Mutations can be a helpful evolutionary tool they’re the reason chameleons can change color to blend into surroundings and finches’ beaks changed to eat different foods but mutations to COVID-19 viruses as they quickly reproduce in living cells are causing concern in the United States.
One variant COVID-19 strain caused by a mutation to the virus’ surface, B.1.1.7, also known as the United Kingdom strain, was recently identified as the dominant virus strain across the country.
More 3,000 cases of variant strains have now been identified in Florida, 33 of those cases in Alachua County.
What are COVID-19 variants?
The large family of viruses called coronavirus is named for its crown-like spikes, which can undergo changes. Over time, these mutations can create an entirely new form of the virus, called a variant.
The rise of COVID-19 variants may impact our strategy to end the pandemic winknews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from winknews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Most St. Johns County residents who are 65 and older have been vaccinated, but that doesn t mean they should strip off their masks and stop taking precautions, health-care leaders said.
While the vaccine is bringing relief to thousands of people locally, safety measures are still necessary to protect oneself and others after getting vaccinated.
Dr. Nicole Iovine, chief epidemiology officer for the UF Health Shands Hospital system, said people should continue taking normal precautions following their vaccinations for a couple of reasons. We know that the vaccines currently available are highly effective. However, they re not 100%. I mean, nothing is really 100%, right? So there s still 5 or 6% of people who may still develop illness with COVID despite being vaccinated, she said. And for people that might have compromised immune systems, we don t know, but that number might be higher.
Hold on to that COVID vaccine card
Millions of adults who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 have little proof beyond the paper card they get when getting their first dose, reported the Wall Street Journal.
According to the WSJ, the United States currently has no central database to document vaccinations, and states only keep an incomplete patchwork of records.
Also, there’s no standard proof of COVID-19 vaccination like the yellow fever cards required for entry to many countries where that disease is prevalent.
As certain countries and businesses prepare to mandate digital proof of vaccination as a requirement for entry and travel, your paper card may be the only way to conduct business or access those countries.