The new coronavirus is mutating in an attempt to elude vaccines and treatments, putting a greater onus on Americans to get vaccinated and use social distancing measures to avoid infection, U.S. health officials said Friday.
New COVID-19 variants out of South Africa and Brazil -- B.1.351 and P1, respectively -- contain a mutation called E484K, "which results in changes in the shape of the virus spike protein such that neutralizing antibodies might not bind as well as it does in the absence of the mutation," explained Dr. Jay Butler, deputy director for infectious diseases at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He spoke during a media briefing from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) on Friday.
But experts also stressed that even a weakened vaccine can still largely protect folks from what they most fear: A severe case of COVID-19 disease.
Of course, once again, this is concentrating on antibodies, forgetting about T-cells and Natural Killer Cells. There is more than just the one layer of protection.
I read on BBC web site that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines should have some protection from the new variants and the two new ones coming along, but nothing about the Oxford vaccine. which is a little worrying as most of the vaccines given out in the UK are the Oxford one. Is there any further up dates on this?
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Good morning all :)
