Thread by @DrDenaGrayson

🚨BAD NEWS: 2 cases of a new "more transmissible" #coronavirus variant linked to #SouthAfrica identified in the UK.

This new variant appears to have *mutated further* than the new B.1.1.7 variant recently discovered in the UK. [thread]

#COVID19
news.sky.com/story/covid-19…

CONCERNING: The UK recently reported a its own new #coronavirus variant (B.1.1.7) that may be more transmissible.

The UK and South African (501.V2) variants appear to be "more transmissible," but they're "very different" and are "different mutations".🧬

https://twitter.com/DrDenaGrayson/status/1341109261334695937?s=20

Both #coronavirus variants have the *same N501Y mutation* in the spike gene. The South African 501.V2 variant:

▶️Is more common in younger adults
▶️Has higher viral load, spreads more easily

The vaccines still appear to work, but that could change.💉

https://twitter.com/DrDenaGrayson/status/1341109272982204417?s=20

WORRISOME: there's evidence that the South African #coronavirus variant not only spreads more easily, but it may be causing more severe #COVID19 disease in young people and otherwise healthy people.

https://twitter.com/DrDenaGrayson/status/1341109282473979905?s=20

‼️Another reason that a natural #HerdImmunity "strategy" is stupid is that it gives the #coronavirus more chances to mutate into a variant that is more transmissible, more deadly, and/or evades the vaccines.

Please avoid gatherings and #WearAMask

https://twitter.com/DrDenaGrayson/status/1341778020978274305?s=20