We're all exhausted by social distancing, masks, and the constant need for sanitization. Unfortunately, a new wave of COVID-19 mutations is proving to be far more contagious than the original strain. While it's still early in our understanding, there's growing concern that some variants may reduce the effectiveness of current vaccines or natural immunity. This has led many people to ask: should we change our behavior?
The short answer is: not necessarily. However, health experts are taking extra precautions, like switching to N95 respirators and avoiding crowded places even more. Here’s what you need to know:
- New mutations are more transmissible and may challenge existing immunity. Although we've identified these changes, data is still being gathered.
- More variants could emerge over time, and some might be even more dangerous.
- Experts hope the pandemic will end by the end of 2021, but it's wise to prepare for things to worsen before they improve.
- If these new strains become dominant—like in the UK and Ireland—governments may reimpose lockdowns and stricter measures.
- Countries like Germany have already started requiring better-quality masks due to these concerns.
- If you're worried about supply shortages, it's reasonable to start preparing now.
**What could new variants do?**
There are three main types of variants to watch for:
1. **More Transmissible Variants**: These spread faster, like the B.1.1.7 (UK) or CAL.20C (California) variants. They’re already causing surges in cases.
2. **More Severe Variants**: These could lead to more severe illness or longer recovery times. So far, none have emerged yet.
3. **Escape Variants**: These could reduce the effectiveness of vaccines or antibodies. The South African variant (501Y.V2) and Brazil’s P.1 show some resistance, but vaccines still offer strong protection.
**What variants have we seen?**
Several highly transmissible variants have emerged globally, including B.1.1.7 and others with the N501Y spike mutation. Scientists are confident these are more contagious, with B.1.1.7 being 70% more transmissible than the original strain. The Pfizer vaccine still works, though slightly less effectively.
While no strong evidence of more severe or escape variants has been found yet, research is ongoing. The 501Y.V2 variant in South Africa shows some resistance to antibodies, but real-world impact remains unclear. Similarly, the P.1 strain in Brazil appears to evade natural immunity, but its effect on vaccines is still under study.
**What does this mean for us?**
More transmissible variants can overwhelm even strict precautions. In the UK and Ireland, they’ve caused massive spikes in cases. The CDC predicts similar trends in the U.S. by March. These variants can dominate outbreaks quickly, making control harder.
Severe variants are less likely to take over unless they also spread faster. Escape variants, however, could make vaccines less effective, increasing the need for new shots. In the worst-case scenario, we might face recurring coronavirus strains, similar to flu, but this is considered unlikely due to the slower mutation rate of coronaviruses.
**What can you do to prepare?**
If you’ve been following safety guidelines—masking, social distancing, hand hygiene—keep it up. If not, now is the time to start. Consider upgrading to an N95 mask, especially as countries like Germany and France push for stricter mask rules.
When shopping, use curbside pickup or delivery when possible. Always wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, and clean surfaces if you can. For tips on safe grocery shopping, gas station visits, and restaurant takeout, check out our previous guides.
Even though surface transmission isn’t the main concern, more contagious variants may increase the risk. Don’t ignore disinfecting packages, keys, and other frequently touched items.
Finally, stay mentally prepared for the worst. While the best-case scenario is still possible, the pandemic could last longer or get worse. Be ready to adapt your lifestyle and plans accordingly. Stay informed, stay cautious, and stay safe.
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