COVID-19 Mutations: What to Expect from the Emerging Variant Strains

Just like how the flu changes every year, the coronavirus is changing and mutating, which creates variant strains of the virus. There are three new confirmed strains in the United States. Each started in other countries and made its way here, which means that we are dealing with the mutation of this virus on a global scale. Collectively, we have seen fewer than 100 jurisdictions reporting cases of the variant strains and fewer than 4,00 cases of these variants overall in the U.S.

Will the COVID-19 Vaccines Be Effective on the Different Strains?

Although it has started to feel like COVID-19 has been around forever, it is still a new disease that experts have not had the chance to study in full. Since the mutations of the virus have only just started to emerge, experts have not had enough time to determine how well the different vaccines will work on the variant strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with other public health administrations to monitor the different mutations of the virus and how they will hold up against the various vaccines.

Expect the Unexpected

Because this disease is still so new, experts are working to learn more about COVID-19 and the different strains that have appeared. Currently, scientists are not sure how widespread the new strains are or if the new strains cause different symptoms. There is still no certainty as to how effective the available COVID-19 treatments and vaccines will be on the new variant strains.

Scientists are working quickly to understand the strains, but they are unsure if the variants can be detected by the current viral tests or how easily these variants can be contracted. The new strains may spread more easily than the original virus. This uncertainty makes it important to continue following COVID-19 guidelines.

Staying Safe

Experts are watching closely to see if any more stains emerge. While experts are still working to understand the new strains, you should continue to abide by state-mandated COVID-19 guidelines. Stay at home when you can, wear a mask over your nose and mouth while in public, maintain a distance of 6 feet away from others, and wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. For more information on the variant COVID-19 strains and how to stay safe during these uncertain times, visit our website.

COVID-19 Care at BASS Urgent Care

If you have questions about the coronavirus, its various strains, or when the vaccine may be available to you, visit Bass Urgent Care or call us at (925) 267-7800. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, such as cough, fever or chills, muscle or body aches, or loss of taste or smell, you should schedule a COVID-19 test today. We administer COVID-19 tests both inside our facility and from the convenience of your vehicle. At BASS Urgent Care, we are committed to the comfort and safety of our patients during this uncertain time.

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