Coronavirus new strain: Can the new COVID-19 strain cause mortality? Who has a higher risk?

It may only have been weeks since the new coronavirus strains have been discovered, namely the Kent variant (B.1.1.7) and the South African strain, (B.1.351), but it has become evidently clear that the cases are quickly spreading across the world, and wreaking havoc.

While scientists are trying to amass all clinical evidence they can, there are newer things we are learning about the virus- it has a high infectious possibility, may get transmitted easily, may even surpass protective antibodies generated by vaccines. Worst of all, it is also becoming clear that virus can impact people differently.

Not only are people reporting different symptoms, but it has also been seen that the variant exposes healthier age groups, once considered to be relatively safer at higher risk.

From newer reports which have emerged, it is also being seen that the variant, in many cases may increase the mortality rate too by a high percentage. We explain to you the many risk factors behind the severity, and why we must remain absolutely cautious about the new strain which has also made its way into India.

The fast-spreading coronavirus variant, first identified in parts of the UK is adding caseloads at a quicker rate than the previously identified variants.

Newer researches and preliminary findings from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) have also identified that the SARS-COV-2 variant may also increase the risk of dying from the disease by a whopping 33%.

To ascertain the increased mortality risk associated with the dominant strain, London scientists identified over 8,50,000 people who tested positive for the virus between November 2020-January 2021.

With the presence of the new variant, it has also been seen that the mortality risk for the virus has gone up a few notches. Apart from this, several other studies have found startling evidence pointing out the increase risk factors with the new strain.

Another study, done out of Australia also observed that the risk of dying also significantly increased with age, for patients diagnosed with the new variant.

A research team from Imperial College, London also observed that the average case fatality rate was higher for people infected with the B.1.1.7 strain.

COVID-19 complications and mortality risk are the highest for those with frail immunity, comorbidities and age-related ailments.

According to the study, men aged between 70-84 had a 5% higher risk of dying, and those above 85 have a 7% higher risk of dying.

The study, which hasn't been peer-reviewed yet makes a case as to why we need to roll-out vaccines for the sick and the elderly speedily, to save them from the many risks the virus entails.

While a lot of research is underway, one of the prime reasons why the new variant is able to attack the body in such a contagious manner is because of the spike protein present on the surface, which can surpass protective antibodies and defence lines quicker.

This is also the reason many feel the new vaccines may undermine the current vaccines, or require stronger doses right now.

Secondly, another reason behind delayed consequences and a multifold rise in severity and complications is faulty testing. While the viral infection can be picked up by any standard PCR test, the variant can only be confirmed via genetic sequencing, which is a tad bit harder right now, in testing times.

Since the virus variant is also capable of imposing new symptoms, or start off with different symptoms than before, many, unfortunately, get misdiagnosed and end up suffering from complications later.

The team of researchers have previously also found that the B.1.1.7 variant is deadlier than the original strain for all age groups, ethnicities, genders.

However, there's also a strange trend being noticed right now- the rising number of complications and even deaths being noticed amongst younger populations.

As per recent research, the new UK virus strain is particularly harmful to those under the age of 20, which includes younger kids too.

Since the virus can easily spread amongst young and healthy, could also be a reason why the virus is fast-spreading than before.