There is a new coronavirus spreading around the world. Viruses can mutate, especially RNA viruses like that of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. According to Ian Jones of the University of Reading in the UK, when a person is infected with the virus, it is replicated in their respiratory tract. Every time it does, about half a dozen genetic mutations occur.
Meanwhile at Peking University in Beijing, according to Xiaolu Tang and his colleagues, as they studied the viral genome taken from 103 cases, they found common mutations at two locations on the genome. Their team have identified two types of the virus based on the differences in the genome at these two regions: 72 were considered as the “L-type” and 29 were classed as “S-type”.
On a separate analysis of their team, they suggest that the L-type was derived from the older S-type. According to them, the first strain most likely emerged around the time the virus jumped from animals to humans, while the second strain emerged soon after that. Both strains of the virus are involved in the current global outbreak. Their team has stated that the fact that the L-type is more prevalent suggests that it is more aggressive than the S-type.
It is important to know how many strains of the virus exist. Multiple groups are working on a vaccine for the virus around the world. The vaccine should target features that are both found in the two strains of the virus to be effective.
Jones says that we can expect more strains to emerge in the future. Epidemiologists generally agree that, once a person is infected with the coronavirus, they are unlikely to be infected again unless the immune system’s defences are overcome as the virus mutates.
Health Protocols You Must Teach Your Children
With the new strand of coronavirus and the possibility of more strains emerging, our children are at risk. Since they are at greater risk of contracting this virus as their immune system are still developing in the early years of their life, there is no such thing as being too careful. We must also teach little ones how to take care of their health. Here are some of the health protocols they should know and follow:
- Washing of Hands
Teach your child how to properly wash their hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds and let your child observe how you do it. You can demonstrate it to the first and then let them do it after you. If soap and water are not available, you can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Teach your child how to cover all areas of their hands with hand sanitizer and rub their hands together until they feel dry. Always prepare a hand sanitizer when going out for them to remember to use it. If your child is below 6 years of age, supervise them when they use their hand sanitizers.
- Wear a mask
Let everyone in your family wear a mask (if 2 years of age and older) when in public and when around people who do not live in your household. Make sure that your child wears their masks correctly and safely. If your child finds it challenging to wear a mask, you can look for alternative or specialized masks or masks specially made for children.
- Cover coughs and sneezes
Teach your child how to properly cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Then throwing the used tissue in the closest garbage can, and wash their hands immediately. Encourage everyone in your household to do the same.
- Avoid close contact
Teach your child to observe social distancing when in public or when they are with a person that does not live with them. Keep at least 6 feet away from other people who are sick, or are coughing or sneezing.
Bring your child for a healthcare visit
Taking them to regular visits to their doctor for regular checkups or vaccine visits are essential in making sure that your child is healthy. Call your child’s healthcare provider for an appointment and follow the safety protocols when bringing them to the hospital.
Vaccines are also important to protect them against vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, rubella, chickenpox, polio, tetanus, whooping cough or pertussis, flu or influenza, mumps, and other diseases that can spread from person to person. Your child should be able to receive all the recommended vaccines by their doctor.
If you are cautious in going to hospitals due to coronavirus, you can set up an appointment with an Online Doctor Ontario for inquiries about vaccines, your child’s health, and other health related topics. In addition to following coronavirus health protocols, consider taking extra precautions if your child has a disability or a developmental or behavioural disorder.