COVID-19 continues to rapidly evolve and mutate, causing much concern in the medical community.
Here are some important things to know about COVID-19 and its variants:
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus:
Experts classify COVID-19 as a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
COVID-19 can be severe:
COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Some people may develop severe illness, including pneumonia, and may require hospitalization. COVID-19 can also be deadly, particularly for older adults and individuals with certain underlying health conditions.
COVID-19 variants are emerging:
There are several COVID-19 variants that have emerged, including the B.1.1.7 variant that was first identified in the United Kingdom and the P.1 variant that was first identified in Brazil. Experts believet these variants to bemore contagious than the original strain of the virus.
Vaccines are effective against COVID-19 variants:
Some COVID-19 variants may be more transmissible. Regardless, the vaccines that are currently available effectively combat them.
It is important to continue following public health measures:
While the vaccines are an important tool in the fight against COVID-19, it is still important to continue following public health measures such as wearing a mask and practicing social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus and its variants.
