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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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Digestive System Disorders: Common Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

The digestive system plays a vital role in overall health by breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. When this system does not function properly, it can lead to discomfort, poor nutrition and chronic illness. Digestive system disorders are increasingly common due to modern lifestyles, dietary habits and stress. Understanding their causes, symptoms and prevention strategies is essential for maintaining long-term gut health.

Public health research shows that a large proportion of adults experience digestive symptoms at some point in their lives, yet many delay seeking care until problems become severe.

What Are Digestive System Disorders?

Digestive system disorders are conditions that affect:

the oesophagus
stomach
intestines
liver
pancreas
gallbladder

They may be temporary or chronic and range from mild functional issues to serious inflammatory or structural diseases.

Common Digestive System Disorders

Acid Reflux and GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus.

Symptoms include:

heartburn
chest discomfort
sour taste in mouth
difficulty swallowing

Long-term reflux can damage the oesophagus if untreated.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional bowel disorder.

Symptoms include:

abdominal pain
bloating
diarrhoea or constipation
alternating bowel habits

Stress and diet often trigger symptoms.

Constipation

Constipation involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Causes include:

low fibre intake
dehydration
sedentary lifestyle

Chronic constipation affects comfort and gut function.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea results from rapid bowel movements.

Common causes include:

infections
food intolerance
medication side effects

Persistent diarrhoea may lead to dehydration and nutrient loss.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Ulcers are sores in the stomach or intestinal lining.

Symptoms include:

burning stomach pain
nausea
bloating

They are often linked to infections or long-term medication use.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms include:

chronic diarrhoea
abdominal pain
weight loss
fatigue

IBD requires long-term medical management.

Common Symptoms of Digestive Disorders

Digestive system disorders often present with:

abdominal pain or cramps
bloating and gas
nausea or vomiting
constipation or diarrhoea
heartburn
unexplained weight changes

Symptoms may fluctuate and worsen with stress or poor diet.

Causes of Digestive System Disorders

Poor Dietary Habits

Diets high in:

processed foods
refined sugars
unhealthy fats

strain the digestive system and alter gut microbiota.

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress affects gut-brain communication, worsening digestive symptoms.

Infections

Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections disrupt gut function.

Food Intolerances

Lactose, gluten or other intolerances cause digestive distress.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of physical activity slows digestion and bowel movement.

Medication Use

Certain medications irritate the stomach lining or alter gut flora.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

People at increased risk include:

individuals with poor diet
those under chronic stress
older adults
people with family history of gut disease
individuals with sedentary lifestyles

Early lifestyle correction reduces risk significantly.

Diagnosis of Digestive Disorders

Evaluation may include:

medical history
physical examination
blood tests
stool tests
imaging or endoscopy

Diagnosis depends on symptom severity and duration.

Treatment Approaches

Medical Management

Treatment varies by condition and may include:

acid suppressants
anti-inflammatory medications
probiotics
antibiotics when needed

Dietary Modifications

increase fibre intake
limit trigger foods
eat regular meals
avoid excessive alcohol

Diet plays a central role in gut health.

Lifestyle Changes

manage stress
exercise regularly
stay hydrated
maintain sleep routine

Healthy habits support digestive function.

Prevention Tips for Digestive Health

Eat a Balanced Diet

Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

Stay Hydrated

Water supports digestion and prevents constipation.

Manage Stress

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques improve gut-brain balance.

Be Physically Active

Movement stimulates bowel activity and gut motility.

Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol

These irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.

Seek Early Medical Advice

Early care prevents complications and chronic disease.

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Digestive Problems

Untreated digestive disorders may lead to:

nutrient deficiencies
chronic inflammation
poor quality of life
increased disease complications

Early intervention is more effective and less invasive.

When to Consult a Doctor

Medical advice is recommended if:

symptoms persist beyond weeks
pain is severe
blood appears in stool
unexplained weight loss occurs

Prompt evaluation ensures safe management.

Conclusion

Digestive system disorders are common but often underestimated health issues. Symptoms such as bloating, pain, constipation and heartburn may seem minor initially but can signal deeper problems if ignored. Understanding causes, recognising early symptoms and adopting preventive habits help protect digestive health. With timely care, balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices, most digestive disorders can be effectively managed, allowing the digestive system to function smoothly and support overall wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Digestive Health and Nutrition Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Digestive Disorders and Gut Health Guideline
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Dietary Fibre and Gut Health Researc
Lancet – Gastrointestinal Disease and Prevention Studies
Indian Journal of Gastroenterology – Digestive Disorder Research
Statista – Digestive Health Trends and Lifestyle Factors

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