Variants of the Virus

Annika Miller Lampropoulos

vaccine

Viruses are constantly changing due to mutations. New variants of any given virus are both expected and normal. But what does this mean for us and COVID-19?

Multiple variants of COVID-19 have already been documented and are currently being monitored both within the United States and on a global scale. These variants differ from one another in how they spread and how sick people become when they are infected. 

The CDC compares virus variants to branches on a tree:

“If you think about a virus like a tree growing and branching out; each branch on the tree is slightly different than the others. By comparing the branches, scientists can label them according to the differences. These small differences, or variants, have been studied and identified since the beginning of the pandemic.”

Multiple variants of the COVID-19 virus are currently being monitored. Within the United States, there are five notable variants: 

  • B.1.1.7: This variant was first detected in the United States in December 2020. It was initially detected in the United Kingdom.

  • B.1.351: This variant was first detected in the United States at the end of January 2021. It was initially detected in South Africa in December 2020.

  • P.1: This variant was first detected in the United States in January 2021. P.1 was initially identified in travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at an airport in Japan, in early January.

  • B.1.427 and B.1.429: These two variants were first identified in California in February 2021.

These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. An increase in the number of cases will put more strain on healthcare resources, lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths.

Testing has shown that, so far, the current COVID-19 vaccines are effective against all circulating variants. If you are fully-vaccinated, research has shown no reason to practice caution as a result of any of the virus variations. 

If you are not fully-vaccinated, the CDC’s guidelines remain the same. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to protect yourself and others, stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces and wash your hands frequently with soap and water. 

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Visit cdc.gov/coronavirus for more information about COVID-19 and its variants. 


Free Clinic Intern