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

www.secondmedic.com

Read Blog

Mental Health Issues in Indian Elderly: A Growing Concern Often Overlooked

India’s senior population is growing faster than ever before. By 2050, one in five Indians will be above 60 years of age - a remarkable demographic shift. But behind this silver lining lies a silent crisis: mental health among India’s elderly.

The Hidden Struggle Behind Aging

Old age brings wisdom, but also biological and emotional challenges. Retirement, loss of loved ones, financial dependency, or health decline can trigger mental distress. Yet, these issues often go unnoticed because families mistake them for “normal signs of aging.”

According to the National Mental Health Survey by NIMHANS, nearly 20% of India’s elderly experience mental health issues, especially depression and anxiety. In rural areas, the situation is worse due to lack of awareness and healthcare access.

Common Mental Health Problems in Indian Seniors

Depression - Often triggered by loneliness, bereavement, or chronic illnesses. Signs include low mood, hopelessness, loss of interest, or changes in appetite and sleep.
Dementia - A progressive decline in memory and cognition, often misinterpreted as forgetfulness. India has over 5 million dementia patients, projected to double by 2050.
Anxiety & Sleep Disorders - Worries about health, finances, or safety cause insomnia, irritability, or constant tension.
Substance Use - Some elderly turn to alcohol or sedatives to cope, worsening mental health.
Psychosomatic Disorders - Emotional pain often manifests physically - headaches, fatigue, or chronic pain without clear medical cause.

Cultural & Social Roots of the Crisis

India’s traditional joint family system once offered emotional security. But with urbanization and migration, many elders now live alone or in old-age homes. The HelpAge India (2024) survey found that 47% of elderly Indians feel neglected by their families, and 36% experience loneliness regularly.

Moreover, stigma remains strong - elders hesitate to discuss “mental illness” for fear of being labeled weak or burdensome.

Health System Challenges

Despite national programs like NPHCE, access to geriatric psychiatry or counseling is still limited. Less than 10% of primary healthcare centers have a trained mental health professional.

However, initiatives like Tele-MANAS (2023) - India’s national mental health helpline (14416) - are bridging the gap by providing free counseling and referral support through phone and telemedicine.

Steps Toward Better Elderly Mental Health

Regular Screening: Routine depression and cognitive checks during health visits.
Community Programs: Local NGOs, senior clubs, and faith groups can provide social support.
Family Awareness: Encourage open dialogue, empathy, and daily engagement.
Physical Activity: Even gentle yoga or morning walks improve mood and sleep.
Digital Inclusion: Teach seniors to use smartphones for connecting with family or online therapy platforms.

The Role of Platforms Like SecondMedic

SecondMedic integrates mental wellness and teleconsultation for senior citizens - offering easy video counseling, medication delivery, and home diagnostics. Elderly patients can book sessions without traveling long distances or waiting in clinics, ensuring comfort and privacy.

Conclusion

Mental health in India’s elderly isn’t just a medical issue - it’s a social one. Aging should bring peace, not isolation. Recognizing emotional distress, breaking stigma, and encouraging conversation can transform how we care for our elders.

A healthy heart and body mean little without a healthy mind. Let’s make sure our elders live with dignity, purpose, and connection.

Help your loved ones find care from the comfort of home - Book an online mental wellness consultation on SecondMedic today ? https://www.secondmedic.com

Real Data, Surveys & Links

National Mental Health Survey (NIMHANS, 2023): 15–20% elderly with mental disorders.
nimhans.ac.in
HelpAge India Report 2024: 47% of elders feel neglected by families.
helpageindia.org
National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Govt. initiative for senior health.
nhp.gov.in
Tele-MANAS Helpline (MoHFW, 2023): 14416 - free national mental health line.
mohfw.gov.in

Dementia India Report (AIIMS & ARDSI, 2024): 5.3 million affected, projected to double by 2050.
ardsi.org

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.