Since its inception, the Corona virus that causes COVID-19 has continued to mutate and produce new variants. One of the variants that recently emerged is the COVID-19 Kappa variant. Cases of this variant of COVID-19 are known to have been detected in Indonesia.
COVID-19 Kappa variant or also known as variant code B.1.617.1 is one of the mutations of the Corona virus originating from India. This variant is known to have spread in various countries, ranging from England, Germany, the United States, and even Indonesia.
The symptoms of the Kappa variant of COVID-19 are not much different from the symptoms of COVID-19 in general, namely fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and anosmia or loss of the ability to smell.
Facts About COVID-19 Kappa Variant
Just like the Delta variant COVID-19, the first case of Kappa variant COVID-19 was also found in India in December 2020. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies these two COVID-19 variants into different groups.
COVID-19, the Delta variant or B.1.617.2 has been categorized as one of the variants that need to be watched out for (variants of concern) along with Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants.
Classification of the Delta variant as variant of concern determined based on the amount of data that proves that this variant is more easily transmitted and is at risk of causing complications compared to other COVID-19 variants.
Meanwhile, the Kappa variant COVID-19 or B.1.617.1 is still classified as a variant that needs attention (variants of interest) along with COVID-19 Lambda, Eta, and Iota variants.
This is because there is no data or research that can confirm the level of transmission, severity, or types of symptoms caused by the Kappa variant of COVID-19.
However, this does not mean that the Kappa variant COVID-19 will continue to be categorized as variant of interest. Kappa variant COVID-19 can be classified as variant of concern at a later date if it proves to be more dangerous than other COVID-19 variants.
Vaccine Ability to Fight COVID-19 Kappa Variant
The various types of COVID-19 vaccines currently circulating are known to be effective and able to provide protection against various variants of the Corona virus, including the Kappa variant.
Several studies have also investigated the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, such as AstraZeneca, which is based on a genetically modified virus, and Pfizer and Moderna, which are mRNA vaccines, against the Kappa variant of COVID-19.
The results of this study prove that the COVID-19 vaccine is able to form an immune response that is strong enough to fight against the Kappa variant of COVID-19 and other variants of the Corona virus.
However, to optimize the antibodies formed by the body to fight Corona virus infection, you still need to get the COVID-19 vaccine in complete doses, which is as much as two doses.
Not only does it provide the body with maximum protection from the Corona virus, receiving a complete dose of the vaccine will also speed up its formation herd immunity to end the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to receiving the vaccine, you also need to be disciplined in implementing health protocols so that the risk of contracting various variants of COVID-19, including the Kappa variant that has been found in Indonesia, can be minimized.
If you still have questions regarding the Kappa variant COVID-19 or information about the COVID-19 vaccine, don't hesitate to consult with your doctor. You can also contact hotline COVID-19 at 119 or use the ALODOKTER app for chat with the doctor.
