The Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a variant of concern that was first detected in Kent, England in November 2020 and is also known as the UK variant or British variant. It is estimated to be 40-80% more transmissible than the wild-type SARS-CoV-2.
The variant has more mutations than normally seen and is notable for having more mutations in the virus’ spike protein. The Alpha variant has been classified as a Variant of Concern (VOC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been given the name Alpha for public communication.
Testing and confirmation of the Alpha variant (lineage B.1.1.7) in COVID-19-positive samples has been inconsistent across the country. The variant began to spread quickly by mid-December 2020, around the same time as infections surged. A genetic change in the spike protein of the Alpha variant helps the virus bind better to ACE2 receptors, making it more infectious. However, testing indicates that antibodies elicited by existing vaccines can still neutralize this variant.
The Alpha variant has a number of mutations that make it more transmissible than other strains of the virus. One of the most important mutations is in the spike protein, which the virus uses to enter cells. This mutation makes it easier for the virus to attach to cells and infect them.
The Alpha variant may also be more severe than other COVID-19 variants. Studies have shown that people infected with the Alpha variant are more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID-19.
There is some evidence that the Alpha variant may be more severe than other strains of the virus, but more research is needed to confirm this. The Alpha variant is also more likely to cause reinfection in people who have already had COVID-19.
Everyone is at risk from the Alpha variant, but some people are at higher risk than others. People who are older, have underlying health conditions, or are immunocompromised are at higher risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, regardless of the variant.
The symptoms of COVID-19 infection with the Alpha variant are similar to those of infection with the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, and can include:
Some people may also experience more severe symptoms, such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
The best way to protect yourself from the Alpha variant is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccines are very effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, including from the Alpha variant.
In addition to getting vaccinated, you can also protect yourself from the Alpha variant by wearing a mask in public indoor settings, practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
COVID-19 infection with the Alpha variant is diagnosed using the same tests that are used to diagnose infection with the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, such as PCR tests and antigen tests. PCR tests are more sensitive and accurate than antigen tests, but they can take longer to get results. Antigen tests are faster, but they may be more likely to miss some infections.
There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 infection with the Alpha variant. Treatment is supportive and may include:
Yes, the COVID-19 Alpha variant is still circulating, but it is no longer the dominant variant in most places. It has been replaced by the Delta and Omicron variants, which are more transmissible. However, the Alpha variant can still cause serious illness, hospitalization, and death, especially in people who are unvaccinated.
Yes, the COVID-19 Alpha variant is still circulating, but it is no longer the dominant variant in most places. It has been replaced by the Delta and Omicron variants, which are more transmissible. However, the Alpha variant can still cause serious illness, hospitalization, and death, especially in people who are unvaccinated.
