Coronavirus or COVID 19, a highly contagious disease turned worldwide pandemic was first detected in China’s Wuhan city.
The disease spread globally, infected more than 86 million people and claiming the life of 1.84 million, forcing many countries to impose a lockdown to contain the spread, as no antidote to this furiously spreading virus was found.
Just when some pharmaceutical giants made groundbreaking development in vaccines, another news of detecting “a new strain of coronavirus” was heard.
The new strain of coronavirus is said to be originated in the United Kingdom and is sweeping across the southern part of England.
According to research, the mutated variant of the virus can be 70 percent more transmissible than the existing strains.
Experts tracking it said there was some early but unconfirmed evidence that it could transmit as readily among children as among adults, unlike previous dominant strains.
However scientists have claimed that the mutation of a virus is natural, even the flu viruses mutate which prompts the vaccines to be updated timely.
The scientists have said the more the human body gets adaptable to the virus, the virus also tends to fight back by trying to evade the body’s immune system.
According to media reports, if we compare the newly spread virus to the initial one that was detected in Wuhan, a total of 25 mutations will be visible, that is a little more than two mutations every month.
India has reported more than 70 cases of new virus strain infected people, who returned from the UK. However, no case of mortality was yet reported.
The total number of patients with the new coronavirus strain has touched nine in the National Capital Delhi.
Though the scientists have not deemed the new mutation of the virus as more lethal than the previous, it is said to be more contagious and hence taking proper precautions is necessary.
Here’s how you can protect yourself:
1. Wash your hands regularly, with running water and soap.
2. Wear a mask while stepping out of your home, without fail.
3. Avoid stepping out of your home, if essential avoid crowded places.
4. Sanitize your hands after touching/ getting in contact with a frequently touched surface.
5. Maintain social distancing, avoid physical contact with people.