The COVID-19 virus is mutating. This is normal, and it will probably keep happening. The virus may change in ways that affect how it spreads and causes disease, or changes in its symptoms. Vaccines and antiviral drugs can slow the mutations. But the viruses will likely keep changing, even without vaccines or drugs.
Each time a new version of the virus emerges, scientists call it a variant. The World Health Organization assigns each variant a name that starts with a letter of the Greek alphabet. For example, the current dominant strain is called Delta, which appears to be much more contagious than other versions. It has also triggered more serious symptoms. Several other versions have been identified in recent months. They include XFG, Beta, and Omicron. Each has a different set of mutations, but all are descendants of the original JN.1 virus that began the pandemic.
Scientists can track the spread of a virus by looking at the genetic sequence of the virus. They can also test blood samples for antibodies against the virus, and these tests will show which variant an infected person has. The Wadsworth Center sequences positive COVID-19 specimens, and other laboratories across the U.S. and in Washington state do the same. They then enter the results into public databases, primarily GISAID.
When a variant becomes particularly concerning, public health agencies will report on it. For instance, when the XFG and Delta variants emerged, they were more transmissible than Alpha and caused more severe symptoms. CDC tracks these and other variations to see how the virus is evolving in different areas. The agency recommends the same preventive measures for vaccinated people and unvaccinated people: Stay up to date on your vaccines, practice good hygiene, and take steps for cleaner air.
About the Author
