Coronavirus: Alarming symptoms of new COVID-19 strain that need to be treated immediately

With the onset of the new COVID-19 strain, people have entered a state of turmoil. While scientists and medical professionals are working tirelessly to identify and establish the source of the mutation, much still remains to be uncovered. However, when it comes to signs and symptoms of the mutant variant, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has asked people to seek medical attention as and when they develop a list of symptoms, which according to them can cause severe damage.

Since the news of the novel coronavirus broke out in the world, people have been experiencing different and varied ranges of symptoms. Although the list has continued to increase and expand, some of the most common symptoms remain to be the same. The following are some of the most classic symptoms of COVID-19.

- Fever

- Dry cough

- Sore throat

- Runny and stuffy nose

- Chest pain and shortness of breath

- Fatigue

- Gastrointestinal infection

- Loss of sense of smell and taste

The new variant of COVID-19 named “VUI 202012/01” includes a genetic mutation in the “spike” protein that could be the cause of immediate and easy spread of the virus amongst people. While the variant was first in the south-east of England, it has now triggered a sense of fear in all other parts of the world. The variant is said to have at least 17 mutations that can affect the shape of the virus, including the spike protein that gives the coronavirus family their name. While nothing further has been confirmed, scientists have suggested that this new strain could be the reason behind the faster spread of the virus.

While many of the symptoms are identical in the original and the new COVID strain, it has been observed that the mutant virus has the potential to spread more widely and at a greater pace. That said, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published five alarming warning signs for COVID-19 that need to be taken care of as and when it appears. Following are the 5 symptoms.

- Breathing problem

- Confusion

- Persistent chest pain

- Tired and unable to stay awake

- Bluish lips or face

According to a recent study conducted at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the new COVID strain can trigger more deaths and casualties in the UK. Experts also fear that the mutations can lead to more hospitalisations and deaths in the year 2021 as compared to the year 2020.

Additionally, while the original strain of virus posed little or no danger to children, the mutant virus has the potential to take a toll on children too.

Wendy Barclay, a professor at New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) and a specialist in virology at Imperial College of London has said that the mutations have made it easier for the virus to enter the human cells more easily and therefore, children are more prone to getting infected and are equally susceptible to this virus as adults.

Another research conducted by the Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine had claimed that the new variant is 56 percent more transmissible than other strains.

As is suggested by the CDC, it is only right to seek medical attention as and when the symptoms appear. Besides that, one must continue taking necessary precautionary measures. Practice social distancing, wear masks and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, as COVID-19 is an illness that can infect anyone and everyone.