Understanding the New Strain of Virus in Britain: A Nurse's Perspective

The recent surge of a new strain of virus in Britain has been a cause of concern for healthcare professionals and the general public alike. As a registered nurse who has been on the frontline battling this virus since its inception, I have witnessed its deadly effects firsthand. It is crucial to approach this topic with the facts and not the misinformation that has been circulating on the internet.

The new strain of virus has become a focal point of discussion, with some even suggesting that it's different from the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, as a healthcare professional, I can assure you that the new strain is still a part of the broader category of SARS-CoV-2. The virus still causes the same disease, is vulnerable to the same vaccines, and can be treated with the same drugs as the original strain. The experts feel that the antibodies produced in response to the vaccines currently approved will be effective against this strain.

While there are differences at the genetic level, these do not significantly alter the nature of the illness. The virus still wreaks havoc on the respiratory system, causing babies, teenagers, young adults, and the elderly to struggle for breath, leak mucus, and experience muscle tightening. This should not be dismissed as mere conjecture or propaganda, but rather recognized as a real and pressing threat.

Genetic Differences and Mutations

The minor changes in the spike protein appear to be the major culprit of this new strain. However, the variations are still minor and do not significantly change the overall effect of the virus. The experts have been working to understand how these mutations impact the virus's behavior, and preliminary genomic characterisation shows a new set of spike mutations.

As shown in the diagram above, the mutations are located in specific proteins within the virus. For instance, the last mutation in the N protein, S235F, changes serine to phenylalanine at position 235 in the polypeptide chain. These small changes may alter the virus's behavior, but they do not change the fundamental nature of the disease it causes.

Public Response and Skepticism

Despite the evidence and the work of healthcare professionals, there are those who still doubt the existence of a killer virus. They may dismiss the current strain as just a figure of speech, comparing it to claims that the Holocaust was not real. Such dismissals are not only disrespectful to the millions of lives lost to this disease but also dangerously foolish.

It is crucial to recognize that spending just one week in a COVID-ward witnessing the struggle and eventual death of a baby can provide a clear understanding of the disease's reality. Those who deny the existence of the virus should not belittle the experiences and expertise of frontline healthcare workers. They should take a moment to understand the gravity of the situation and the need for cooperation in fighting this pandemic.

Conclusion

The new strain of virus in Britain is a real and significant threat. While it has some genetic differences, it is still a variant of SARS-CoV-2 and continues to cause the same illness, with similar vulnerabilities to the existing vaccines and treatments. It is essential for the public to trust the scientific consensus and the work of healthcare professionals in addressing this ongoing pandemic.