The covid 19 variants are described as a tree., the same way there are branches the variants are classified in that order to understand what’s the virus is bringing in the world. The virus continues to mutate and bring different variants. SARS-CoV-2 the scientific name given to the covid 19 variant, was first detected in China and spreader all over the globe; this was when covid 19 came to the world and shook things since there was no virus like this before. It brought alarm and lots of panic with it before anyone could know what was going on many people had lost their lives. SARS-CoV-2 is divided on how and where it first strikes. They are given names from the Greek alphabet that are easy to remember. As of a recent study, there are four covid -19 variants. The Alpha variant was first detected in the United Kingdom, and then there is the Beta variant detected in South Africa, the Gamma variant detected in Brazil, and finally, the Delta variant detected in India. The Delta variant which is the latest string to be detected is highly contagious and dangerous and making more can spread faster than the previous variants. (Duong, D. 2021).
All these variants share the same symptoms and continue to attack more causing panic. The elderly and those with underlying illnesses are at much risk and are required to be more cautious always. There is much study and research ongoing to ensure that they are all understood and give chance to know when there will be a new mutation. This is to keep preparedness in place avoiding surprises like there was with the Delta variant. The mutations are much stronger than there was before main it hard to move forward. Even though worldwide vaccination is a move to protect everyone from serious symptoms and is working wonders.
Reference
Duong, D. (2021). What’s important to know about the new COVID-19 variants?