But we now know the points that differ from bat viruses are scattered in a fairly random way, just as they would be if the new virus had evolved naturally. This article was last reviewed on 13 October Read more: Did covid come from a lab or an animal? We're beginning to understand the biology of the covid virus The covid pandemic was predicted — here's how to stop the next one Coronavirus may have been circulating undetected in the US for 6 weeks What four coronaviruses from history can tell us about covid Coronavirus is evolving.
As long as the coronavirus spreads through the population, mutations will continue to happen, and the delta variant family continues to evolve. It is worrisome that similar changes to the spike protein are arising independently on multiple continents. Bollinger says that as of now, none of the new coronavirus variants call for any new prevention strategies. Ray stresses that both vaccination and human behavior are important.
Limiting the spread of the virus through maintaining COVID safeguards mask wearing, physical distancing, practicing hand hygiene and getting vaccinated gives the virus fewer chances to change.
It also reduces the spread of more infectious variants, if they do occur. The virus seems to have some limitations in its evolution — the advantageous mutations are drawn from a relatively limited menu — so there is some hope that we might not see variants that fully escape our vaccines. Coronavirus Mutation: Why does the coronavirus change? What is the delta variant?
Unvaccinated adults and children should strictly follow mask, distancing and hygiene safety precautions and avoid international travel if possible. Being fully vaccinated for COVID can protect you from the delta variant, but breakthrough infections sometimes occur. All three of the F. For Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, you need both doses for maximum protection.
People should know that vaccines are very effective at preventing the most severe forms of COVID, but breakthrough infections can occur and caution is still warranted after becoming vaccinated. While the authorized COVID vaccines are not perfect, they are highly effective against serious coronavirus disease and reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Other vaccines available in other countries may not be as effective in protecting you from the delta variant and other mutations of the coronavirus.
Viral vector vaccines can't cause you to become infected with the COVID virus or the viral vector virus. Also, the material that's delivered doesn't become part of your DNA.
Keep in mind that it will take a few weeks for your body to build immunity after getting a COVID vaccination. As a result, it's possible that you could become infected with the virus that causes COVID just before or after being vaccinated.
You'll be monitored for 15 minutes after getting a COVID vaccine to see if you have an allergic reaction. Most side effects go away in a few days. Side effects after the second dose might be more intense. Many people have no side effects. If you've been exposed to COVID and you develop symptoms more than three days after getting vaccinated or the symptoms last more than two days, self-isolate and get tested.
However, vaccines rarely cause long-term side effects. If you're concerned, in the U. This data is available to the public. In the U. Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle, while pericarditis is the inflammation of the lining outside the heart. These reports are rare. One study suggests that the risk of myocarditis in the week after being fully vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is about 54 cases per million doses given to males ages 12 to Most of the people who received care felt better after receiving medicine and resting.
Symptoms to watch for include:. If you or your child has any of these symptoms within a week of getting a COVID vaccine, seek medical care. The chances of this happening are very low. Symptoms most often appeared within 42 days of vaccination. Nearly all of those affected have been women ages 18 to 49, with the disorder happening at a rate of 7 for every 1 million vaccinated women in this age group.
For women age 50 and older and men of all ages, the disorder is even more rare. Possible symptoms include:. Mild to moderate headaches and muscle aches are common in the first three days after vaccination and don't require emergency care. It is nearly twice as contagious as earlier variants and might cause more severe illness. For example:.
Yes, if you have an existing health condition you can get a COVID vaccine — as long as you haven't had an allergic reaction to a first dose of a COVID vaccine or any of its ingredients. But there is limited information about the safety of the COVID vaccines in people who have weakened immune systems or autoimmune conditions. It might be necessary to continue taking precautions.
Clinical trials involving younger children are in progress. You might be having an allergic reaction to a COVID vaccine if you experience these signs within four hours of getting vaccinated:.
If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, get help right away. This reaction might mean you are allergic to the vaccine. You might not be able to get a second dose of the same vaccine. However, you might be able to get a different vaccine for your second dose. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications, you may still get a COVID vaccine.
You should be monitored for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine. If you've had an immediate allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable medications, ask your doctor if you should get a COVID vaccine. If you have an immediate or severe allergic reaction after getting the first dose of a COVID vaccine, don't get the second dose.
Vaccination can also help pregnant women build antibodies that might protect their babies. While further research is needed, early findings suggests that getting an mRNA COVID vaccine during pregnancy poses no serious risks for pregnant women who were vaccinated or their babies.
No harmful effects were found. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits of getting a COVID vaccine. It's recommended that you get a COVID vaccine if you are trying to get pregnant or might become pregnant in the future. A small number of women have reported experiencing temporary menstrual changes after getting a COVID vaccine. A small study has also shown that some women experienced temporary menstrual changes after getting COVID Keep in mind that many things can affect menstrual cycles, including infections, stress, sleep problems and changes in diet or exercise.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 contains a lower dose 10 micrograms than the vaccine used for older children and adults 30 micrograms. Smaller needles are being used to deliver the vaccine to children ages 5 through This different buffer, which is used in other FDA -approved vaccines, will help keep the vaccine stable in refrigerated temperatures for longer. Children with other health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and asthma, might be at higher risk of serious illness with COVID Getting a COVID vaccine can also help keep your child in school and more safely have playdates and participate in sports and other group activities.
For kids ages 5 through 11, the FDA reviewed a vaccine study of more than 4, children in this age range. The other children were given an inactive placebo shot. Children who were given the vaccine were monitored for side effects for at least 2 months after the second dose. Side effects were generally mild to moderate. For kids ages 12 through 15, the FDA reviewed a vaccine study of more than 2, U.
The other children were given a placebo shot. Also, a portion of the children in each age group were monitored for safety for at least two months after being given the second dose of the COVID vaccine. Currently, there is no time limit after vaccination on your fully vaccinated status. After you are fully vaccinated, you can more safely return to doing activities that you might not have been able to do because of the pandemic.
You can also stop wearing a mask or social distancing in any setting, except where required by a rule or law. However, if you are in an area with a high number of new COVID cases in the last week, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public and outdoors in crowded areas or when you are in close contact with unvaccinated people.
If you are fully vaccinated and have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may need to keep wearing a mask. You also will still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains and other public transportation traveling to, within, or out of the U.
0コメント