Since the end of 2020, the Corona virus has mutated into various new types or variants, namely Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Lambda, and Kappa. The new variant of the Corona virus has emerged and spread throughout the world, including Indonesia. So that you are not confused and more alert, let's know the difference.
So far, several experts and health institutions around the world, including WHO, have found mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The variants or types of the Corona virus that cause COVID-19 are called Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Lambda and Kappa variants.
Basically, all viruses, including the Corona virus or SARS-CoV-2, can indeed change and mutate over time. This is one form of defense from the virus so that it can continue to reproduce.
Unfortunately, some of these changes can affect the rate of transmission or spread of the virus as well as the severity of the disease. It is also feared that the mutation of the Corona virus could affect the effectiveness of the currently available COVID-19 vaccine.
Differences in COVID-19 Variants Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Lambda, and Kappa
A virus variant has one or more mutations that make it different from other variants. According to WHO, there are several variants of the new Corona virus which are included in the variants that need to be watched out for (variants of Concern), that is:
1. Variant Alpha
- Variant code: B. 1.1.7
- Cases were first discovered: UK, September 2020
- Virus transmission rate: 43–90% more contagious than the previous Corona virus
- Severity of infection: more potential to cause severe symptoms and the risk of increasing the risk of hospitalization from the initial type of Corona virus
The Alpha variant of COVID-19 is known to spread more quickly because it is better able to penetrate the human immune system. In fact, since April 2021 this variant has become one of the dominant variants of the Corona virus in the United States and Britain.
Case reports so far indicate that COVID-19 patients infected with the Alpha variant Corona virus may experience more severe symptoms. However, in people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, symptoms of infection with this variant of the Corona virus are generally milder.
2. Beta Variant
- Variant code: B. 1.351
- Cases were first discovered: South Africa, May 2020
- Virus transmission rate: not yet known
- Severity of infection: more at risk of causing severe COVID-19 symptoms
The Beta variant of COVID-19 is also known to be more easily transmitted between humans. Symptoms of this variant of Corona virus infection are generally similar to the symptoms of COVID-19 in general, but the Beta variant of COVID-19 is known to be more resistant to certain types of treatment.
However, recent research has shown that symptoms of the Beta variant of COVID-19 tend to be milder in people who have received COVID-19 vaccines, such as Sinovac, Pfizer, and Moderna vaccines.
3. Gamma Variant
- Variant code: P. 1
- Cases were first discovered: Brazil, November 2020
- Virus transmission rate: not yet known
- Severity of infection: likely to be resistant to COVID-19 treatment
This variant of COVID-19 was first discovered in Brazil and Japan. Although the mutation type is different from other variants, the Gamma variant Corona virus is known to cause symptoms similar to other variants, such as the Beta variant.
Until now, the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine against the Gamma variant is still not clearly known and continues to be studied.
4. Delta Variant
- Variant code: B.1.617.2
- Cases were first discovered: India, October 2020
- Virus transmission rate: 30–100% more contagious than the Alfa . variant
- Severity of infection: the potential increased risk of requiring hospitalization is almost twice that of the Alpha . variant
The Delta variant of the Corona virus is the most easily transmitted and spreads rapidly. Since the initial discovery of cases until June 2021, infection with the Delta variant has spread to 74 countries and has even become the dominant variant in India and the UK.
Delta variant Corona virus infection is known to be more common in young adults. In the UK, studies have found that children and adults under the age of 50 are almost three times more likely to be infected with this variant.
Until now, the reason why the Delta variant of the Corona virus spreads so quickly and is more dangerous is still unknown. However, several studies show that there are two possible reasons, namely the Delta variant of the Corona virus which reproduces faster and is easier to enter and is stronger against human cells.
However, the good news is that research so far shows that COVID-19 vaccines, such as the Astrazenca vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine, are rated to provide protection of up to 60–79% against the Delta variant with a full dose of 2 doses.
5. Lambda Variant
- Variant code: C. 37
- Cases were first discovered: Peru, December 2020
- Virus transmission rate: not yet known
- Severity of infection: not yet known
The Lambda variant Corona virus was first discovered in Peru and several other countries in Latin America and has now spread to Europe and the UK.
In contrast to the types of Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants, WHO states that these types of variants are variant of interest or are still being studied further the level of transmission and severity of infection.
To date, there has not been sufficient evidence to determine whether the Lambda variant of COVID-19 is more easily transmitted or has more severe symptoms than the other variants. However, case reports so far show that the transmission rate is not much different from the first type of Corona virus.
In addition, several studies have also shown that the COVID-19 vaccine can provide protection against this variant of the Corona virus.
6. Kappa Variant
- Variant code: 1.617.2
- Cases were first discovered: India, October 2020
- Virus transmission rate: not yet known
- Severity of infection: not yet known
According to the national COVID-19 case report, the Kappa variant COVID-19 is known to have entered Indonesia in July 2021. The Kappa variant COVID-19 has a mutation pattern similar to the Delta variant, but the level of transmission and the severity of infection are still unknown.
However, several studies so far suggest that the Kappa variant of COVID-19 does not show a higher level of transmission or severity of infection than the initial type of COVID-19. The effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine and treatment against this new type of COVID-19 is still being studied.
Just like the Lambda variant, the COVID-19 Kappa variant is also currently still categorized as variant of interest by WHO.
Those are the differences between the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Lambda and Kappa variants of COVID-19 that are important for you to understand. With the spread of the new variant, the current symptoms of COVID-19 can vary in severity as well.
However, in general, the symptoms of COVID-19 that arise due to infection with the new variant of the Corona virus are not much different from the symptoms of COVID-19 in general, including:
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle ache
- Anosmia
In certain cases, the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants of COVID-19 can also cause more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest palpitations, reduced appetite, to decreased consciousness or coma.
These severe symptoms are generally more at risk of appearing in the elderly group or people with comorbidities, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma.
Therefore, if you experience COVID-19 symptoms, don't take this condition lightly and immediately self-isolate, considering that the Alpha, Beta and Delta variants of COVID-19 have been found in Indonesia. If the symptoms do not improve, immediately consult a doctor. To diagnose COVID-19, doctors may suggest a PCR test.
Whatever the type of variant, the best way to prevent transmission of the Corona virus is to be disciplined in implementing health protocols, namely diligently washing hands, wearing masks, always keeping a distance from other people, and avoiding crowds.
In addition, vaccination is also an effective option to provide protection against various variants of the new Corona virus, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Lambda, and Kappa.
If you still have questions regarding the differences between the new variants of COVID-19, you can ask your doctor directly via chat in the ALODOKTER application. Through this application, you can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital if you need an in-person examination.
