SAYRE, PA (WBNG) – A new COVID-19 strain found in the UK has left many wondering if they should be concerned with a stronger, more infectious strain.
The reports resulted in Governor Cuomo working with airlines to demand that people flying directly from the UK to New York have a negative test result.
But Dr. Michael Scalzone, director of quality at Guthrie Hospital, says we still don’t have enough information to know what this strain does, adding that it’s not time to panic, as viruses are often mutated.
“All viruses mutate,” said Scalzone, adding, “So the coronavirus mutates, the flu virus mutates, the common cold virus mutates – that’s just a normal part of how viruses work as they work. they grow, replicate and spread – they will mutate. “
Dr. Scalzone adds that not all mutations are good and not all are bad. In fact, he says, while some mutations can accelerate spread, other mutations can make a virus less effective.
Dr. Scalzone also emphasizes the importance of being vaccinated against the coronavirus, adding that this news should not prevent you from being vaccinated.
He adds that vaccine manufacturers and scientists are aware of the mutations when they create the vaccines and strongly believe that the coronavirus vaccine will still be effective.