Podcast Summary
COVID-19 subvariants: New COVID-19 subvariants, like the Flirt Subvariance, can evade neutralizing antibodies and continue to bind to the ACE2 receptor, driving new cases. Scientists must study these variants to update vaccines and protect vulnerable populations.
The COVID-19 virus continues to evolve with new subvariants emerging, such as the Flirt Subvariance, which is a new evolution of the Omicron strain. These subvariants are able to evade the neutralizing antibodies in our immune systems while still being able to bind to the ACE2 receptor, allowing them to enter human cells. This balance between escaping the immune system and still being able to infect cells is driving many of the new cases, especially in the US. It is crucial for scientists to study these continually emerging variants to update COVID-19 vaccines and protect society's most vulnerable. The World Health Organization and US regulators have made specific recommendations for new vaccine targets based on the latest spike in protein mutations. However, it is almost impossible to predict when the next notable strain will emerge. Unlike most common respiratory infections, such as influenza and RSV, COVID-19 does not follow normal seasonal patterns and can cause waves of infection at any time of the year.
COVID-19 seasonality: COVID-19 does not yet have a predictable seasonal pattern, it's important to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines year-round to prevent its spread
The COVID-19 virus does not yet have a predictable seasonal pattern. While there have been surges during autumn and winter months, it is unclear if or when it will become a truly seasonal virus. The latest summer outbreak serves as a reminder of this uncertainty. It remains to be seen how long it will take for COVID-19 to settle into a consistent seasonal cycle. For now, it's important to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus regardless of the time of year. Stay informed with Newsbreak's Medical Monitor, I'm Matthew Viren, on Lotus FM, powered by SABC News.