerge, new resources and cures are discovered day by day. Everyone is encouraged to continue to social distance, wear a mask, and persistently apply disinfectant to further ensure the safety of others. Although the coronavirus evolves and mutates overtime, we are also able to adjust and improve conditions throughout the world.
