Introduction

The arising of India’s double mutant virus, scientifically termed as B.1.617 had led to the recent rise in the number of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) across the world. It possesses a greater threat to people’s health with an increased death rate. Infection of the double mutant virus had shown different signs and symptoms compared to the original Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus which makes our public less aware of it. It is also known to reduce the effectiveness of the corona virus vaccine. In this article, we will look into detail on the covid double mutant symptoms.

What is Covid double mutant?

SARS-COV-2 is an enveloped virus with spike protein on the outer layer. Spike protein is the feature that allows viruses to enter human cells. It is also the key feature for our immune system to produce antibodies specific to it. The virus might change its spike protein overtime to evade recognition by the immune system. A change that occurs in genetic material is known as mutation. COVID double mutant is a coronavirus with two mutations noted on the spike protein.

Symptoms

Fever, cough, flu and loss of smell and taste are the chief symptoms when coronavirus first hits the country. Patient infected with a double mutant virus had shown up with completely new symptoms.

Joint pain

Coronavirus might attack the muscle fibers and tissue linings in our body, leading to muscle and joint pain being reported on patients tested positive for COVID-19.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is the main symptom being observed in patients infected with double mutant. A sudden drop in oxygen saturation is commonly seen in this group of patients which eventually leads to lung damage and multiple organ failure. An increasing need for  oxygen support is seen in this group of patients.

Digestive symptoms

It was noted that digestive symptoms come to be the early sign experienced by patients infected with double mutant. Loss of appetite, difficulty eating, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weight loss and nausea are symptoms that are being reported.

Extreme fatigue

Extreme fatigue is a symptom that is commonly being missed. It can be the earliest double mutant symptom even before a patient is tested positive.

Rare symptoms

Uncommon symptoms such as dry mouth, red eyes, rashes and hearing loss are observed.

Impact of double mutant

Not detected on screening

Due to changes on structure of virus, new mutant appears to escape from RT-PCR test.

Vaccination less effective

Public had been worrying about the effectiveness of the vaccination programme as scientists had proven that the vaccination had become less effective with the emerging double mutant virus.The changing on the spike proteins had made it less susceptible to the existing vaccine. There are also increasing cases of people with a completed dose of vaccination getting reinfected by COVID-19. However, the vaccine is still proved to be effective as the symptoms and complications are less severe in this group of patients.

Younger age group is affected

The latest data from India showed that youngsters contribute more on the active COVID-19 cases.

Higher risk of transmissibility

Spike protein acts as a ‘key’ for viruses to enter human cells. With the newly emerging spike protein, the virus has a higher transmissibility which enters human cells easier.

Conclusion

A double mutant virus is a virus with mutation of spike proteins on the surface of the virus. Spike proteins are the important feature that enable viruses to enter human cells. Infection with double mutant virus had shown up several features that were different from what we already knew from the population. Symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, shortness of breath and digestive symptoms had been reported. Public are encouraged to adhere to the preventive measures such as washing hands with soap frequently, wearing a mask and maintaining social distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.