Observations on COVID variants

The below has been put together based on collective feedback of citizens on LocalCircles who have themselves experienced COVID or had a family member who experienced COVID recently and what Scientists, Epidemiologists and Doctors are reporting. There are some assumptions made but if you are the one who would rather error on the side of caution, you may please take note:

1) The two dominant strains in India currently are B.1.1.7 (UK variant) and B.1.617.2 (Indian variant or Triple Mutant)

2) The B.1.1.7 is likely causing mild COVID while B.1.617.2 is causing more aggressive COVID. The sudden oxygen drop cases we are hearing about can likely be attributed mostly to B.1.617.2

3) In case of B.1.617.2, the symptoms are likely showing as early as 36-48 hours after exposure

4) People are contracting B.1.617.2 despite taking one or both vaccine doses and with moderate or severe symptoms. In case some one contracts B.1.1.7 post one or both vaccine doses, the symptoms are mostly mild.

5) Even if someone has had COVID once i.e. D614G or 2020 strain or B.1.1.7, they can get B.1.617.2 thereafter

6) People are contracting B.1.617.2 via air transmission route (without human/droplet contact)

Given all the above:

1) Stay home. Go out only for emergencies or to earn livelihood and nothing else.

2) If you must go out, it is strongly suggested that you wear a N95 (non valve) or KN95 mask.

3) If you have any visitors coming home, insist on double masking and keep disposable masks handy to give to them. 90% Cloth masks have near zero effectiveness and 50% Indians are reportedly using them.

4) If you are taking a vaccine dose, get a RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Test done before it. Vaccinating an asymptomatic COVID+ve individual can overstimulate their immune response making COVD moderate or severe.

Stay Home, Stay Safe. Only together, we will get through this! more