What is the coronavirus mutation? What does it mean and how will it effect us?

5 March 2020, 15:49

Covid-19 has mutated say scientists and researchers, so what does that really mean? And should we be worried about coronavirus even more?

Coronavirus has mutated into two strains according to new research, just as the confirmed cases in the UK reach 90 and school closures are increasing.

So what exactly does that mean about covid-19? And how will the coronavirus mutation effect us?

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It is important to point out research into the strains of coronavirus is in the very early stages but the “very limited” evidence so far suggests that the virus has mutated at least once.

Researchers in China say there is a more aggressive strain, the one that has infected 70 per cent of people tested, and a less aggressive strain which was linked to the other 30 per cent.

Here’s everything you need to know about the coronavirus mutation:

What does the coronavirus mutating really mean?

Some have suggested that early mutation in such viruses are quite common and nothing to be alarmed by.

And despite the mutation, it is still believed a vaccine, if achieved, can combat both types of the virus.

However, there is of course the possibility of further mutations which could make finding a prevention for the virus a lot more difficult.

Researchers and scientists will be continuing to pay extra attention to this.

How will the coronavirus mutation effect us?

At the moment, the only direct impact are on those that catch coronavirus as it depends on what strain of the virus they get.

The more aggressive virus type has been seen more frequently in Wuhan but researchers say the frequency of that type is decreasing. This type is thought to be the one that can spread more quickly too.

However, researchers stress the early days of the findings.

For now, experts continue to encourage the public to follow simple hygiene rules to prevent spreading and catching coronavirus.