Indian strain of Covid-19: Why is it more harmful than the others?

Dr. Joe Thomas, Associate Consultant – Rheumatology, Aster Medcity, Kochi, Kerala, India 

Various strains of the virus have made appearance throughout the pandemic. With the shocking second wave that shattered India, a third mutation in the B.1.617 strain has been identified as the major cause behind the surge in infections. Within few weeks of the second wave, the B.1.617 variant became the dominant strain across India and has spread across 40 nations.

Overview of Covid-19 Strain in India

The variant is most likely to be highly transmissible and slightly better at evading immunity than existing variants, as the country recorded nearly 400,000 new infections on 9^th May, taking its total number of cases to more than 22 million. Animal models of the COVID 19 research, hints that it might be able to cause more severe disease. World Health Organization (WHO) designated B.1.617 a ‘variant of concern’. Variants are classified when there is an evidence that they spread more rapidly and causes more severe disease.

Why the New Covid-19 Variant is More Harmful ?

National Institute of Virology (NIV) scientists have identified eight new mutations, it includes changes to the virus’s spike protein that makes it a “better fit” for the human cells. This means the virus is highly contagious and can multiply faster. Keeping in mind the harmful effects of this variant , everyone indian should stay quarantine & avoid going out as much as they can . People can also follow our 7 tips to beat the quarantine blues & reduce stress during this dangerous period