The new COVID-19 strain is 56 per cent more contagious. The new strain of the COVID-19 virus was discovered in southeast England in November after which the British government reimpose the restrictions in the UK and nearby areas. The new variant of coronavirus is named “VUI 202012/01”. It includes a genetic mutation in the “spike” protein that can lead to easy and immediate spread of the virus, making it deadlier. This new variant has 17 mutations that affect the shape of the virus, including the spike protein from which the coronavirus family gets its name.
With the new variant of the virus, the three most common symptoms of fever, dry cough and loss of smell and taste remain the same. But there are seven other symptoms that have been associated with the new variant. The symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, headache, muscle pain and mental confusion.
