The Delta variant of coronavirus has been making headlines a lot lately due to all kinds of issues stemming from it.
Earlier today, we revealed that the Delta variant is displaying a worrying ability to evade the vaccine and cause severe illness.
Experts are saying that those figures support the shots’ effectiveness. There are three main reasons why, as revealed by Fox News.
We suggest that you check out our previous article in order to learn more details about the reasons for which Delta can escape vaccines.
Why is Delta such a worry – 2 crucial mutations
Experts have found 20 important mutations in the Delta covid variant, but two of them are the crucial ones.
The first is the L452R mutation, which is also found in the Epsilon variant, designated by the WHO as a variant of interest, according to the latest reports.
This mutation increases the spike protein’s ability to bind to human cells, and this means that this is increasing its infectiousness.
The second one is a novel T478K mutation.
“This mutation is located in the region of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein which interacts with the human ACE2 receptor, which facilitates viral entry into lung cells,” according to The Conversation online publication.
The same online publication noted that the most feared consequences of any variant of concern relate to the following:
“infectiousness, severity of disease, and immunity conferred by previous infection and vaccines.”
WHO is estimating the fact that Delta is 55% more transmissible than the Alpha variant, which was itself around 50% more transmissible than the original Wuhan virus.
It’s been also revealed that WHO warned that besides vaccination, public health measures such as isolation, powerful surveillance, and clinical care are still the key to remain alive and healthy these days.
Stay tuned for more news, and make sure to stay healthy!
