New Covid variants are showing signs of ‘immune evasion’; what does it mean?

How do virus mutations lead to immunity evasiveness?

Speaking with indianexpress.com, Dr Gopi Krishna Yedlapati, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad said that viruses are constantly evolving and mutating, and that “every time a virus replicates, there are changes noticed in the virus architecture — this is called a mutation”.

A virus with more than one mutation is called a variant. Newer variants of viruses can change their characteristics by “increasing or decreasing its ability to spread and also in causing severe disease”. “Immune evasion is the capability of a mutated virus to escape the protective mechanisms of the human body which usually develops due to three reasons:  innate natural host immunity, previous Covid 19 infection-related immunity, and immunity due to vaccination,” Dr Yedlapati explained.

Immune evasiveness can lead to false negative test results

The new variants of the virus, because of the mutations in them, can show false negative results for COVID-19, when in fact you may be suffering from the infection.

“The newer variants can escape the immunity of the individual and may cause severe infections and also complications. Immune evasion capability of the virus also causes difficulty in diagnosing with conventional RT PCR diagnostic testing,” said Dr Yedlapati.

The new variants of the virus because of the mutations in them can show false negative results for COVID-19, when in fact you may be suffering from the infection. (Pic source: Freepik)

What about COVID-19 vaccine protection?

The vaccination does give protection against severe infection from the disease but due to mutations in the virus, vaccinated people can still catch COVID-19 infection. “People who are vaccinated are always on the safer side of the spectrum, as the immunity developed by vaccines will protect these individuals from severe forms of infections and also lessen the chances of hospitalisations,” stressed Dr Yedlapati.

Should you take COVID-19 booster dose?

Taking the booster dose is advisable, especially if you are suffering from any comorbidity. “Booster doses of vaccines will enhance the immunity of people collectively by reducing the severity of the infections,” he said, adding that people with comorbid conditions like hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), patients on immunosuppressive medications etc should be very careful, and should be vaccinated thoroughly, including with the booster doses.

XBB.1.16 or Arcturus variant is infecting youngsters

XBB.1.16 or Arcturus variant is causing infection in the younger populace – “predominantly teenagers and children,” said Dr Yedlapati.

Fever, cough, cold, sore throat, body ache and also conjunctivitis are being observed in children suffering from the Arcturus variant. (Pic source: Pixabay)

Symptoms of XBB.1.16 or Arcturus

Fever, cough, cold, sore throat, body ache and also conjunctivitis are being observed in people suffering from the Arcturus variant.

Tips for recovery from the latest variant

Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of critical care and Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon shared some tips to follow while recovering from COVID-19 infection. They are:

-Take enough rest. It is vital for recovery as you may be experiencing severe weakness
– Stay hydrated so the electrolyte balance of the body is maintained
– Post-viral recovery takes around 7 – 10 days. Try not to perform any tedious work during this period.
– Take a healthy and balanced diet that is high in fibre. Avoid oily and junk food for some time and eat a lot of whole fruits, especially in the morning.

Tips for caregivers

Apart from the patient, it is important for caregivers to follow certain tips to avoid contracting the infection; Dr Yedlapati shared these as:

– Practice proper social distancing
– Maintain good air circulation in the room
– Wear an N95 mask
– Practice good sanitary measures
– Take a COVID-19 test immediately if you experience any symptoms

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