New Covid-19 Strain in UK Spreads 70% Faster and Now A Similar Mutation Has Been Found in South Africa

7Not all mutations dangerous

The problem with viruses is that they keep mutating constantly. The influenzas virus mutates all the time and not all mutations should be a cause for alarm like the new mutated strain that appeared in Australia leading to unnecessary alarm bells with several claims of the deadliness of the virus which have now been rubbished. The thing is that sometimes the mutations alter the virus attributes and sometimes they don’t.

Not all mutations dangerous

623 genetic changes have been discovered so far

Scientists have now identified almost 23 genetic changes in the new variant of the virus alone which is a cause for concern because the number is unusually large, they feel. Some of these genetic changes have also been associated with new changes in the proteins produced by the virus. The spike protein contains amino acids that use an enzyme in the body, called furin, to dissolve cell coatings and allow the virus to enter.

23 genetic changes have been discovered so far

5First discovered in September

Scientists are now investigating how contagious the new strain could be and if it can also cause serious illness or target and defeat the immune system including immune responses triggered by vaccines. For now, the scientists believe, that yes it spreads pretty fast but the answer to the other two concerns is negative, and hopefully they will be proved right.

New Virus in South Africa First discovered in September