Double mutation of Covid-19 strain not necessarily a cause of concern: ICMR

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The double mutation of the coronavirus strain is not necessarily a cause of concern, said ICMR’s scientist Dr Samiran Panda in an exclusive video interview to Money9. He said that mutations are a normal phenomenon in all viruses and need not always be deadlier than the original, known genome structure of a virus.

Panda said that SARS-COV2 – the strain that causes coronavirus – is going though expected mutations. “We need not be panicked at all,” he said.

What’s a double mutation?

“When we see mapped mutations of known changes happening, two of them, in the same virion, is called double mutation,” he said. This mean that the same cell goes through two known changes at one time instead of going through one change at a time.

“For human beings who get infected by the mutant, does not mean that the virus has changed its strategy of transmission,” he said. Rather, the virus is using the same pattern of transmission – through an infected person sneezing, coughing or even talking.

“We need to know how to protect ourselves. That stays true as in the old way. Time tested proven measures need to apply,” Panda said referring to the prevention protocols of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.

Is it deadlier?

All mutants are not deadlier, Panda said. They may even be weaker. However, some are more transmissible, he told Money9, adding that mutations are expected to happen and is completely normal.

This particular double mutation variant, is still being studied.

Is Covaxin a better bet?

ICMR tests, as per Panda, show that those who received Covaxin, have been more immune to UK variant. “The double mutant needs to be studied, but Covaxin has a better chance. It has proven to be better against UK and Brazilian strains,” he said.

He also mentioned that the number of people with double mutants is very small.

What does the vaccine do?

Panda said that the two doses of vaccines, once administered, will help the vaccinated person gain immunity against any strain. Even if the vaccinated individual falls prey to the virus, the vaccine doses administered will reduce the chances of advanced stages of severe conditions and even fatality.

Should the vaccine strategy change?

One thing to change is to ramp up the vaccination plan, Panda said. “Uptake needs to be high. Hesitancy needs to go. If large proportions of the population receive the vaccine, it is a barrier against the virus inducing severe conditions or fatality,” he said.

Lockdown or unlock?

Panda said lockdown is not a long term solution. Behaviour change with respect to following covid protocols is important.

Watch the video here: