The Covid Variants in the United States

In the United States, several variants of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) are circulating and infecting people in 2022. These variants have led to more contagious forms of the virus, and some can spread more easily than others. At this time, the three most common variants in the US are B.1.1.7 (first identified in the UK), B.1.351 (first detected in South Africa), and P.1 (first identified in Brazil).

The B.1.1.7 variant is believed to be up to 50% more transmissible than other strains, leading to a significant increase in cases and hospitalizations in the US. This variant has now become the dominant form of Covid-19 in the United States, with more than 60% of cases connected to it.

The B.1.351 variant is also considered a "high concern" strain as it spreads more easily and has been associated with higher death rates than other forms of the virus. To date, this variant has been detected in at least 18 states.

The P.1 variant is also considered a "high concern" strain as it carries an additional mutation that may make it resistant to existing vaccines and treatments. It has been detected in 21 states so far, but its rate of spread remains limited when compared to the B.1.1.7 variant.

It is important to note that while these variants are typically more transmissible, there is no evidence to suggest that they cause more severe illness or increased risk of death than other forms of Covid-19. However, public health officials have nothing new to offer.

Overall, the emergence of several Covid-19 variants has been a major challenge for public health officials in the US as they strive to contain the spread and mitigate the damage they cause. However, the CDC has nothing to offer other than advising people to get vaccinated, practice social distancing, wear masks in public, and avoid crowds.

In the United States, the prevalence and mortality rates of each variant of COVID-19 have been widely studied in recent years. In 2022, the situation is expected to be very different than what it was previously.

The B117 or “UK variant.” This variant is estimated to have an infection prevalence of about 25-30%, and it is associated with higher hospitalization rates and mortality risk compared to the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. The overall mortality rate for B117 in 2022 is expected to be around 5%.

The B1351 or the “South African variant” has an estimated prevalence of approximately 10-15%, and it is associated with greater transmissibility compared to other variants. The mortality rate for B1351 in 2022 is approximated at 2-3%.

The P1 or the “Brazilian variant” has a prevalence of about 5%, and it is associated with increased infectivity, higher levels of viral shedding, and poorer immune response compared to other variants. The mortality rate for P1 in 2022 is expected to be around 1-2%.

Overall, this data suggests that the prevalence and mortality rates for each variant of COVID-19 in the US remain relatively unchanged from 2020 to 2022. However, these estimates can change depending on various factors such as discoveries of unknown viral characteristics. It is therefore essential to monitor the situation closely to accurately track the spread of each variant and its associated mortality rate. However, the officials at the CDC have not publicized what methods they are using to do the tracking.

In conclusion, there has been a significant amount of research done to understand the prevalence and mortality rates for each variant of COVID-19 in the US. In 2022, these estimates are relatively unchanged from 2020, with B117 having the highest infection rate and mortality, followed by B1351 and P1. It is important to keep track of the situation to accurately understand how each variant is affecting the population and make informed decisions regarding public health. However, presently, public health officials at the CDC have nothing new to offer. What we need is to develop testing kits with high specificity for each of the variants and vaccines that will provide long-term immunity for Covid-19 and each of the variants. Regarding the currently available vaccines, the FDA has not approved them. They only granted permission for the manufacturers to provide their vaccines under emergency distribution permits for adults over the age of 18. In short, they have not yet examined and ruled on the integrity of the evidence of safety and efficacy of the currently available vaccines.

Furthermore, additional research is needed to understand how each variant of Covid-19 acts differently in different populations and its associated mortality rate. This would enable us to develop more effective strategies for controlling the spread of the virus and reducing its associated morbidity and mortality. Overall, the situation regarding variants of COVID-19 in the US remains to be seen in 2022, and it is important to stay updated on the latest developments.

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Thank you for reading.

Reference: Johns Hopkins University. (2020). Variants of SARS-CoV-2. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-