This variant may be more contagious than the Delta, as well as potentially, at least somewhat, vaccine resistant.
We thought we’d be getting rid of the novel coronavirus pandemic, at least in a small way, by this point. Somehow, the world remains in the thick of it, and while the medical and scientific communities are learning new ways of treating those with the illness, the virus still remains a deadly global threat without any real cure.
There are a few problems that continue to arise, and while some are avoidable, others aren’t. Getting vaccinated can help you survive the virus, should you catch it. The trouble is large numbers of people are refusing the vaccine, and others don’t yet have access to it, giving the virus that causes COVID-19 the chance to spread and replicate.
One of the most recent causes for concern at the time of this writing is the spread of the Mu variant. Here’s what we know about it.
What are coronavirus variants?
Every virus eventually develops variants. Viruses are constantly evolving in order to better survive in the world. Variants are strains of the virus that are different from the original but similar enough to be considered the same virus. For instance, a virus might develop a variant that’s more contagious than the original. Viruses live inside people, and they need us to catch them in order to stay alive, and so evolving to be more contagious helps them thrive.
Related: How to Clean and Disinfect Your Mask
To date, there are several variants of the novel coronavirus circulating the globe. Some are more harmful than others, and experts are continually learning more about them.
There are Variants of Interest, Variants of Concern, and Variants of High Consequence. The Mu variant was recently listed as a Variant of Interest (VOI) by the World Health Organization.
Characteristics of the Mu variant
The Mu variant was first identified in Colombia in the earlier days of 2021. One of the alarming things about this variant is that it may be vaccine resistant. Experts aren’t yet certain to what degree this could be, and if this variant will succeed in taking over the now dominant Delta variant.
- Possibly vaccine resistant
- Maybe more contagious
- Possibly more resistant to current COVID-19 treatments
The Mu variant may also prove to be increasingly resistant to COVID-19 treatments that are now being used to save lives in hospitals such as steroids.
At the moment, the Delta variant is the most contagious strain of COVID-19 circulating and is dominating the infection scene. Time will tell if the Mu variant will outstrip its standing and take its place.
How to protect yourself against the MU variant
The only known effective ways of protecting yourself against the Mu variant and any other strains of the virus causing COVID-19 are to get vaccinated, wear a mask, keep your hands clean, and practice social distancing. Getting your coronavirus vaccine is likely the strongest step you can take towards protecting your life from the virus.
photo credits: blvdone/Shutterstock.com
