New COVID-19 variants have been emerging over the course of the pandemic; these include: alpha, beta, gamma and delta. Delta is the newest, more transmissible variant and poses a great threat, especially to those unvaccinated. Scientists are closely monitoring existing, as well as new variants, in order to take necessary action.
How These Variants Occur
These variants take place when mutations occur. Mutations happen when the virus infects a new cell and makes a change during this process. The problem with these coronavirus mutations is how quickly they occur.
Typically, the coronavirus will mutate one to two times a month, whereas these new variants mutate at a much higher rate. New variants have been shown to acquire as many as 17 mutations in one month. These mutations then infect others and spread at an alarming rate.
More Variants Will Emerge
Due to the fact that the virus is mutating at such a high rate, it is inevitable that more variants will appear. Since the coronavirus is so widespread, these new variants can pop up in different countries rather quickly. The more opportunities the coronavirus has to infect new people, the more likely new variants of concern will emerge.
There is no way to predict exactly what these variants will look like, but it is likely they will be similar to the delta variant. It is highly possible these new variations will be more transmissible, but may not be as dangerous as previous variations. If more people are vaccinated and gain immunity, these new variants will pose less of a threat. The majority of those passing on the new variants are unvaccinated.
Taking Action
According to virologist Ben Neuman, “The key to stopping new variants is to vaccinate so thoroughly that SARS-CoV-2 is not able to find enough new hosts to sustain itself.” However, experts believe vaccines may become less effective for these new variants.
Scientists are getting ready in case booster vaccines are necessary to combat these new COVID-19 variants. Nathan Grubaugh, an evolutionary virologist, said: “We have to address each problem as they arise and look forward to what might happen — and that’s why we’re working on boosters”.
Referenced Article
Ries, J. (2021, August 4). Experts predict what the next COVID-19 variants will be like. Retrieved from https://apple.news/AOLSRzwp7TyOBxZ4FRu8i8g
