CONCERNING: The UK recently reported a its own new #coronavirus variant (B.1.1.7) that may be more transmissible.

The UK and South African (501.V2) variants appear to be "more transmissible," but they're "very different" and are "different mutations".🧬 https://twitter.com/DrDenaGrayson/status/1341109261334695937?s=20
Both #coronavirus variants have the *same N501Y mutation* in the spike gene. The South African 501.V2 variant:

▶️Is more common in younger adults
▶️Has higher viral load, spreads more easily

The vaccines still appear to work, but that could change.đź’‰ https://twitter.com/DrDenaGrayson/status/1341109272982204417?s=20
WORRISOME: there's evidence that the South African #coronavirus variant not only spreads more easily, but it may be causing more severe #COVID19 disease in young people and otherwise healthy people. https://twitter.com/DrDenaGrayson/status/1341109282473979905?s=20
‼️Another reason that a natural #HerdImmunity "strategy" is stupid is that it gives the #coronavirus more chances to mutate into a variant that is more transmissible, more deadly, and/or evades the vaccines.

Please avoid gatherings and #WearAMask https://twitter.com/DrDenaGrayson/status/1341778020978274305?s=20
You can follow @DrDenaGrayson.
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