How do variants arise

People who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask indoors in areas of substantial or high transmission. People who have an underlying medical condition, a weakened immune system, or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not have as much protection even if they are fully vaccinated.

They should continue to take steps recommended for people who are not fully vaccinated, including wearing a mask.

Wearing a mask is very important if you or someone in your household Has a weakened immune system Has an underlying medical condition Is an older adult Is not fully vaccinated. Tests can detect new variants. As new variants emerge, scientists will continue to evaluate how well tests work to detect current infection.

Variants of Concern in the US. Delta - B. Severe illness and death: May cause more severe cases than the other variants Vaccine: Vaccine breakthrough infections are expected, but vaccines are effective at preventing most infections. Related Pages. More than , of you took part in our survey looking at the impact of the pandemic on mental health.

We've updated how we calculate daily new and active cases of COVID in the UK, accounting for the high number of vaccinated contributors. A runny nose is more likely to be a symptom of COVID when rates of the disease are high in the population. We explain how antibodies are made in response to infection, and how COVID antibody tests work to detect them. We bring you the scientific facts behind some of the myths, misconceptions and misinformation circulating about the COVID vaccines.

UK Data. How do we detect variants? Stay safe and keep logging. Discover more about your health. Other updates. Vaccines and the Immunosuppressed October 28, In this webinar, our experts answer all your questions about immunosuppression and COVID vaccinations including whether they are safe, how effective they are, and how you can protect yourself when infection rates are high.

October 25, We take a look at the science behind the two drugs that have been put forward as COVID treatments: molnupiravir and ivermectin.

October 19, We compare the safety and effectiveness of natural immunity from COVID infection and the protection from vaccines. Had a seasonal flu vaccine? How to tell the difference October 11, Some scientists and academics are speculating that this winter could see many of us hit with a bad bout of flu. Future-proofing our COVID estimates October 7, Back in July, we updated our data methodology to minimise the impact of diminishing numbers of unvaccinated contributors.

September 28, Internet rumours about swollen testicles following COVID vaccination have raised concerns about vaccines and the potential risk of impotence and infertility. How to tell the difference September 21, Our tips for how to tell the difference between COVID and a cold, and when you should get tested.

COVID, pregnancy, fertility and vaccines: Your questions answered September 9, In this webinar, our experts look at the evidence around COVID and vaccination in pregnancy and whether vaccines can affect fertility. COVID vaccines: are they working? August 25, Our latest analysis shows that protection from the Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs can start to fade within six months.

August 20, Your data helped to show that loss of smell anosmia was a key symptom of COVID earlier in the pandemic. Should I still wear a mask? August 5, We answer your questions on face coverings, including whether they protect against COVID, and when and where you should consider wearing one. Public Affairs. How Variants from Viruses Emerge All viruses mutate Every time a virus replicates, errors mutations occur in its genetic material. New cases due to this variant are declining in the United States.

Spreads more quickly than non-variant SARS-CoV-2 Most vaccines exhibit modest reduction in efficacy against this variant There is no evidence that it causes more severe illness or increases risk of death. Very few cases of the variant have been found in the U. It shares some critical mutations with Beta. Is more susceptible to antibodies than Beta. Remains rare in the United States, though cases have increased steadily. India Delta variant First identified in December in India during a surge responsible for more than 30 million infections and , deaths.

Whether or not antibody therapy played a role, it is likely that the same variants or variants containing new mutations will continue to emerge because of such pressures, they add.

A coordinated and comprehensive global vaccination and prevention strategy is therefore a necessity. Ongoing testing and genetic sequencing of circulating viruses is also needed to detect new variants, and reduce their spread. The sudden emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 around the world is a stark warning of the potential for viruses to evolve and devastate our lives. We must do everything in our power to stop them.

Two-strike Ebola vaccine enters human trials. Home Vaccineswork Patient Zero: Understanding how new coronavirus variants emerge. Back to Patient Zero: Understanding how new coronavirus variants emerge By understanding the circumstances that make viral evolution more likely, we stand a better chance of staying a step ahead.