A Brief Information Guide on the COVID-19 Variants for Our Patients

Since the emergence of COVID-19 in the early months of 2020, we here at Implant & Perio Center of Kansas have taken all of the necessary precautions in our office to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients, our staff, and the members of the community. We make every attempt to ensure that we answer all questions and address all concerns of those that inquire about COVID-19.

In the past couple of months, we have noticed an increase in questions and concerns about the COVID-19 variants that are emerging. As a result of this, we feel it is important to share this brief information guide with our valued patients. If you have questions or concerns about the variants, continue reading to learn more.

Viruses and Variants

Viruses – including novel coronaviruses – are consistently experiencing changes. As time progresses, the changes that occur could result in the emergence of new variants. The characteristics of these variants will differentiate from the original virus.

In many instances, variants of viruses quickly disappear. In other situations, they came become prominent. If prominence is achieved, the transmissibility rate may be higher than that of the original virus and the variants could potentially become more deadlier than the virus in which it originated.

COVID-19 Variants

Numerous variants of COVID-19 have been identified by scientists and researchers around the world. The following outlines those that have currently been identified. As time progresses, more variants are likely to be discovered:

  1. 1.1.7 – Originated within the United Kingdom and many consider it to be deadlier than the virus in which it originated.
  2. 1.351 – Discovered in South Africa in October 2020 and in the United States in January 2021.
  3. 1 – First found in Brazil in January 2021 and in the United States by the end of January 2021.
  4. 1.427/B.1.429 – California variants believed to be highly transmissible and deadlier than the original virus.
  5. 1.526 – A variant discovered in New York City.

How Are Variants Discovered?

Researchers study lab samples of a virus carefully to determine if a new variant has emerged. They succeed in this by identifying genetic-based changes. In the case of COVID-19 variants, they look for genetic changes that occur with the spike protein for which the virus is known.

This protein attaches to human-based receptors that are located within the nose and the throat. Research is consistently being performed because the currently available vaccinations work to train the body’s immune system to recognize the unique spike proteins and increase the immune system’s response to it.

If variants cause significant changes to the spike proteins, the vaccines that are currently available have the potential to become less effective.

Protecting Yourself Against COVID-19 Variants

The good news is, there are several steps that you may take in order to protect yourself from the currently identified variants and those that could develop within the future. Simply follow the steps outlined below:

  1. Get Vaccinated – According to experts, if anywhere from 70% to 90% of all individuals in the United States are vaccinated, we should experience what is called “herd immunity”. This basically means if enough of the people are vaccinated, transmission is less likely. If you are medically cleared for vaccination, you should schedule an appointment to receive it. Be sure to get both vaccines if you schedule a two-dose.
  2. Wear Masks – Continue to wear masks that include at least two layers. Make certain that your nose, mouth, and the chin is completely covered. Keep up on CDC updates regarding mask wearing during the pandemic.
  3. Social Distance – Make every attempt to avoid crowds and stay six feet away from those not in your household.
  4. Wash Hands – You should wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds, and frequently. If out and about, sanitize the hands often with complete saturation.
  5. Alerts – Sign up for alerts from your city, county, and/or state health department so that you know about vaccine changes and/or booster shots that may come out for protection against COVID-19 and the associated variants.

We here at Implant & Perio Center of Kansas are now accepting patients. We are taking all safety measures to ensure patients, staff, and community members are safe while in our facilities and receiving our services. For more information, contact us today!