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Published on: Jan 02, 2021
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

COVID-19 Variant: What We Know About This New Mutation

COVID-19 Variant: What we know about this new mutation

In early December a new variant of COVID -19 was detected in the UK, raising concerns across the world. SARS-CoV-2 has already significantly impacted the world, with 84 million cases worldwide and nearly 2 million deaths. Could the new variant cause further havoc? Is it something we should be worried about? Today we will have a look at what we know so far about the virus.

MUTAGENESIS

To start with we should go over viral mutations. Unlike complex organisms, viruses are highly prone to genetic mutations, even more than bacteria. All organisms including humans, birds, even worms, are prone to mutations as well. However due to their complexity, there is much higher risk of mutations causing significant problems with their cellular and genetic processes, problems that are often incompatible with life, or lead to cancer. For this reason, there are significant genetic roadblocks present to prevent such mutations from occurring.

Viruses on the other hand have genetic replication machinery of poor “quality”, prone to introducing mutations. Since they replicate quickly, with little care on which viral particles survive, it matters little if hundreds of viruses do not survive, as further thousands will and continue to spread in their host. It is for this reason we have such difficulty treating viruses or making viruses against them .

COVID VARIANT

The variant was first picked up by the COVID-19 Genomics UK consortium, which undertakes random genetic sequencing of positive COVID-19 samples across the UK. Since April they have sequenced 140,000 virus genomes, to identify and track outbreaks across the UK. The strain was first identified in September and sequenced in early October. However, the significance of this strain was not realized until the end of the year. By 13th December 1108 cases had been identified across 60 different locations, though the true number is likely much higher. In Norfolk, it accounts for nearly 20% of all samples.

17 Variations have been identified, most significantly in the spike protein the virus uses to bind to the ACE2 receptor found in the lungs. Changes in this protein may have resulted in it being more infectious and spreading more quickly between people. A review of current evidence has shown the rate of transmission was 71% higher than the other variants and may also have a much higher viral load. This has given it an advantage over the other COVID-19 strains- it has already been detected in South Africa, Europe, and America, and it is likely to become the dominant global strain in the near future.

It appears children are more susceptible to catching this virus. The virus propagated at a time when schools were open and running, whilst the rest of the country remained in lockdown. This may have provided a larger pool of children for the virus to spread in, resulting in this change. However, this does not mean that the virus “attacks” children, rather it is able to attach to ACE2 receptors in children’s lungs with greater ease and spread quickly.

VACCINE

The most important question on everyone’s mind – will the vaccine be effective against this new strain? If not, lockdown rules may be extended until new vaccines are discovered, and by then newer strains may leapfrog ahead and make the new vaccines irrelevant again.

So far experts believe that the new variant is unlikely to make vaccines ineffective. The vaccines all produce antibodies against the viral spike protein, but so far it appears the mutation has not changed the shape or function of the spike protein enough for antibodies to fail against it. The antibodies should be able to recognize enough sites on the spike protein to successfully attach, neuter the protein, and present the virus for destruction by the body’s immune system. Unfortunately, it will take some time to fully understand the effects of the mutation, though we can remain hopeful for now

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Importance of Hydration for Organs: How Water Keeps the Body Functioning

Water is the most essential nutrient for human survival, yet it is often the most neglected. Every cell, tissue and organ in the body depends on adequate hydration to function properly. The importance of hydration for organs becomes clear when we understand how even mild dehydration can disrupt critical physiological processes.

In India’s climate, with high temperatures and humidity in many regions, dehydration risk is especially high, making conscious hydration a daily health priority.

Why Water Is Vital for the Human Body

The human body is made up of approximately 60 percent water. This water:

transports nutrients and oxygen
regulates body temperature
removes waste products
supports metabolic reactions

Without adequate hydration, organ systems begin to struggle.

Hydration and Kidney Health

The kidneys are among the most hydration-dependent organs.

Proper hydration:

helps kidneys filter blood efficiently
flushes out toxins and waste
reduces risk of kidney stones

Chronic dehydration forces kidneys to concentrate urine, increasing strain and long-term damage risk. According to Indian Council of Medical Research data, dehydration is a major contributor to kidney stone formation in India.

Brain Function and Hydration

The brain is highly sensitive to hydration levels.

Even mild dehydration can cause:

headaches
difficulty concentrating
memory issues
irritability

Studies published in the Lancet show that dehydration negatively affects cognitive performance and mood, even before thirst becomes noticeable.

Heart and Circulatory System

Hydration plays a critical role in cardiovascular health.

Adequate water intake:

maintains blood volume
supports smooth circulation
reduces strain on the heart

Dehydration thickens blood, making the heart work harder and potentially increasing the risk of low blood pressure, dizziness and cardiovascular stress.

Digestive System and Hydration

Water supports digestion at every stage.

It helps:

break down food
absorb nutrients
prevent constipation

Chronic low water intake is linked to digestive discomfort, bloating and poor gut motility.

Liver Function and Detoxification

The liver relies on water to:

metabolise nutrients
detoxify harmful substances
support metabolic balance

Inadequate hydration slows detoxification processes and increases metabolic strain.

Muscle and Joint Health

Muscles and joints contain significant water content.

Hydration:

prevents muscle cramps
supports joint lubrication
reduces injury risk

Dehydrated muscles fatigue faster and recover more slowly.

Skin as an Organ and Hydration

The skin is the body’s largest organ.

Adequate hydration:

maintains skin elasticity
supports barrier function
reduces dryness and irritation

While water alone is not a cure for skin problems, chronic dehydration worsens skin health.

Hydration and Immune Function

Water supports immune health by:

enabling transport of immune cells
aiding removal of toxins
supporting lymphatic circulation

WHO recognises hydration as a foundational element of immune system support.

Effects of Dehydration on Multiple Organs

Dehydration affects the body systemically.

Common effects include:

fatigue
dizziness
reduced urine output
dark-coloured urine
dry mouth and eyes

Severe dehydration can lead to organ failure if untreated.

Why Dehydration Often Goes Unnoticed

Many people confuse thirst with hunger or fatigue.

Risk factors include:

busy work schedules
excessive caffeine intake
high temperatures
inadequate fluid intake

By the time thirst is felt, dehydration has already begun.

Hydration Needs Vary by Individual

Water requirements depend on:

age
body size
physical activity
climate
health conditions

General guidelines suggest 2–3 litres daily for adults, but individual needs may vary.

Hydration and Chronic Disease Prevention

Proper hydration supports prevention of:

kidney disease
urinary tract infections
constipation
heat-related illness

NITI Aayog and WHO highlight hydration as a basic preventive health measure.

Best Practices for Staying Hydrated

Effective hydration strategies include:

drinking water regularly throughout the day
increasing intake during heat or physical activity
consuming water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables
limiting sugary and caffeinated beverages

Consistency matters more than quantity in a single sitting.

Signs You May Need More Water

Watch for:

frequent fatigue
headaches
dry skin
reduced urination
poor concentration

These are early indicators of dehydration.

Role of Preventive Health Awareness

Preventive healthcare focuses on simple daily habits.

Hydration:

costs nothing
supports every organ
reduces disease risk

Small habits deliver large long-term benefits.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if experiencing:

persistent dehydration symptoms
kidney or urinary issues
dizziness or fainting
chronic fatigue

Underlying conditions may require medical evaluation.

Conclusion

The importance of hydration for organs cannot be overstated. Water supports kidney filtration, brain function, heart circulation, digestion, immunity and overall metabolic balance. Even mild dehydration disrupts organ performance and increases health risks over time. In busy modern lifestyles, consciously prioritising daily hydration is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect vital organs and maintain long-term health. Consistent water intake is not just a habit—it is a foundation for organ health and wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Hydration and Kidney Health Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Water Intake and Health Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Nutrition and Lifestyle Data
Lancet – Hydration, Cognitive Function and Organ Health Research
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Lifestyle Recommendations
Statista – Global Hydration and Health Trends

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