Coronavirus Variants

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes Covid-19. By nature, all viruses mutate – or change their genetic code – as they spread from person to person. Each mutation produces a new variant, a term used to define a form of the virus whose genetic code differs slightly from the original virus strain. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have seen thousands of SARS-CoV-2 variants, and we will likely see thousands more in the future.

There are seven variants that have caught the eyes of public health officials and medical professionals in recent months: Alpha (B.1.17), Beta (B.1.351), Delta (B.1.617.2), Gamma (P.1), Lambda (C.37), Mu, and Omicron (B.1.1.529). Delta was previously known to be the most contagious variant, but the Omicron variant has now taken over. More details are below. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 mutations further emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated (and boostered) and taking extra measures to keep you and your loved ones safe.

The Delta variant (B.1.617.2), first detected in India, is a fitter version of the original strain of the virus; it is associated with 40-70% greater transmissibility than the B.117 (UK) variant, and it is estimated that it is 225% more transmissible than the original coronavirus strain. Moreover, data shows that this variant replicates faster than previous variants, causing infected people to become infectious sooner.

The newest variant concern, named Omicron, is spreading rapidly and now accounts for the majority of US cases. Omicron is the most transmissible variant to date, with a transmissibility nearly twice that of the Delta variant and nearly four times that of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. It does appear, however, that Omicron causes less severe illness than previous variants of the virus. Omicron has already, and will continue to, brought on yet another surge in cases. While this surge is inevitable, there are a variety of measures that you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Get your booster shot.
• Avoid large crowds and mask in public settings (both indoors and crowded outdoor settings).
• Be mindful of who you’re spending your time with, how you’re spending your time, and what you are doing leading up to that time together. (E.g. if you are planning to have dinner indoors with your immunocompromised grandparents, consider laying low for one to two weeks before the dinner, and consider getting tested beforehand.)
• Test as close to any gathering as possible.

It depends on the variant. There are reports that those infected with Omicron, the newest variant of concern, experience symptoms different from those caused by other variants.  These symptoms include runny nose, congestion, sore throat, headache, dry cough, sneezing, fatigue, nausea, night sweats, and lower back pain. Every person experiences the virus differently, and severity of symptoms varies from person to person.

Yes! All of the available vaccines are effective against the circulating variants. Recent studies demonstrate that the vaccines sharply reduce the chances of infection and nearly eliminate any chance of serious illness from the Delta variant. These data spell the increasing importance of Minnesotans continuing to get vaccinated. As more people become vaccinated, we not only minimize the chance of further spread and mutation of the virus, but we also bring ourselves closer to the end of the pandemic.

These variants are a significant reminder that the pandemic is not yet over! As a community, we need to continue to protect ourselves and those around us.

There are many things we can all do on an individual level to keep our community safe:

• Get vaccinated! Vaccine-induced immunity provides the broadest and longest-lasting protection against COVID-19. If you have family or friends who are able to receive the vaccine but have not yet done so, open up some intentional space where you can discuss with them the value of getting vaccinated.
• Wear a mask! Both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated folks are not yet past our mask-wearing days. If you are in an indoor space – especially a space where you don’t know the vaccination status of those around you – it is important to add this simple extra layer of protection. This act is especially important to protect those who are ineligible or do not have access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
• If you feel sick, get tested for COVID-19. Stay home and away from others while you wait for your results. Here is a list of community testing sites that offer free COVID-19 testing. It is also a good practice to get tested after traveling, attending a large gathering, or simply just to make sure that you are keeping those around you safe.
• If you or a loved one have questions about COVID-19 and the vaccines, please reach out to our wonderful COVID-19 Community Coordinators at (612) 254-0116 or covidline@rainbowhealth.org.