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COVID 19 Mutations and Variants.

COVID 19 Mutations and Variants

The novel Coronavirus has caused havoc throughout the world and impacted every phase of life, disrupting normal day-to-day activities. Covid-19, caused by SARS- Cov-1, is one of the large family of viruses distinctly recognized for having crown-like spikes on its outer layer, which it uses to attach itself with human receptor cells, causing the disease. According to WHO, these viruses can mutate several times in their natural lifecycles resulting in new variants. These variants can be more virulent and even more fatal in most cases. In other cases, the impact of mutations on human health might eventually die down and become harmless to human beings, as the Darwin theory stipulates.

 

 

There are currently multiple virus mutations in circulation, of which two are of particular concern to the medical community. These are primarily the variants that have caused the second wave of infections in several countries, resulting in a massive spike in positivity rates.

 

What is a mutation?

A mutation refers to a change that occurs in our DNA sequence. This may cause a change in its behavior and effectiveness. In current variants, one mutation, in particular, has improved the capability of the virus to bind with proteins in human cells called receptors. This binding affinity seen in current mutants is 40-80% more transmissible during the second wave. The new ‘double mutant’ has been identified in 80-82% of samples collected from India, which is causing immune-escape in the body of an infected individual and chances of increased transmissibility, but it has been said to be less deadly according to studies. It has proven to be at least 15% more virulent in preliminary studies.

 

What are the mutations circulating in India?

WHO has recently classified COVID mutation in India as a “variant of concern”. Indian mutation of COVID 19 has been named B.1.617, which is highly contagious. Epidemiologists suggest that this variant famously called “double mutant” is a result of thirteen mutations. Out of all thirteen mutations, two are of particular concern, hence called a ‘double mutant’. These mutations have caused modifications in the spike protein on the Coronavirus. Mutations are natural in any virus and there can be multiple numbers of them floating in the population. India has detected 24,000 mutations in 7000 variants of the COVID 19 virus. But only a few are the cause of concern.

In some samples in India, a UK-type variant of the COVID 19 virus is detected. B.1.1.7 is it’s name. It has accumulated 23 mutations across 5 genes. 

Experts have also suggested that these mutations might even escape the RT-PCR tests. But such incidences are very rare. 

 

Is the new mutant a cause of worry?

Mutations of the virus in new variants can potentially evade the neutralizing effect of natural bodily immune-response. It means that even if you have recovered from a previous variant, you can still get reinfected with it. However, ICMR notifications say that infected people who have already recovered from a primary infection would be very mild. It points towards the fact that vaccines would shield you from the possibility of severe infection in the future. The good news is that COVAXIN has been confirmed to be effective against this mutant, one of the two vaccines currently available in India, It is the only silver lining of hope people can rely on in current scenarios.

 

How does a vaccine impact virus mutation?

As the virus changes its nature, it is necessary to consider whether already developed vaccines are going to be effective against them or not. Research is going on to understand the modification of their genetic material and how it might affect vaccine development. But, a general medical view holds that even if the vaccine becomes less effective towards any new mutant, there is a possibility to make changes in the vaccine’s component raw material to improve antibody response and vaccine efficacy.

There is no need to worry about the effectiveness of a vaccine as a vaccine can be altered as per the need.  it is necessary to get vaccinated as soon as you can. Vaccination is the last line of defense to protect oneself against infection by the Experts.

 
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Covid-19 – Is it safe to use AC During Corona Virus Pandemic.

With summer’s driving up temperatures, a question being asked is whether we should use air-conditioners during this pandemic. Several researchers have predicted that the novel corona virus is unlikely to survive high temperatures. As we know, the second wave of Sars-Cov-2 or the Covid -19 is much harmful than the previous one. This question often comes to our mind that, should we use air conditioners during the covid pandemic, or does the virus becomes more harmful when you use air conditioners? Although it’s not stated that using an air conditioner is dangerous during the pandemic but keeping your body warm during these times will surely keep you safe from the virus. It becomes necessary to use air conditioners during summers as the temperature is too high. But you also have to balance the environmental changes accordingly.

 

  • Turn off the AC and open the window if someone in your house has COVID-19, or has been exposed to the virus
  • If you have air-conditioning on almost all the time, and a sick person in the house, it’s a good idea to limit the flow through your home
  • Don’t let it get too cold. Having proper ventilation is a crucial part of preventing infection

 

Here are a few points which you need to take care of while using air conditioners during covid:

Temperature Control:

You should set the temperature of your air conditioner ranging between 24-30 degrees. In which 24 degrees is for humid zones and 30 degrees is for dry zones. Today’s advanced air conditioners can control precise temperature and thus ensuring no under or overcooling.

Ensure Proper Ventilation:

Ensure that proper ventilation takes place in the room where the air conditioner is in place. Make sure to open all the windows after you turn off the air conditioner while leaving the room. Place a bowl of water while you are using the air conditioner.

Cleaning air filters more frequently:

Cleaning your air filter is necessary as it helps to maintain the air quality of your room. A dirty air filter may carry dust particles along with them which may deteriorate the air quality of your room. You need to make sure that you clean your air filter at least once a month.

Increasing the rate of air change:

According to guidelines provided by WHO, we can reduce the spread of covid by increasing the rate of air change in indoor spaces. Avoid recirculation of air as it may be harmful.

 

Following are the three ways to avoid catching the virus indoors-

For the past year, we’ve been asked to wash our hands and maintain social distancing to fight corona virus. But scientists and engineers say we also need to think about the air we breathe inside our home.

1. If it’s stuffy, just walk away

When you enter a room and the air feels stale or hard, something is suspicious with the ventilation. Not enough fresh air is being introduced, which increases your risk of getting infected by covid-19. Recent research shows that in constricted spaces there can be “airborne transmission” of the corona virus – with tiny virus particles remaining in the air.

According to some regulations set up before this pandemic, everybody should get at least 10 liters of fresh air every minute, and that matters more than ever now in this situation.

 2.Look up at the air conditioning

From offices to shops, air conditioning is the most wanted thing on hot days – but check the type of unit. The best is a slender white box mounted on walls which is known as a split air conditioner.

This draws in the air from your house, chills it, and then blows it back out again. In other words, it’s circulating the air again and again.

3. Ask about the ‘fresh air ratio’

In most of the buildings these days, where the windows are sealed, how can one get enough fresh air?

You’re relying on a ventilation system. Right? In which stale or hard air is extracted from the rooms and piped to an air handling unit, often on the roof. There, fresh air can be pulled in from outside and mixed with the already existing inside air, before being sent back into the building.

Given the risk of corona virus infection, professional engineers and scientists have advised maximizing the fresh air supply.

“The more enough fresh air, the less you’re at the risk of recirculating the virus through your building.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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Industry Talk

Laptop service – 8 Signs Your Laptop is Infected by a Malware

Malware and viruses can make your laptop act strange. They pose a threat to your security and confidentiality, Therefore, a regular laptop service will make sure that your laptop works effectively. Viruses and malware usually happen when your laptop is attacked by malicious software. It is specially made to damage the computer, delete files, and also steal private data without the permission of the user.

 

 

Here are certain things that malware can do with your laptop:

1. Slow performance of your computer:

This is one of the most irritating things when your computer starts to work slowly. The malware takes a huge space in your laptop. Many kinds of laptops duplicate themselves, which leaves no room on your hard drive. This also makes your computer sluggish and takes a lot of time to process.

2. Lack of space:

Various malwares can also take a lot of storage space and fills your Hard Disk Drive with doubtful files. There is little space left for genuine files and programs. Don’t open any unknown program or application. Check the details on the internet, to ensure that your laptop is not infected by malware or virus.

3. Pop-ups and unknown programs:

Unwanted programs and pop-ups can be very irritating. It is an indication of a virus or malware in your laptop. When you click on suspicious programs or random pages or answer survey questions or download unregistered games or install free apps, a pop-up will appear. Avoid clicking on these pop-ups or toolbars and run an anti-malware tool. This kind of malware also known as spyware aims at stealing important and private information.

4. Laptop crashes or freezes:

A regular crash can be a sign of malware or any technical issue with your laptop. Keep updating your software and drivers from time to time to avoid this problem.

5. Breach of confidentiality:

Malware or virus steals your private information so that they can steal money from your bank or use your credit card for transactions.

6. Limited access to files:

A cyberattack can restrict your access to many programs and files on your laptop either by deleting or damaging them. A virus might also erase stored data on the laptop.

7. Spam messages:

A malware sends suspicious messages or links or emails to your contact list. A malicious software impacts your laptop, therefore it is essential to run the anti-malware program, to keep your laptop safe.

8. Exposure to unknown websites or software:

Some malware also tempts you to download unsafe or risky software. There will be a random connection to unwanted websites or an app is connecting you to unknown websites. This is also an indication of problematic software that contains a virus.

If your laptop is not working properly or is crashing regularly, high chance it is infected by malware or a virus. You need a trusted service provider if the performance and efficiency of your laptop have reduced. If your laptop is running slow, avoid the irritation and discomfort by raising a service request on the OneDios App in a few clicks, without calling multiple people or searching for phone numbers.

OneDios is a one-stop shop for all your service, complaints, and repair requests.  Download the OneDios app and upload the details of your laptop today. OneDios will help keep track of all your previous services. You can also buy an extended warranty and AMC’s for all laptop brands such as Apple MacBook, Lenovo, HP, Asus, Dell, etc.