The news of two new strains of the coronavirus – the UK variant and the South Africa variant – left people around the world concerned that the destruction the virus has already caused on the globe was about to get even worse. Although viruses mutate frequently at all times (hence the composition of the annual flu vaccine that varies from year to year), the two new variants of COVID-19 have worried scientists and the public. But while these new variants appear to be much more transmissible than the current dominant strain, there is finally some good news: One of the main vaccines under implant has just been confirmed as effective against both new strains of the virus. A study by Pfizer and scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, indicates that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is effective against the UK and South Africa variants that are currently in circulation . Read on to find out more, and for another update on one of the new strains, take a look at The UK COVID Strain Is Now Nesses 8 States.
To conduct the research, blood samples were collected from 20 people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, reports Reuters. Laboratory studies then found that the samples had neutralizing levels of antibodies that appeared to work in the modified versions of the new strains.
Experts assumed that current vaccines would be effective against the UK variant, but the South African strain was more worrying. Teacher Shabir Madhi, who led tests for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in South Africa, told the BBC earlier this week that it is a “reasonable concern” that the “South African variant may be more resistant” to the vaccine. Madhi added that while it is “unlikely” that the mutation will render current vaccines completely useless, it can “weaken the impact”.
However, the Pfizer study appears to “allay any concerns about the lack of vaccine coverage for variants”, Daniel Altmann, professor of immunology at Imperial College London, said The Guardian. “The neutralization of the variant looks excellent in this study,” he added.
Stephen Evans, a professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, added: “This is good news, mainly because it is not bad news … We need to test this in clinical experience and data about it should be available in the UK in the coming weeks. “Read on to learn more about the new strains and for the latest news about the COVID-19 pandemic, find out why a lack of this vitamin can put you at risk for severe COVID, says the new study.
Read the original article at Better life.
The strain that originated in the United Kingdom, called B.1.1.7, appears to be about 50% more transmissible than other variants. The South African variant, known as 501.V2, appears to be equally contagious and is the variant of the dominant virus in the country’s Eastern and Western Cape provinces.
“South African researchers say that they also believe that the new variant is more transmissible, since it quickly eliminated other versions of the virus that circulate in the country,” he said. Wall Street Newspaper reports. “Still, they say that human behavior – with thousands of South Africans filling bars, restaurants and beaches – is probably the main reason for the sharp rise in infections in recent weeks.” And to learn more about how the virus is spreading in the United States, see This is who is most likely to supply COVID, says the new study.
In an update on the new variants posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, experts conclude that “there is no evidence” that the UK and South Africa variants cause “more serious or greater illnesses” risk of death”. And for a sign of a serious fight with COVID, check out This rare symptom could mean that you have a serious case of COVID.
The UK variety is currently in eight U.S. states: Colorado, California, New York, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas and Connecticut. California has the highest number of cases of the new variant with 26 confirmed and 4 presumed, with Florida not far behind, with 22 cases, according to data from the January 7 CDC. And for more information on troubled states, see Dr. Fauci Just said that COVID’s situation in this state is “unimaginable”.
Although the South African strain has reached Ireland, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Switzerland, Austria and Zambia, reports CNBC, it has not yet been found in the United States. However, Anthony Fauci, MD, predicts that it is just a matter of time. “I would be surprised if you weren’t in the United States yet, but you never know until you find and prove you’re here,” said Fauci Newsweek in an interview published on January 5. He said that if the South African variant is not yet in the United States, “sooner or later it will arrive”. And for more information on Fauci, see Dr. Fauci Just Warned About This “Serious” COVID Development.