The Four Major Variants

Covid-19 is still a problem in other places. Countries such as Austria, Finland, and the Netherlands cases peaked up again and were placed in lockdown not too long ago. However, here in Canada, specifically in B.C., the number of cases is now much lower compared to what it was over a year ago. It is now manageable to handle which leads to the question. Is Covid-19 dying here?

We have to admit, many of us have become too relaxed about Covid-19’s existence. Ever since you have gotten your second dose, you probably think that you are safe enough from getting it. That statement might be true; however, it does not guarantee that you will not get the virus. The Vaccine still does not provide 100% protection, so people who are fully vaccinated can still get the virus and with the number of people here in B.C., It inevitably will occur. The good thing is the symptoms that you will have if you get the virus will be milder than if you get it without a Vaccine. Then again, there is still a possibility for us to get a severe illness or die even with the vaccine.

In addition to that, the virus, although manageable right now, could become problematic again in the future. You see, Covid-19 can mutate to various versions, and it is rapidly evolving to a lot of kinds. Right now, it is estimated that there are about 120 different sublineages of the virus from all over the world and there are four kinds that are very dominant compared to the others.

One of them is the Alpha Variant which is also known as the UK variant since it was first found in the country. The alpha has developed 23 mutations from its original form, and it developed in such a very effective way that it can disable the first line of immune defense of the body. So, how did the alpha become successful with spreading? When this variant was discovered, researchers started inspecting its genetic mutations for explanations as to why it spreads fast and effectively. They found out after that there are two from the 23 mutations that are making it more successful than the others.

One of those mutations helps the virus to bind more tightly to cells. To understand it more clearly, there are nine mutations that altered what they call spike protein that covers the coronavirus. Then, one of those mutations makes the covering more lashing; think of it as sticky armor.

The other and scarier mutation of the Alpha is, it can make itself more and more invisible for our immune system to see. However, the way the mutation works is not exactly what you describe as invisibility. Its operation is more of slowing down the immune system. The way it works is that one its mutation releases a viral protein that prevents the production of interferon, a protein that is needed to activate one’s immune system, for about 12 hours. With that time, the virus could have already spread out within the host.

Another major variant is the Beta. This variant also known as B.1.351 was first discovered last year in South Africa. This variant could be pictured to be the more athletic brother of the original coronavirus. It contains the E484K mutation, also known as the Eek mutation. This mutation helps the virus to evade some antibodies. Picture a 5’6 rugby player trying to tackle a 6’5 player, that’s what it looks like if the smaller player is the antibody.

From South Africa, the Beta Variant Spread itself to multiple countries now. The top three countries that have this Variant, excluding South Africa, are France, the Philippines, and the USA with all the countries mentioned having over 3000 cases each. Canada also could not prevent the Variant from coming to the country and now, we 1,347 Beta cases recorded this November 18, 2021. The other bad news about the Kind is that one of our vaccines is now considered to be ineffective against this Variant. The AstraZeneca Vaccine has a considerably low percentage of preventing the virus. It also lowered Pfizer to 75% protection.

The third type is the Gamma Variant which originated from Brazil. However, it was first found in Japan when 4 Brazilians were tested positive. Like the other variants that were previously explained, Gamma also has mutated in a way that allows it to evade antibodies. The only difference is, the mutation was constructed differently. The Eek mutation is present in this variant as well.

The Fourth and the newest of the major variants is the Delta. This type is the fastest of the four when it comes to spreading. According to studies Delta is at least 40% more transmittable than the Alpha Variant which was the former fastest spreader. Right now, They are still figuring out why and how this variant can rapidly spread. However, they are suspecting that a found mutation that alters an amino acid in its spike protein is responsible for its rapid spreadability.

To add more to that, the virus mutated yet again to a more powerful kind. The AY.4.2, also known as “Delta plus” is the new version that was first discovered in the UK recently. It is said that this variant is 10% more transmittable than the original Delta, and just recently one case is now found here in B.C.

Right now, the country with the highest number of this variant is our neighboring country USA with more than 800 thousand cases, just above the UK with more than 700K. this makes Canada vulnerable again, especially with the US Canada border opened. Although Canada’s number of Delta cases is small compared to US and UK, there are more than 60K delta cases in Canada which is a huge chunk of our population.

To fight back, Doctor Bonnie Henry announced that there will be an upcoming booster shot for Canadians this 2021-2022 winter season. The plan is to have the old and vulnerable people get the booster shot first starting this November. Next, after old people is the rest which is estimated to be January next year.

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