Call
+918447748545

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

www.secondmedic.com

Read Blog

Difference Between Sadness and Depression: Understanding Normal Emotions vs Mental Illness

Feeling low or unhappy is a part of being human. However, not all low moods are the same. Many people confuse sadness with depression, which can delay proper support and treatment. Understanding the difference between sadness and depression is crucial for mental health awareness, early intervention and reducing stigma.

In India, mental health conditions are often misunderstood, with emotional distress frequently dismissed as temporary sadness.

What Is Sadness?

Sadness is a normal human emotion.

It usually occurs due to:

loss or disappointment
relationship issues
failure or stress
temporary life challenges

Sadness serves a psychological purpose, allowing individuals to process emotions and adapt.

Key Characteristics of Sadness

Sadness is:

situational
temporary
emotionally painful but manageable
responsive to support and positive events

A person experiencing sadness can still function, enjoy moments and feel hopeful.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a medical condition classified as a mood disorder.

It affects:

emotions
thinking patterns
behaviour
physical health

According to WHO, depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Core Symptoms of Depression

Depression involves a combination of symptoms such as:

persistent low mood
loss of interest or pleasure
fatigue
sleep disturbances
appetite changes
feelings of worthlessness
difficulty concentrating

These symptoms last at least two weeks or longer.

Duration: A Key Difference

One major difference lies in duration.

Sadness:

lasts hours or days
improves with time

Depression:

lasts weeks or months
persists despite positive events

Duration helps distinguish emotional response from illness.

Impact on Daily Functioning

Sadness:

allows continuation of work and relationships
may reduce motivation temporarily

Depression:

interferes with work, studies and relationships
reduces self-care and productivity

Functional impairment is a defining feature of depression.

Emotional Experience: Sadness vs Depression

Sadness:

allows emotional range
moments of joy still occur

Depression:

creates emotional numbness
joy and interest disappear

People with depression often describe feeling empty rather than sad.

Physical Symptoms in Depression

Depression is not only emotional.

Physical symptoms include:

chronic fatigue
body aches
headaches
digestive issues

ICMR mental health studies highlight the physical burden of depression.

Thought Patterns and Self-Perception

Sadness:

thoughts remain realistic
self-worth is preserved

Depression:

negative self-talk dominates
feelings of guilt and worthlessness increase

These cognitive changes deepen emotional suffering.

Risk Factors for Depression

Factors increasing depression risk include:

chronic stress
trauma
family history
medical illnesses
hormonal changes

NFHS-5 data indicates rising mental health concerns among young adults.

Can Sadness Turn Into Depression?

Yes, prolonged or unresolved sadness can progress into depression.

This is more likely when:

stressors are ongoing
support systems are weak
coping mechanisms are limited

Early emotional support can prevent progression.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek help if:

low mood lasts more than two weeks
daily functioning is affected
sleep and appetite are disturbed
thoughts of self-harm occur

Early care leads to better outcomes.

Treatment Differences

Sadness:

improves with rest, support and time

Depression:

requires psychotherapy
may need medication
benefits from structured care

WHO emphasises early treatment to reduce disability.

Role of Social Support

Support systems help both conditions but are essential for recovery.

Depression recovery improves with:

understanding family
supportive workplaces
accessible mental healthcare

Stigma reduction is key.

Mental Health Awareness in India

Mental health remains underdiagnosed in India.

NITI Aayog reports:

limited access to mental health services
low awareness
high stigma

Education helps bridge this gap.

Importance of Early Recognition

Recognising depression early:

prevents worsening
reduces suicide risk
improves quality of life

Delay increases suffering and complications.

Supporting Someone With Depression

Helpful actions include:

listening without judgement
encouraging professional help
avoiding minimising feelings

Compassion is more effective than advice.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between sadness and depression is essential for emotional wellbeing and mental health care. Sadness is a natural, temporary response to life events, while depression is a serious medical condition that affects thoughts, emotions and daily functioning. Recognising the signs early and seeking appropriate help can prevent long-term suffering and promote recovery. Mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical health.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Depression and Mental Health Disorders
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Mental Health Research and Burden
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Mental Health Indicators
Lancet – Depression, Disability and Public Health
NITI Aayog – National Mental Health Policy and Awareness Reports
Statista – Global and Indian Mental Health Trends

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.