Coronavirus Variants
- I keep hearing about these coronavirus variants. What exactly does that mean?
- What are the current coronavirus variants of concern?
- Do people infected by these variants show the symptoms as those previously associated with COVID-19?
- Will the current vaccines still protect against these variants?
- What do these variants mean for me? What can I do to keep myself and my loved ones safe?
Do people infected by these variants show the symptoms as those previously associated with COVID-19?
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.
Will the current vaccines still protect against these variants?
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.
What do these variants mean for me? What can I do to keep myself and my loved ones safe?
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.
HELPFUL LINKS:
- CDC: New Covid-19 Variants
- COVID Data Tracker: Variant Proportions
- How Immunity Generated from COVID-19 Vaccines Differs from an Infection
- SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and Definitions
- Mortality and critical care unit admission associated with the SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 in England: an observational cohort study
- SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and Definitions
- The Delta Variant: What Scientists Know
- The unusual Lambda variant is rapidly spreading in South America. Here’s what we know.
- Vaccines highly effective against B.1.617.2 variant after 2 doses
- Viral infection and transmission in a large well-traced outbreak caused by the Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant
Last updated on January 11, 2022.