How Can We Stop New Variants from Emerging?

The coronavirus has been causing the pandemic for the past two years. However, it has since developed from its initial strain and gone to make mutations and variants that are even more dangerous. The emergence of new variants even now is proof that the pandemic is far from over. To prevent them from causing further harm, it is also important to find out how we can stop new variants from emerging.

How Can We Stop New Variants from Emerging?

The more a virus spreads and remains, the more chances it has of mutating. Existing viruses constantly mutate and some of these mutations are what cause new variants. The emergence of new variants also possesses increased concern whether it will be more dangerous than the version of the coronavirus that existed before. This is why it becomes crucial to know how this emergence of new variants can be stopped. The following are some factors that can help stop new variants from emerging.

• Global Vaccination

Vaccination drives are currently going on in almost all nations of the world. While vaccines certainly offer a degree of protection against new variants, it is simply not enough to personally rely on vaccines. It is crucial that all citizens of the world get vaccinated as soon as possible. People who remain unvaccinated, due to whatever reason, not only run the risk of developing COVID-19 themselves, but also provide chances for hosting the coronavirus and even leading to its mutation. The more the coronavirus continues to transmit, the more chances it has to evolve. Therefore, it is imperative that everyone gets vaccinated as soon as possible to stay safe as well as to not let the coronavirus produce new variants.

• Effective Vaccines Against All Strains

At this point, it is an established fact that the coronavirus will continue to produce new variants and will continue to mutate. Therefore, it is best to be prepared for such. Although the global population is lucky that the existing vaccines have worked against the variants for now, it might not do so if a variant emerges that has the capacity to surpass the currently developed immune system in the global population. 

• Genomic Sequencing and Surveillance

One of the most important steps that could help to tackle new variants is genomic sequencing and surveillance. Through genomic sequencing, it is possible to grasp the possibilities of t a new variant and what its consequences might be. It can also reveal other information such as whether it will be more infectious than the previously existing variants, whether it will be able to evade the current levels of immunity present in the general populace and such. This can help us better prepare for any new wave that might come and also significantly contribute to the development of a vaccine that is effective against all current variants of the coronavirus and those which might develop in the future. However, currently, the speed of genome sequencing and subsequent surveillance is not as high as it should be. 

Endnotes

The pandemic is far from over and it is necessary that everyone remains alert to that fact. While vaccines offer a certain degree of increased protection from the coronavirus, the possibilities for contracting COVID-19 are not completely nil. Therefore, other COVID-19 regulations such as wearing masks and using sanitizers should be diligently followed for everyone’s benefit.  

Also read: Are the symptms of omicron variant any different?

Is COVID-19 variant Omicron worse than Delta variant?

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.