Coronavirus variants stir worry among health and science experts


Oxygen reserves for patients are running low in six Brazilian states, while Covid-19 patients are being sent home due to a shortage of hospital beds, as the P1 variant spreads through the country. — Photos: AFP

When any virus spreads through a population, it evolves over time through mutations, which are changes in the virus’ genetic sequence.

As such, the emergence of new viral variants is not unexpected – a changed virus is called a variant of the original virus.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Health

When back pain is caused by tight hip flexors
How to spot signs that you are overtraining�
Eating disorders have lesser known long-term impacts
Brain injuries can involve more than physical damage
Our children need to be taught resilience
When TPAs start telling doctors what to do
Britain taxes milkshakes to help fight child obesity�
Tackling the many factors influencing teen vaping
First single-dose dengue vaccine approved in Brazil
Targeting tumours within micrometres

Others Also Read