Covid-19's New Mutation Spreads Faster

While the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic continues at full speed all over the world; The information that the virus has recently mutated, that is, changed, has also caused concern all over the world.

Stating that the continuation of the epidemic and the change in the genome of the virus is an expected result, Anadolu Health Center Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “Until this time, many mutations have occurred in the virus, but we can say that the mutation that occurred recently has spread faster than other mutations. The epidemic will continue until the natural immunity or vaccination of the vast majority of the world's population is complete. This period is not yet fully predicted. However, we can say that 2021 will not be an easy year either ”.

Anadolu Medical Center Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “Although many mutations have occurred in the virus so far, these mutations have not had a significant effect on the virus. However, the last mutation occurred on the gene encoding the S protein that allows the virus to enter human cells, resulting in the B117 variant.

Current vaccines are not affected by the mutation

So how effective are vaccines against the new mutation of the virus? Stating that the current vaccines are not affected by this mutation, Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “Especially mRNA vaccines are produced by recoding against new mutations in a very short time. However, if we think that this virus is transmitted more easily during this period, it is important that we do not follow the precautions we have taken before. We must strictly follow the rules of mask, distance and hygiene, ”he said.

All mutations must be taken seriously

Noting that the mutated virus is thought to cause infections especially in children under 20 years of age, Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “Although this age group suffers from mild illness, especially children with chronic diseases are at risk. Of course, children can infect their families and other children and make more people sick. The more people get sick, the higher the rates of serious illness and death. Therefore, all mutations should be taken seriously, ”he said.