What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by a virus that spreads from an infected person when they talk, laugh, cough, etc. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, tiredness, breathing problems, and even loss of taste or smell.
Each infection gives the virus a small chance to modify itself which sometimes results in changes in the way the virus works. Till now, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has found five variants across the world.
What are the variants of COVID-19?
The variants that have been discovered till now are - Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. These names are given by the WHO based on letters from the Greek alphabet. Each of these variants differs in either ease of spreading, seriousness, or symptoms.
Are some variants more dangerous than others?
The Delta variant was more infectious than the Alpha variant. It is less dangerous to people who have received all doses of the vaccination (fully vaccinated) against COVID-19. The Omicron variant has only been detected in November 2021. This variant is said to be even more easily spread than the Delta variant. Scientists are studying how this variant affects people who are fully vaccinated.
How can we protect ourselves from the emergence of such variants?
The ways to protect ourselves from COVID-19 and its variants remain the same. Everyone needs to get vaccinated as soon as possible, properly wear a mask over their nose and mouth, and wash their hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser. The only way to stop the virus from modifying itself is for people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
