Today, Explained The virus gets more contagious
Jan 5, 2021
Brian Resnick, a senior science reporter at Vox.com, delves into the evolving landscape of the coronavirus. He explains how recent mutations have led to a more contagious variant emerging from the UK. The conversation emphasizes the crucial need for heightened vigilance and improved surveillance measures. Resnick discusses vaccine efficacy against these new strains, particularly for Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, and tackles the complex challenges of vaccine distribution and public hesitancy, shining light on the urgency of proactive measures to safeguard public health.
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Virus Mutations
- Viruses, especially SARS-CoV-2, constantly mutate while replicating.
- Most mutations are insignificant, but some can make the virus weaker or stronger.
Highly Contagious Strain
- A new, more transmissible variant is causing concern, especially in the UK.
- It appears to spread 50% more easily, demanding extra caution.
Increased Caution
- Continue practicing known safety measures to prevent spread.
- Consider the increased transmissibility when assessing risks, like travel.