Different versions, or variants, of the virus that causes COVID-19 are emerging around the world. Every time a virus replicates, errors, known as mutations, occur in its genetic material. This is normal and it is how these variants occur. Most of the time, these changes either cause no impact or are harmful to the virus. But with the SARS-COv-2 variants, it has given the virus an advantage. The CDC has identified 4 variants from around the world that has caused concern in the US.
Alpha- United Kingdom. First detected Dec 2020. New cases are declining.
Beta-South Africa. First detected Jan 2021. Very few cases found here.
Gamma-Brazil.. First detected Jan 2021. Rare in the US.
Delta-India. First detected Mar 2021. Most dominant variant in the US right now accounting for 83% of cases.
Scientists are studying these variants closely to determine if they spread more easily and just how effective the available vaccines are against them. So far, the scientists feel confident that current vaccines work on these variants. What we know at this point is that those fully vaccinated remain highly effective against developing symptomatic infection and severe illness and/or hospitalization. The vaccines are not 100% effective and breakthrough cases have been reported. However, the infections that we are aware of have been mild or asymptomatic. We also know at this point that hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 are almost entirely limited to the unvaccinated.
With more transmissible variants emerging, it is important for unvaccinated people to continue practicing interventions such as wearing masks in public places, physical distancing and frequent hand washing. Vaccines continue to be one of our best tools at curbing the spread of the variant, preventing new generations of new variants, and returning to normal life.