What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Variants

Posted on: July 8, 2021 - 2:45pm
COVID variants

Why Does the Coronavirus Change?

Variants of viruses occur when there is a change — or mutation — to the virus’s genes. All RNA viruses mutate over time, some more than others. For example, flu viruses change often, which is why doctors recommend that you get a new flu vaccine every year.

Genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been emerging and circulating around the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants can sometimes result in the virus being more contagious, result in more severe illness, and may reduce the effectiveness of available treatments or vaccines

Variants in the United States

There are currently four notable variants being monitored in the United States:

  • B.1.1.7 (Alpha): This variant was first detected in the United States in December 2020. It was initially detected in the United Kingdom.
  • B.1.351 (Beta): This variant was first detected in the United States at the end of January 2021. It was initially detected in South Africa in December 2020.
  • P.1 (Gamma): This variant was first detected in the United States in January 2021. P.1 was initially identified in travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at an airport in Japan, in early January.
  • B.1.617.2 (Delta): This variant was first detected in the United States in March 2021.  It was initially identified in India in December 2020.

These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. An increase in the number of cases will put more strain on healthcare resources, lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths. Information suggests the Delta variant is more contagious than previous COVID-19 strains and is causing an increase in cases and hospitalizations, especially among communities with low rates of vaccination. To learn more about these variants and how they are being tracked, please visit the CDC website.

Protect Yourself Against COVID-19

As long as the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to spread within our communities, changes to the virus will continue to happen.

For inquiries or to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, call the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324 or email at health@easthartfordct.gov.