Covid ABCs

 

Lately it seems like the Covid Delta variant is what attracts the paparazzi but it is by no means the only one out there. The reality is that viruses constantly mutate. The more people they infect the more opportunities they have to mutate into strains that, from an evolutionary perspective, are more "effective" - meaning more contagious and possibly more severe. Covid is no different.

Here are the Covid variants that are out there now.

Alpha. 

Originated in the UK and is 60% or so more deadly than the original strain. The Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines are about as effective against the Alpha variant as they are against the original strain.

Beta.

From South Africa. The Beta variant emerged around the same time as Alpha did but failed to take off in the same way, being largely confined to South Africa and its surrounding countries. It is both more infectious and harder to treat than the original strain. Pfizer and Moderna report that their vaccines are only slightly less effective against it but the Astra Zenica vaccine does not appear to be effective so far.

Gamma.

Originated in Brazil. It is more infections and faster spreading than earlier variants but appears to be less severe. The vaccines currently being administered in the U.S. (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) seem to work against this variant, though some breakthrough cases have been reported. The vaccines do however continue to prove effective against severe illness, hospitalization and death, the CDC reports.

Delta.

This variant was first identified in India and has now spread to over 80 countries. In the US, Delta is responsible for about 20% of all new infections and is highly contagious. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are protective and, especially, result in less severe symptoms in breakthrough cases.

Epsilon

This variant emerged in Pakistan. The Epsilon strain seems to be more resistant to the existing coronavirus vaccines, and it has been cited as a potential threat for a “breakthrough” infection among vaccinated people. While it is less infectious than Delta it has since become the dominant COVID-19 variant worldwide. The Epsilon strain is known to have emerged in at least 34 countries around the world, and has been estimated to be the second-most dominant variant of the virus in New York City. The vaccines have still proven to be broadly effective against the Epsilon variant just less so than against earlier variants.

Lambda.

Originated in Peru. It has spread to at least 30 countries around the world and is known to be more resistant to antibodies compared to other strains.  It also appears that the Lambda variant is more infectious and more resistant to vaccines than the Alpha and Gamma variants but more research is needed to confirm this.

Covid's genetic descendants are going to be with us for a long, long time. Some of the flu viruses still around today are descendants of the 1919 flu pandemic strain. Over time we will develop immunities that reduce its transmission and severity. In the meantime, get vaccinated and continue to practice preventive measures -  especially when indoors or in crowds.