#delta variant cases in india

[covid-safer-hotties]

Why Biden’s premature COVID ending could help it surge - Published Sept 23, 2022

Two years out from the publication of this article, and we can really see how true these warnings were. Why does the mainstream media and DNC refuse to do anything about forever covid?

This week, President Biden said what millions of Americans have been hoping to hear since the spring of 2020: “The pandemic is over.”

I understand the impulse to close the book and move on. But I am deeply concerned that this declaration is not only premature but also dangerous.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has shown us, again and again, the danger of hubris. Think of the lethal impact of the omicron virus last winter, just when we were so grateful that the delta wave had ebbed. Think of the deadly surges this summer, just when we were planning our long-delayed vacations. This is a virus that has humbled us too often. We must approach it with humility.

This declaration has many damaging effects: As others have noted, it will now be even harder to persuade Americans to get the new bivalent boosters. It’ll be tougher to persuade Congress to fund essential COVID responses. And it will be nearly impossible for local officials to impose new indoor mask requirements should another surge arrive.

To be sure, Biden did acknowledge in his “60 Minutes” interview that “we still have a problem with COVID” and added that “we’re still doing a lot of work on it.�� But he sandwiched that message between two flat declarations that the pandemic is over. Those are the soundbites that have reverberated most loudly, and they are decidedly unhelpful.

Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has spoken often about how the U.S. has lurched from a cycle of panic to neglect when it comes to public health. Many of us in the field had hoped that the COVID-19 pandemic would break that cycle — a sliver of silver lining amid all the grief.

We had hoped that policymakers and voters alike would understand how essential it is to upgrade our data infrastructure, stockpile essential medicine and equipment, invest in preventive care for vulnerable populations, restructure our emergency response agencies and support an infusion of public health workers at the local and state levels. Surely, COVID would be the spur needed to finally bump U.S. spending on public health to more than 3 cents on the health care dollar.

By declaring the pandemic over when we are still very much in the thick of the fight, President Biden is undercutting that message.

Let’s look at where we are right now. The U.S. is still reporting close to 60,000 cases and 400 deaths each day. Millions are struggling with long COVID; by some estimates, this often debilitating condition is keeping 4 million adults out of work. Those at work may have less flexibility: Major companies are ending work-from-home policies and Starbucks announced this week that it will no longer give employees paid time off to isolate or get vaccinated. Biden’s remarks will only accelerate that trend.

Meanwhile, only 67 percent of Americans are vaccinated and only half of them have been boosted. While many of the remaining have some immunity from infection, the death toll makes clear that large swaths of the population remain highly vulnerable. And of course, new variants continue to emerge; right now, all eyes are on BA.2.75.2, a mutation of the omicron variant that is notably better at evading antibodies acquired from vaccination or prior infection and is spreading rapidly in India.

Declaring the pandemic over at this stage is tantamount to accepting all this misery as background noise.

And if we accept the status quo as background noise — rather than the urgent and immediate threat it represents — it’s nearly impossible to make the case that we need to do more as a society to protect the vulnerable, respond to surges, or prepare for future crises.

The Biden administration has made significant strides on COVID. It made tests, vaccines and treatments widely available across the country, which improved outcomes and saved lives. The vast majority of Americans feel we’re in a better place than at this time last year and many have returned, at least in large part, to normal activities.

It is an appropriate moment for our leaders to turn the page away from our wartime footing and begin a sober discussion about the next steps: the risks that remain, the importance of responding quickly to local surges, the value of supporting the Global South in building their own vaccine infrastructure — and the critical need to rebuild the battered and woefully outdated public health infrastructure in the U.S.

It is not the moment to declare victory.

John M. Barry, author of “The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History” has a stark warning from history. He writes that the world had largely moved on from the 1918 influenza pandemic when a fourth wave struck in 1920. By then, the U.S. had plenty of natural immunity from prior infection. Still, the virus spread ruthlessly. Public officials failed to respond. They, like the public, wanted the pandemic to be over — so the virus rolled on unchecked. In some cities, the death toll in 1920 exceeded the toll of the huge second wave.

We should not make the same mistake now. With humility as our watchword, we can move to the next chapter without closing the book. That is the way forward.

Michelle A. Williams is dean of the faculty of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

[3nding]

“With the child having travelled to India recently and the ongoing outbreaks in four Indian states, it is evident we need to look for potential outbreaks within our nation urgently,” said Dr Vinod Scaria, the genomic scientist who had first drawn attention to the Delta variant during Covid pandemic.

[theculturedmarxist]

[...]

Cases aren't the only thing dropping either — so is surveillance of the virus. We're doing less testing and less sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 genetics.

Given all this, the question begs to be asked: Are we letting our guard down while waving the Mission Accomplished flag?

When asked if there is adequate surveillance for new variants happening, Dr. Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), flatly said no.

"Current trends in reported COVID-19 cases are underestimates of the true number of global infections and reinfections as shown by prevalence surveys," Harris told Salon in an email. "This is partly due to the reduction in testing and delays in reporting in many countries. Reduction in testing means a reduction in genetic sequencing, as you need to find the virus first in order to sequence it."

"We continually call on member states to maintain strong testing and sequencing in order to identify new variants but also to understand the level of SARS-CoV-2 transmission going on in their populations," Harris continued. "This virus remains unstable — it has not settled into a predictable pattern, which means surveillance systems need to be sensitive to pick up the early signs of another surge."

XBB.1.5, nicknamed by some as "Kraken," is thus far the dominant variant for most of 2023, with estimated cases of Kraken exceeding 70 percent since the week of Feb 11. It has far eclipsed the BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 variants. Meanwhile BA.2 and BA.5, the two variants that dominated case counts for most of 2022, have all but disappeared.

According to the latest CDC variant tracking data, the only other variants really circulating in the U.S. are XBB.1.5's offspring: XBB.1.9 and XBB.1.5.1. Meanwhile, XBB.1.16 is spreading rapidly in India and could eventually make its way to North America. Notably, XBB was first detected in Singapore before its offspring made the jump across the Pacific, though XBB.1.5 was first detected in the U.S. and likely originated in the Northeast.

All these names may sound like gobbledygook to most non-experts — and there is a reason it's so confusing. When variants of the virus mutated and evolved into new strains with significant advantages over old lineages, the WHO began giving these "variants of concern" names from the Greek alphabet. Hence, variants like delta and gamma made headlines when they emerged and began to spread — but the WHO has yet to assign any variants a new Greek name since omicron surged in late 2021. Instead, we have this alphabet soup of named variants, all of which are technically different sub-strains of omicron.

Even a minor variation in a virus' genetics can equate to a huge difference in how well immunity from vaccines and previous infections can stop them. If the virus evolves some kind of advantage — as viruses are prone to do and just as SARS-CoV-2 has done many times throughout the pandemic — another surge is not out of the question.

In mid-March, the WHO updated their definition of what makes COVID variants threatening and currently classifies XBB.1.5 as a "variant of interest," which means it is seen as less threatening than previous variants of concern.

Nonetheless, some virologists have argued that XBB and its close relatives are so genetically different from the very first strain of SARS-CoV-2 that it should technically be renamed a new virus, SARS-CoV-3.

"XBB.1.5 does show a growth advantage and a higher immune escape capacity, but evidence from multiple countries does not suggest that XBB and XBB.1.5 are associated with increased severity or mortality," Harris said. "In countries where the variant has driven an increase in cases, the waves are significantly smaller in scale compared to previous waves."

That's good news, but as the virus bounces between hemispheres, it may gain new mutations that allow it to infect more effectively or evade immunity. Some of our treatments, but not all, have stopped working against XBB strains. Monoclonal antibodies don't stop it, but antiviral drugs like Paxlovid and bivalent booster vaccines are still very effective.

But the combined lack of public interest in the pandemic, exemplified in victory marches from political leadership, has led to a shrinking pool of data on COVID as there is less funding afforded to tracking and research. As we've seen in previous surges, the situation can change without warning. The situation is made worse by wild animals that harbor COVID, a viral reservoir that could spill back to humanity if given the opportunity.

"The level of genomic surveillance has been dropping off, and there are also indications that funding for wastewater monitoring will be ending in some places," Dr. T. Ryan Gregory, an evolutionary and genome biologist at the University of Guelph in Canada, told Salon in an email. "We have far less information than we used to, which hampers the ability to detect and track new variants. It's also worth noting that India and China include about one-third of the world's population, and we have very little information on variants there."

While overall trends are down, many people would be especially vulnerable to a COVID infection right now, according to Dr. Rajendram Rajnarayanan, an assistant dean of research and associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology campus in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

"Very few of us have had the bivalent booster, so in terms of protection, we are kind of vulnerable," Rajnarayanan told Salon. He noted that COVID is still a serious, life-threatening disease for immunocompromised people and those over 70. Most people who got bivalent booster shots — if they did so at all — received the jab in the fall. By now, that immunity has likely waned and there hasn't been much communication about when or if a new booster will come out later this year. According to NPR, the Food and Drug Administration has said it will allow some people over the age of 65 to get a second bivalent booster, but it hasn't been officially announced yet.

So while infections are trending downward, immunity is as well. In the past, major gaps in immunity have been followed by major surges, such as with delta and omicron.

"When there is a big pause, and some new variant comes, we are not really protected. But when there are repeated waves, the previous wave usually protects the next wave." Rajnarayanan said. "Every time the variant goes down, something goes up later on. Just the gap between the two peaks has changed."

Despite the unpredictability of SARS-CoV-2, the strategy for fighting it hasn't changed. Masking in public, improving indoor ventilation, testing when appropriate, staying home when sick and keeping up with vaccines when possible are good strategies for keeping the virus at bay. But overall, it's not enough to say the emergency is over. We need to be strategic and keep a close eye on the evolution of COVID as well.

"People have changed, our approaches have changed, and we don't need any modern approaches to defeat this virus," Rajnarayanan said. "We know how to do this . . .  we have to do it collectively. That's all there is to it."

[kataria07]

Deciphering the Complexities of COVID-19 Variants

Introduction:

The global COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to humanity. As the virus continues its relentless spread, it constantly evolves through mutations, giving rise to an array of variants. In this in-depth journey, we will embark on a thorough exploration of the intricate realm of COVID-19 variants to equip you with the indispensable knowledge you need.

1. Unraveling the Intricate World of COVID-19 Variants:

COVID-19 variants are akin to unique adaptations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, each sculpted by genetic mutations. These genetic transformations can lead to substantial changes in the virus's characteristics, influencing its transmissibility, disease severity, and resistance to immunity. Think of these variants as distinct "iterations" of the same virus, each bearing its genetic signature.

2. An In-Depth Exploration of Prominent COVID-19 Variants:

Alpha (B.1.1.7): First detected in the United Kingdom, the Alpha variant gained worldwide attention due to its heightened transmissibility. However, it didn't necessarily translate into more severe illness or increased fatality rates.

Beta (B.1.351): Originating in South Africa, the Beta variant raised concerns about its potential resistance to immunity, including vaccine-induced immunity. Researchers maintained a vigilant watch over its behavior.

Delta (B.1.617.2): The Delta variant, initially identified in India, has played a pivotal role in the pandemic. Its extraordinary transmissibility led to surges in cases worldwide, resulting in increased hospitalizations and posing challenges to containment efforts.

Omicron (B.1.1.529):  Omicron made global headlines due to its numerous mutations in the spike protein, the primary target of most COVID-19 vaccines. Scientists are actively researching its transmissibility, severity, and vaccine efficacy, given its potential risk.

3. Understanding the Genesis of Variants:

Why Do They Emerge? Variants are an inherent facet of a virus's life cycle. As the virus replicates and spreads, genetic changes occur. While many of these changes are random, some provide advantages to the virus. For instance, mutations that enhance transmissibility help the virus spread more efficiently from person to person, ultimately increasing its prevalence.

4. Assessing the Impact of Variants on Vaccines:

A major concern regarding COVID-19 variants revolves around their impact on vaccine effectiveness. Vaccine manufacturers and researchers vigilantly monitor these variants. While some variants may marginally reduce vaccine effectiveness, it is crucial to understand that vaccines continue to offer robust protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Even when a variant affects vaccine efficacy, vaccines remain potent in mitigating the virus's impact.

In response to the emergence of variants, booster shots have been recommended to enhance immunity, especially against newer and more challenging variants like Delta and Omicron. These booster doses bolster the body's immune response, providing additional layers of protection.

5. The Pivotal Role of Public Health Measures:

Irrespective of the variants that emerge, public health measures remain crucial for controlling the spread of COVID-19. These measures encompass:

Mask-Wearing: Consistently don masks in crowded or indoor settings, especially in regions with high transmission rates.

Social Distancing: Maintain physical distance from others, particularly during close social interactions.

 Hand Hygiene: Practice regular handwashing with soap and water or use hand sanitizers.

Vaccination: If eligible, get vaccinated and adhere to guidance on booster shots when provided.

Testing and Isolation: Undergo testing if you display symptoms or have been exposed to a COVID-19-positive individual. Prompt isolation upon receiving a positive result is essential to curb further transmission.

These measures not only safeguard individual health but also act as barriers against the emergence of new variants.

Summary:

COVID-19 variants are an intrinsic part of the virus's evolution. Scientists diligently explore their characteristics and potential impact on public health. In this ever-evolving landscape, vaccination and adherence to public health measures remain our most unwavering allies in the battle against the pandemic. Staying informed and heeding guidelines from reputable health authorities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are essential actions to safeguard ourselves and our communities.

[blogs0728]

Unmasking the Complexity of COVID-19 Variants

Introduction:

The global COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to humanity. As the virus continues its relentless spread, it constantly evolves through mutations, giving rise to an array of variants. In this in-depth journey, we will embark on a thorough exploration of the intricate realm of COVID-19 variants to equip you with the indispensable knowledge you need.

1. Unraveling the Intricate World of COVID-19 Variants:

COVID-19 variants are akin to unique adaptations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, each sculpted by genetic mutations. These genetic transformations can lead to substantial changes in the virus's characteristics, influencing its transmissibility, disease severity, and resistance to immunity. Think of these variants as distinct "iterations" of the same virus, each bearing its genetic signature.

2. An In-Depth Exploration of Prominent COVID-19 Variants:

Alpha (B.1.1.7): First detected in the United Kingdom, the Alpha variant gained worldwide attention due to its heightened transmissibility. However, it didn't necessarily translate into more severe illness or increased fatality rates.

Beta (B.1.351): Originating in South Africa, the Beta variant raised concerns about its potential resistance to immunity, including vaccine-induced immunity. Researchers maintained a vigilant watch over its behavior.

Delta (B.1.617.2): The Delta variant, initially identified in India, has played a pivotal role in the pandemic. Its extraordinary transmissibility led to surges in cases worldwide, resulting in increased hospitalizations and posing challenges to containment efforts.

Omicron (B.1.1.529):  Omicron made global headlines due to its numerous mutations in the spike protein, the primary target of most COVID-19 vaccines. Scientists are actively researching its transmissibility, severity, and vaccine efficacy, given its potential risk.

3. Understanding the Genesis of Variants:

Why Do They Emerge? Variants are an inherent facet of a virus's life cycle. As the virus replicates and spreads, genetic changes occur. While many of these changes are random, some provide advantages to the virus. For instance, mutations that enhance transmissibility help the virus spread more efficiently from person to person, ultimately increasing its prevalence.

4. Assessing the Impact of Variants on Vaccines:

A major concern regarding COVID-19 variants revolves around their impact on vaccine effectiveness. Vaccine manufacturers and researchers vigilantly monitor these variants. While some variants may marginally reduce vaccine effectiveness, it is crucial to understand that vaccines continue to offer robust protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Even when a variant affects vaccine efficacy, vaccines remain potent in mitigating the virus's impact.

In response to the emergence of variants, booster shots have been recommended to enhance immunity, especially against newer and more challenging variants like Delta and Omicron. These booster doses bolster the body's immune response, providing additional layers of protection.

5. The Pivotal Role of Public Health Measures:

Irrespective of the variants that emerge, public health measures remain crucial for controlling the spread of COVID-19. These measures encompass:

Mask-Wearing: Consistently don masks in crowded or indoor settings, especially in regions with high transmission rates.

Social Distancing: Maintain physical distance from others, particularly during close social interactions.

 Hand Hygiene: Practice regular handwashing with soap and water or use hand sanitizers.

Vaccination: If eligible, get vaccinated and adhere to guidance on booster shots when provided.

Testing and Isolation: Undergo testing if you display symptoms or have been exposed to a COVID-19-positive individual. Prompt isolation upon receiving a positive result is essential to curb further transmission.

These measures not only safeguard individual health but also act as barriers against the emergence of new variants.

Summary:

COVID-19 variants are an intrinsic part of the virus's evolution. Scientists diligently explore their characteristics and potential impact on public health. In this ever-evolving landscape, vaccination and adherence to public health measures remain our most unwavering allies in the battle against the pandemic. Staying informed and heeding guidelines from reputable health authorities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are essential actions to safeguard ourselves and our communities.

[shahid12]

Demystifying the Complexities of COVID-19 Mutations: A Comprehensive Exploration

Introduction:

The global COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to humanity. As the virus continues its relentless spread, it constantly evolves through mutations, giving rise to an array of variants. In this in-depth journey, we will embark on a thorough exploration of the intricate realm of COVID-19 variants to equip you with the indispensable knowledge you need.

1. Unraveling the Intricate World of COVID-19 Variants:

COVID-19 variants are akin to unique adaptations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, each sculpted by genetic mutations. These genetic transformations can lead to substantial changes in the virus's characteristics, influencing its transmissibility, disease severity, and resistance to immunity. Think of these variants as distinct "iterations" of the same virus, each bearing its genetic signature.

2. An In-Depth Exploration of Prominent COVID-19 Variants:

Alpha (B.1.1.7): First detected in the United Kingdom, the Alpha variant gained worldwide attention due to its heightened transmissibility. However, it didn't necessarily translate into more severe illness or increased fatality rates.

Beta (B.1.351): Originating in South Africa, the Beta variant raised concerns about its potential resistance to immunity, including vaccine-induced immunity. Researchers maintained a vigilant watch over its behavior.

Delta (B.1.617.2): The Delta variant, initially identified in India, has played a pivotal role in the pandemic. Its extraordinary transmissibility led to surges in cases worldwide, resulting in increased hospitalizations and posing challenges to containment efforts.

Omicron (B.1.1.529):  Omicron made global headlines due to its numerous mutations in the spike protein, the primary target of most COVID-19 vaccines. Scientists are actively researching its transmissibility, severity, and vaccine efficacy, given its potential risk.

3. Understanding the Genesis of Variants:

Why Do They Emerge? Variants are an inherent facet of a virus's life cycle. As the virus replicates and spreads, genetic changes occur. While many of these changes are random, some provide advantages to the virus. For instance, mutations that enhance transmissibility help the virus spread more efficiently from person to person, ultimately increasing its prevalence.

4. Assessing the Impact of Variants on Vaccines:

A major concern regarding COVID-19 variants revolves around their impact on vaccine effectiveness. Vaccine manufacturers and researchers vigilantly monitor these variants. While some variants may marginally reduce vaccine effectiveness, it is crucial to understand that vaccines continue to offer robust protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Even when a variant affects vaccine efficacy, vaccines remain potent in mitigating the virus's impact.

In response to the emergence of variants, booster shots have been recommended to enhance immunity, especially against newer and more challenging variants like Delta and Omicron. These booster doses bolster the body's immune response, providing additional layers of protection.

5. The Pivotal Role of Public Health Measures:

Irrespective of the variants that emerge, public health measures remain crucial for controlling the spread of COVID-19. These measures encompass:

Mask-Wearing: Consistently don masks in crowded or indoor settings, especially in regions with high transmission rates.

Social Distancing: Maintain physical distance from others, particularly during close social interactions.

 Hand Hygiene: Practice regular handwashing with soap and water or use hand sanitizers.

Vaccination: If eligible, get vaccinated and adhere to guidance on booster shots when provided.

Testing and Isolation: Undergo testing if you display symptoms or have been exposed to a COVID-19-positive individual. Prompt isolation upon receiving a positive result is essential to curb further transmission.

These measures not only safeguard individual health but also act as barriers against the emergence of new variants.

Summary:

COVID-19 variants are an intrinsic part of the virus's evolution. Scientists diligently explore their characteristics and potential impact on public health. In this ever-evolving landscape, vaccination and adherence to public health measures remain our most unwavering allies in the battle against the pandemic. Staying informed and heeding guidelines from reputable health authorities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are essential actions to safeguard ourselves and our communities.

[newzquest]

Arcturus variant Alert: Fear of new variant of Corona in 22 countries, expert gave this warning

There have been numerous variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 identified since the start of the pandemic, including the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants, among others. These variants are named based on the letters of the Greek alphabet. . Covid-19 Surge in India: A steady increase is being seen in new cases of corona in India. Corona’s Arcturus variant (XBB 1.16) is believed to be…

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

Arcturus' is a spin-off of the Omicron variant and is believed to be the most contagious variant yet. A new Covid😷 variant which has ripped through India and seen the country bring back face masks has been detected in the UK with 50 cases now reported.

The new Covid variant called 'Arcturus', which has been wreaking havoc in India, has already been detected in Britain. Hospitals in India are on red alert, with some states reintroducing compulsory face masks to curb the rocketing infection rates, which have increased 13-fold in the past month.

While the rise in cases is a cause for concern, it is still much lower than the devastating wave of cases that India experienced in 2021 during the Delta wave. Scientists do not expect the variant, scientifically known as XBB.1.16, to be more lethal than other types of Covid currently circulating. The UK Health and Security Agency had reported in its final variant report issued last month that the 'Arcturus' variant had already been detected in the UK. Separate data from variant trackers indicate that the UK has sequenced nearly 50 samples of 'Arcturus'.

'Arcturus' is a spin-off strain of Omicron, similar to the Kraken variant (XBB.1.5), and has been detected in 22 countries since it emerged in March. The largest outbreak by far has been in India, where it has led to a surge in cases with infections increasing 13-fold within the last month. This has prompted health authorities in India to run hospital drills and reintroduce mask mandates in some areas.

'Arcturus' has mutations on its spike protein that the World Health Organization (WHO) says could increase its ability to infect people and trigger disease. Japanese researchers have suggested that it is 1.2 times more infectious than the already highly transmissible Kraken variant. However, there is no evidence to suggest that it increases the severity of the disease. Early results suggest that 'Arcturus' does not have any increased ability to evade protection from vaccines compared to other Omicron spin-offs.

Officials in India believe that the 'Arcturus' variant is driving the latest wave of Covid cases in the country. The Ministry of Health in India has conducted mock drills to assess the preparedness of hospitals for a potential influx of patients, and some states have reintroduced face mask mandates in public settings for the first time in over a year. As of April 12, there were 40,215 active Covid cases in India, an increase of 3,122 in just one day. Separate data from the Oxford University-run platform Our World in Data show that new daily cases reached 3,108 on April 4, up from 242 one month earlier.

[arun-pratap-singh]

Amidst BF.7 wave scare, here are the top COVID symptoms reported in India currently

Amidst BF.7 wave scare, here are the top COVID symptoms reported in India currently

Amid fear of a new wave that might get driven by the BF.7 variant, as is seen in the COVID situation in China, four cases of the mentioned coronavirus variant have been found in India. This has led to so many questions. Should we be prepared for another COVID wave? If yes, will it be as severe as the Delta wave? What should be the precautionary measures we need to take? Many virologists have said…

[rnewspost]

COVID-19 symptoms in India: Amidst BF.7 wave scare, here are the top COVID symptoms reported in India currently

COVID-19 symptoms in India: Amidst BF.7 wave scare, here are the top COVID symptoms reported in India currently

Amid fear of a new wave that might get driven by the BF.7 variant, as is seen in the COVID situation in China, four cases of the mentioned coronavirus variant have been found in India. This has led to so many questions. Should we be prepared for another COVID wave? If yes, will it be as severe as the Delta wave? What should be the precautionary measures we need to take? Many virologists have said…

[tezlivenews]

Maharashtra News: महाराष्ट्र में कोरोना के डेल्टा वेरिएंट ने बढ़ाई चिंता, नासिक में 30 मरीजों के मिलने से मचा हड़कंप

Maharashtra News: महाराष्ट्र में कोरोना के डेल्टा वेरिएंट ने बढ़ाई चिंता, नासिक में 30 मरीजों के मिलने से मचा हड़कंप

नासिकमहाराष्ट्र में पुणे के बाद नासिक में बड़ी संख्या में डेल्टा वेरिएंट संक्रमित मरीजों के मिलने से हड़कंप मच गया है। नासिक में 30 मरीजों में डेल्टा वेरिएंट की पुष्टि हुई है। इससे पहले पुणे में भी दो मरीज सामने आए थे। WHO के मुताबिक करीब 135 देशों में डेल्टा वेरिएंट पाया जा चुका है। नासिक जिला अस्पताल के सर्जन डॉक्टर किशोर श्रीनिवास ने बताया, ‘नासिक में 30 मरीज डेल्टा वेरिएंट से संक्रमित मिले…

[journalistcafe]

देश में बढ़ रहे डेल्‍टा प्‍लस वैरिएंट के मामले... अब हर हफ्ते होगी रिव्‍यू मीटिंग

देश में बढ़ रहे डेल्‍टा प्‍लस वैरिएंट के मामले… अब हर हफ्ते होगी रिव्‍यू मीटिंग

देश में डेल्‍टा प्‍लस वैरिएंट लगातार पांव पसार रहा है। देश में अब तक डेल्‍टा प्‍लस वैरिएंट के कुल 40 मामले सामने आए हैं। इसको देखते हुए अब INSACOG अब हर सप्‍ताह इसकी समीक्षा बैठक करेगा। इस बैठक में देश में आए मामलों और इसके खात्‍मे पर विचार विमर्श किया जाएगा। ये भी पढ़ें- 18 साल बाद इंडियन प्रेसीडे��ट कर रहे प्रेसीडेंशियल ट्रेन में यात्रा, जानिए राष्ट्रपति कोविंद क्यों कर रहे ट्रेन से सफर किस…

[blogs0728]

Unraveling the Intricacies of COVID-19 Variants

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with a global challenge of unparalleled proportions. As the virus continues its relentless spread, it undergoes a subtle transformation, giving rise to various mutations and thereby creating different versions of itself, known as variants. In this in-depth exploration, we will dive deep into the complex world of COVID-19 variants to unravel what you need to know about them.

The Essence of COVID-19 Variants

COVID-19 variants are akin to distinct versions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, each having undergone genetic mutations. These genetic alterations can result in noteworthy changes in the virus’s characteristics, including how easily it spreads, the severity of the disease it causes, and its resistance to immunity. Think of these variants as unique “strains” of the same virus, each possessing its own genetic signature.

2. A Glimpse at Common COVID-19 Variants

Alpha (B.1.1.7): First spotted in the United Kingdom, the Alpha variant quickly seized global attention due to its heightened transmissibility. However, it was not necessarily more severe in terms of causing severe illness or fatalities.

Beta (B.1.351): Originating in South Africa, the Beta variant raised concerns regarding its potential resistance to immunity, including immunity induced by vaccines. Researchers kept a vigilant eye on its behavior.

Delta (B.1.617.2): The Delta variant, initially identified in India, has been a game-changer in the pandemic. With its exceptional transmissibility, it has caused surges in cases worldwide, leading to increased hospitalizations and posing challenges to containment efforts.

Omicron (B.1.1.529): Omicron made headlines globally due to its myriad mutations in the spike protein, the primary target of most COVID-19 vaccines. Scientists are actively engaged in the study of its transmissibility, severity, and vaccine efficacy, as it poses a potential risk.

3. The Genesis of Variants: Why Do They Occur?

Variants emerge as a natural facet of a virus’s life cycle. As the virus replicates and spreads, genetic changes can manifest. These changes are often random, but some provide advantages to the virus. For instance, mutations that enhance transmissibility can assist the virus in spreading more efficiently from person to person, consequently increasing its prevalence.

4. The Influence of Variants on Vaccines

A major concern regarding COVID-19 variants revolves around their impact on vaccine effectiveness. Vaccine manufacturers and researchers maintain vigilant monitoring of these variants. While some variants may slightly reduce vaccine effectiveness, it is imperative to understand that vaccines continue to offer robust protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. It is crucial to reiterate that, even when a variant partially diminishes vaccine efficacy, vaccines retain their potency in mitigating the virus’s impact.

In response to the emergence of variants, booster shots have been recommended to enhance immunity, particularly against newer and more challenging variants such as Delta and Omicron. These booster doses fortify the body’s immune response, providing additional layers of protection.

5. The Perseverance of Public Health Measures

Irrespective of the variants that come and go, public health measures remain a linchpin in controlling the spread of COVID-19. These measures encompass:

Mask-Wearing: Continuously don masks in crowded or indoor settings, particularly in regions with elevated transmission rates. Social Distancing: Uphold physical distancing from others, especially when engaged in close social interactions. Hand Hygiene: Maintain consistent handwashing with soap and water or employ hand sanitizers. Vaccination: If eligible, seek vaccination and heed the advice on booster shots when provided. Testing and Isolation: Undergo testing when displaying symptoms or after exposure to a COVID-19-positive individual. Prompt isolation upon a positive result is essential in curbing further transmission. These measures not only safeguard individual health but also act as bulwarks against the emergence of novel variants.

Summary:

COVID-19 variants are an inherent element of the virus’s evolution. Scientists diligently probe their characteristics and potential impact on public health. In this dynamic landscape, vaccination and adherence to public health measures continue to be our foremost allies in combating the pandemic. Staying informed and adhering to guidelines issued by esteemed health authorities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), constitute essential actions to safeguard ourselves and our communities.

The panorama of COVID-19 and its variants remains in constant flux. It is imperative to rely on trustworthy sources and remain attuned to the latest information. By remaining informed and adopting responsible actions, we collectively contribute to the containment of COVID-19 and its variants.

Remember, our collective efforts wield a profound impact and are pivotal in surmounting this global challenge. Stay safe, and remain vigilant in your commitment to adhering to public health guidelines.

[doonitedin]

New Covid variant, C.1.2, may be more infectious, evade vaccine protection: Study

New Covid variant, C.1.2, may be more infectious, evade vaccine protection: Study

Image Source : PTI/REPRESENTATIVE Mumbai: A health worker arranges swab samples of passengers for Covid-19 testing at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus railway Station A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which cause COVID-19, has been detected in South Africa and many other countries globally which could be more transmissible and evade protection provided by vaccines, according to study. Scientists…

[blackmagicspecialist786-blog]

Omicron को भूलकर भी हल्के में लेने की न करें गलती, इन लोगों को जल्दी ले सकता है चपेट में

Omicron को भूलकर भी हल्के में लेने की न करें गलती, इन लोगों को जल्दी ले सकता है चपेट में

Omicron Cases in India: देश इस वक्त कोरोना वायरस की तीसरी लहर का सामना कर रहा है. कोरोना वायरस (Coronavirus) लोगों को अपने चपेट में ले रहा है, जिसके कारण कई लोगों की जान भी जा रही है. वहीं देश में कोरोना वायरस के नए वेरिएंट ओमिक्रोन का कहर भी देखने को मिल रहा है. लोग कोरोना वायरस के नए वेरिएंट ओमिक्रोन से भी संक्रमित हो रहे हैं. कई विशेषज्ञों का कहना है कि ओमिक्रोन वेरिएंट ज्यादा घातक नहीं है…

[a-2-z-news]

Choosing the right mask can save you from Omicron, know which mask is better

Choosing the right mask can save you from Omicron, know which mask is better

Stay Safe Form Omicorn: Avoiding Omicron is not as difficult as it seems at first sight. You can avoid this virus by including very simple and basic things in your habit. You should understand one thing that whatever safety tips you had adopted at the time of Kovid-19, make a habit of adopting them forever. By saying this, we are not scaring you, but we are trying to tell that if we continue to…