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Since the end of 2020, the Corona virus has mutated into various new types or variants, namely Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. The new variant of the Corona virus has emerged and spread throughout the world, including Indonesia. So that you are not confused and more alert, let's know the difference.
So far, several experts and health institutions around the world, including WHO, have found mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The variant or type of the new Corona virus that causes COVID-19 is named the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variantBasically, all viruses, including the Corona virus or SARS-CoV-2, can indeed change and mutate over time. This is one form of defense from the virus so that it can continue to multiply.
Unfortunately, some of these changes can affect the rate of transmission or spread of the virus and the severity of the disease. It is also feared that the mutation of the Corona virus could affect the effectiveness of the available COVID-19 vaccine.
Differences of COVID-19 Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta Variants
A variant of a virus has one or more mutations that make it different from other variants. According to WHO, there are several variants of the new Corona virus that are included in the variants that need to be watched out for (variants of concern), namely:
1. Alpha Variant
- Variant code: 1.1.7
- First case found: England, September 2020
- Virus transmission rate: 43–90% more contagious than previous Corona viruses
- Severity of infection: is more likely to cause severe symptoms and an increased risk of hospitalization from the early coronavirus
The Alpha variant of COVID-19 is known to spread more quickly because it is better able to penetrate the human immune system. In fact, since April 2021 this variant has become one of the dominant variants of the Corona virus in the United States and Britain.
The case reports so far show that COVID-19 patients infected with the Alpha variant of the Corona virus can experience more severe symptoms. However, in people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, the symptoms of this variant of the Corona virus infection are generally milder2. Beta Variant
- Variant code: 1.351
- First case discovered: South Africa, May 2020
- The rate of transmission of the virus: unknown
- Severity of infection: more at risk of causing severe COVID-19 symptoms
The Beta variant of COVID-19 is also known to be more easily transmitted between humans. Symptoms of this variant of Corona virus infection are generally similar to the symptoms of COVID-19 in general, but the Beta variant of COVID-19 is known to be more resistant to several types of treatment.
However, recent research has shown that symptoms of the Beta variant of COVID-19 tend to be milder in people who have received COVID-19 vaccines, such as the Sinovac, Pfizer, and Moderna vaccines.
3. Gamma Variant
- Variant code: 1
- First case discovered: Brazil, November 2020
- The rate of transmission of the virus: unknown
- Severity of infection: likely to be resistant to COVID-19 treatment
This variant of COVID-19 was first discovered in Brazil and Japan. Although the type of mutation is different from other variants, the Gamma variant Corona virus is known to cause symptoms similar to other variants, such as the Beta variant.
Until now, the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine against the Gamma variant is still unknown and continues to be researched.
4. Delta Variant
- Variant code:1617.2
- First case discovered: India, October 2020
- Virus transmission rate: 30–100% more contagious than Alpha variant
- Severity of infection: the potential increased risk of requiring hospitalization is almost twice that of the Alpha variant
The Delta variant of the Corona virus is the most contagious and spreads quickly. Since the initial case was discovered until June 2021, the infection with the Delta variant has spread to 74 countries and has even become the dominant variant in India and the UK.
Delta variant Corona virus infection is known to be more common in young adults. In the UK, research has found that children and adults under the age of 50 are almost three times more likely to be infected with this variant. Until now, the reason why the Delta variant Corona virus spreads so quickly and is more dangerous is still unknown. However, several studies show that there are two possible reasons, namely the Delta variant of the Corona virus that reproduces faster and is easier to enter and is stronger against human cells.
However, the good news is that research so far shows that COVID-19 vaccines, such as the Astrazenca vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine, are considered capable of providing up to 60–79% protection against the Delta variant with a full dose of 2 doses.
Those are the various differences in the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants of COVID-19 that are important for you to understand. With the spread of the new variant, the current symptoms of COVID-19 can vary in severity as well.
However, in general, the symptoms of COVID-19 that arise due to infection with the new variant of the Corona virus are not much different from the symptoms of COVID-19 in general, including:
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Anosmia
In certain cases, the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants of COVID-19 can also cause more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest palpitations, reduced appetite, to decreased consciousness or coma.
These severe symptoms will generally be more at risk of appearing in the elderly group or people with comorbidities, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma.
Therefore, if you experience COVID-19 symptoms, don't take this condition lightly and immediately self-isolate, considering that the Alpha, Beta and Delta variants of COVID-19 have been found in Indonesia. If the symptoms do not improve, immediately consult a doctor.
Whatever the variant, the best way to prevent transmission of the Corona virus is to be disciplined in implementing health protocols, namely diligently washing hands, wearing masks, always keeping a distance from other people, and avoiding crowds.
In addition, vaccination is also an effective option to provide protection against various variants of the new Corona virus, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta.
If you still have questions regarding the differences in the new variant of COVID-19, you can ask the doctor directly via chat in the ALODOKTER application. Through this application, you can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital if you need an in-person examination.
Label : Health
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