Alpha variant of COVID-19
Alpha variant of COVID-19, also is known as lineage B.1.1.7, is one of the several variants of particular importance. It is estimated to be 40% -80% more transmissible than the wild-type SARS-CoV-2.
What is the Alpha variant?
The Alpha variant (lineage B.1.1.7) was first detected in early December 2020 in the UK by analyzing genome data. Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 are common, over 4000 mutations have been detected in its spike protein alone.
So far 23 mutations of the alpha variant have been seen. In those mutations, 17 mutations change proteins, and six that do not change.
The transmissibility of the alpha variant has generally been found to be substantially higher than that of pre-existing SARS-COV-2 variants.
Symptoms –
1• Chills with fever
2• loss of appetite
3• Headache
4• Muscle aches
Vaccine Efficacy –
Several vaccine-producing companies have confirmed that their vaccines, based on different designs, can be effective against this variant.
Getting two doses of any vaccines following recommended timelines is of essential importance, as only one dose is far less effective. Waiting too long for the second dose may also reduce effectiveness.
The people are 66% protected against the Alpha strain after full vaccination.
Reinfection risk-
The immune response following a coronavirus infection can vary between individuals and may not be enough to fight Alpha, and Beta variant of COVID-19.
The people who produced a weak immune response signature, obtained at one and six months post-infection, failed to show any neutralizing antibodies against the Alpha variant.
Studies suggest that whether it is an asymptomatic or asymptomatic infection, it does not necessarily protect people in long term from COVID-19, particularly against new variants of concern.
We all must get the Covid vaccine when offered even if you think you may have previously had a COVID-19 infection.
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