DELTA PLUS VARIANT: FACTS THAT WE MUST KNOW

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Delta Plus Variant Facts that we must know
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Background

• The Indian government detected a new mutation in
  the Delta coronavirus variant and classified it
  to be a variant of concern. The new variant,
  known as Delta plus, AY.1 or B.1.617.2.1, has
  an extra mutation in the spike protein of the
  SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes Covid-19.
  This variant has already been identified in over
  111 countries. Mutations are the rule rather than
  the exception in the biological world. It's no
  wonder that the latest pathogen of interest to
  the globe - SARS CoV-2 - is also actively engaged
  in this process. It is intriguing to note that
  compared to our old foe - Influenza - the SARS
  CoV-2 virus mutates at a rate 4 times SLOWER!
  Yet, we have provided the right ecosystem for
  this virus to develop multiple mutants/variants
  that have clinical implications on us.

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Variant of concern

• Over the last year, starting from the "original"
  Wuhan strain, we have come to the Delta -Plus
  strain. We should all remember that while a
  multitude of variants has evolved in different
  parts of this world over this time, only very few
  of these variants show a significant change in
  the virus behavior. It affects either
  transmission capability, disease manifestations,
  or ability to escape the treatment/preventive
  options like Monoclonal Antibodies and Vaccines.
  These mutants are called "Variants of Concern".
  Thus, we have a variant of concern called " Delta
  Variant" (B.1.617.2) which acquired an additional
  mutation called K417N, which was initially seen
  with the "South African strain/Beta Variant" -
  becoming the Delta-Plus strain. 
• This was concerning as this Beta Variant was
  associated with the "immune escape" - meaning the
  ability of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to
  neutralize this strain is diminished. However,
  this is yet to be proven in the case of Delta
  Plus! We do not yet know if this strain is
  associated with higher transmissibility, more
  serious disease manifestations, or the "immune
  escape" abilities. What we know for sure is that
  non-pharmacological interventions (social
  distancing, universal masking, and hand hygiene)
  work effectively in prevention irrespective of
  the variants. And when the transmission is
  reduced, the opportunities for developing
  mutations decrease, thus help us retain the
  efficacy of the present pharmacological
  interventions - vaccines, drugs, and monoclonal
  antibodies.

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What we can continue to do to safeguard against
Delta Plus?

• Maintain social distancing
• Vaccination should be prioritized at all costs
• Wear 'double mask' to increase protection when
  you're outdoor and in crowded places 
• Stay Home, Stay Safe mantra to be followed. Avoid
  going outside or step out, only if necessary 
• Keep your children indoors and ask them not to
  touch contaminated surfaces
• Apart from that, wash your hands regularly or
  sanitize them

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Thanks