Almost two years have passed and coronavirus is still impacting the whole world with its deadly infection. While various countries have come up with vaccinations to beat the virus, it is also mutating to become stronger and deadlier. The World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC are monitoring these coronavirus mutations to find if the transmission can lead to a surge in the already rising cases.

Currently, people are concerned about the highly contagious Delta plus variant of COVID-19. We have gathered some of the essential things you should know about this coronavirus mutation. Give it a read so that you can know how to stay safe.

What is Delta Plus Variant?

Also known as B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1, Delta Plus Variant is considered a subvariant of the Delta version (now a dominant strain in the US with more than 90 percent cases) However, there are a couple of changes between the Delta variant and Delta Plus variant. For instance, the Delta variant has a set of mutations that improves its efficiency to infect people, making it highly contagious. Now, coming to the Delta Plus variant, it is also highly contagious and has a strong binding to receptors of the lung cells.

The new variant contains an additional mutation known as K417N, which has been found in the Beta and Gamma variants. The K417N in the virus’ spike protein allows it to infect healthy cells.

There is one more thing that makes the Delta Plus variant a topic of concern among doctors and researchers. INSACOG has noted that the Delta Plus variant can potentially reduce monoclonal antibody treatments that are given to people with severe Covid-19. In simple words, Delta Plus variant mutation attacks the lungs severely and can also escape vaccines. However, there is still not enough evidence to support these concerns. More research is being done to find out the major impacts of the Delta Plus variant.

First Trace of Delta Plus Variant

The Delta Plus variant was first identified in India after which it was reported as a “variant of concern”. Now, there have been cases in around 10 countries including India, Japan, the USA, UK, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Poland, Nepal, Russia, and China.

Symptoms of COVID-19 Delta Plus Variant

The symptoms of the COVID-19 Delta Plus variant are quite similar to the regular coronavirus. People infected with this variant complain of loss of taste and smell, fever, cold, and cough. Some other serious symptoms that may arise due to this variant are:

• Shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Change in the color of toes
• Sore throat
• Abdominal pain and diarrhea

In case someone notices any of the symptoms listed above, they should immediately get tested and consult a doctor.

Is Delta Plus Variant More Deadly?

Scientists are still tracking the data to check how serious the Delta Plus variant is. However, it is clear that it is more contagious and severe than the original coronavirus. It has been marked as “Variant of Concern” by the Indian and UK governments. The cases are increasing in India with the Delta plus variant being reported in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand,

What is Its Impact on Vaccines?

So far, not many cases of the Delta Plus variant have been detected. The research is also still ongoing to determine if this mutated virus can beat the vaccines being administered against coronavirus. Thus, as of now, it is too early to state anything. Doctors strongly recommend that people should get vaccinated at the earliest and follow the coronavirus appropriate behavior to be on the safer side.

Is Delta Plus Variant More Harmful For Children?

Since Delta Plus Variant has been detected, people are speculating if it is going to affect the children more or not. One reason behind this is the highly contagious nature of the Delta variant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the “Delta variant is more than twice as contagious as previous variants”. As the majority of children are still unvaccinated, it puts them into the higher-risk category for new variants.

Currently, vaccinations for children are not rolled out in many countries, including India. Thus, prevention is the best weapon to stop the spread to kids.

Precautions To Keep In Mind

Keep an update on the information regarding this new mutation and follow the guidelines issued by the doctors and government. Other than that, you can adopt the following preventative measure to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Avoid going outside unless it is very important. If possible, do not go to crowded places.
• Maintain a social distance of 6 feet while meeting people.
• Frequently use sanitizers.
• Sanitize and disinfect things or items used in the house.
• Wash your hands with soap for about 20 seconds several times a day.
• Wear a double mask if you have to go out of the house for some important work
• Get vaccinated as soon as possible.

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