Lambda variant detected in the UK
The novel coronavirus has thrived and successfully retained its place amongst us. It has caused a lot of damage and continues to do so with the help of its new variants. While the implications of the second wave and the threat caused by the Delta and Delta Plus variant is yet to subside, a new COVID strain, Lambda variant, which was originally discovered in Peru has been reported in the United Kingdom.
SARs-COV-2 virus continues to mutate
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, "Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur. Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants persist."
This denotes that COVID-19 also has the potential to change and produce different strains. The mutations that have taken place from the old or the original strain are called COVID mutations or 'variants' of the original virus. Unlike the original strain, the mutations may differ in their ability to infect a person and may possess a different genome sequencing that may allow it to dodge antibodies and infect even the healthy and young individuals.
Delta and Delta Plus variants are 'variant of concern' (VoC)
While the World Health Organization (WHO) recently categorised the Delta variant as a 'variant of concern', the Indian government declared its strain, the Delta Plus variant or the AY.1 variant as a 'variant of concern' too.
As per the officials, the new Delta Plus variant has three characteristic features namely increased transmissibility, stronger binding to receptors of lung cells, and potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response, which makes it all the more concerning and dangerous.
The UK reports 6 cases of Lambda variant
Lambda variant was first detected in Peru in August 2020 and has been reported in about 29 countries since. Experts claim that this variant has many mutations in the spike protein, which could hold a direct like to it's transmissibility rate.
While the United Kingdom reported 35,204 new cases of the Delta COVID-19 variant in the last week, the Public Health England (PHE) reported six cases that have been discovered from February 23 to June 7. For now, PHE has categorised the Lambda (C.37) variant as a 'variant under investigation (VUI)'.
The health body has said that two vaccine doses are still effective against the risk of hospitalisation.
Read more: Coronavirus: Do COVID survivors have stronger reactions to vaccines?
What are the symptoms of the Lambda variant?
As of now, the PHE said that the new variant is under investigation and there has been no indication that the variant can cause more severe infection or prove the vaccines less effective.
However, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) laid down a list of symptoms for people to watch out for. Some of the symptoms are as follows.
- Fever
- New or continuous cough
- Loss of sense of smell and taste
As per experts, infected people may experience at least one of these symptoms.
Therefore, immediate and regular testing is advised in order to avoid the spread of the virus.
How to protect yourself?
According to UK experts, anyone who experiences COVID symptoms should get themselves tested and must isolate themselves until the report arrives or if the results come out as positive.
Besides, social distancing and double masking is extremely important amidst the emergence of new variants. Continue practicing hygiene and get yourself vaccinated as soon as possible. Make sure to receive both your vaccine doses.