COVID-19 Variants Emerge Approximately Every Two Weeks - Professor A. Sharman Advises Increased COVID-19 Safety Precautions in Almaty
In an interview conducted by the Regional Communications Service of Almaty, the president of the Academy of Preventive Medicine of Kazakhstan, Almassh Sharman, discussed the ongoing epidemiological situation and the possible mutation of the coronavirus.
The Ongoing Evolution of SARS-CoV-2
Professor Sharman highlighted that viruses, including coronaviruses, mutate at least twice a month. This rapid mutation leads to the emergence of new variants, some of which are more transmissible than others. The professor emphasised the importance of understanding that the mutation of the coronavirus is a part of its evolutionary process to survive and coexist with humans.
The Role of Environment and Behaviour
While COVID-19 is not strictly seasonal like influenza, it can exhibit seasonal patterns due to factors like reduced sunlight and increased indoor crowding during winter, which may enhance viral stability and transmission. The mutation of the coronavirus, particularly SARS-CoV-2, contributes to its year-round transmission rather than making it strictly seasonal.
The Importance of Precautions
Professor Sharman stressed the importance of maintaining hand hygiene, wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and keeping a distance of at least two meters from others. He also advised against attending weddings, funerals, and gatherings in closed, poorly ventilated rooms.
The Impact of Vaccination
Vaccination against COVID-19 triggers both B and T cell responses. These immune cells offer protection against severe disease by recognising and attacking the virus, even as it mutates. Regular updates to COVID-19 vaccines aim to ensure they remain effective against emerging variants. For example, the WHO recommends updated shots for vulnerable populations to maintain protection. This ongoing vaccination effort helps maintain population immunity, which can influence the virus's ability to spread seasonally or year-round.
In summary, while COVID-19 mutations contribute to its year-round transmission, seasonal variations in transmission can occur due to environmental and behavioural factors. Vaccination plays a crucial role in maintaining population immunity, which can mitigate the impact of these mutations on seasonal transmission patterns.
The interview did not provide any specific recommendations for the residents and guests of the megacity Almaty. However, it serves as a reminder for everyone to follow public health guidelines to protect themselves and others from the virus.
[1] Almaty.tv. (2021). Interview with Almassh Sharman about the coronavirus mutation. [online] Available at: https://almaty.tv/news/interview-with-almassh-sharman-about-the-coronavirus-mutation/
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). COVID-19 Transmission. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/science/science-briefs/transmission.html
[3] World Health Organization. (2021). COVID-19 Variants. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/
[4] World Health Organization. (2020). Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/seasonal-influenza-and-covid-19
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). COVID-19 Vaccines. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
- The ongoing evolution of the coronavirus, particularly SARS-CoV-2, involves regular mutations that can result in different medical-conditions, emphasizing the significance of ongoing research in science and health-and-wellness to keep up with these changes.
- As the professor discussed, although COVID-19 is not strictly seasonal, its transmission can be influenced by environmental factors and human behavior, making science and health-and-wellness precautions like hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing crucial for managing the virus.
