The World Health Organization (WHO) has reportedly added another COVID strain, Lambda, to its list of COVID variants. The variant was first reported in Peru in December 2020. Apprehended as the variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, scientists and experts claim this variant to be a new threat for people. WHO has declared Lambda as the ‘variant of interest’ on June 14. At this time, there are no cases of the Lambda variant in India, but the government is keeping a close watch on the geographic landscape of this new variant.
It has been the dominant variant in Peru and other countries of South America. However, the Lambda variant has not yet been found in the Indian population but has recently been detected in the UK and other European countries.
What is a Lambda Variant?
Lambda variant, previously known by its formal scientific name C.37, was identified as the seventh and most recent “variant of interest”. Lambda has seven mutations and the mushroom-shaped extensions on the outer coat allow it to latch to our cells and penetrate on them. These mutations may make it simpler for lambda to attach to our cells, making it more difficult for antibodies to neutralise the virus.
This new Lambda variant may be more transmissible than the original strain. It has already caused outbreaks in multiple countries, and could theoretically cause more severe COVID illness. Moreover, the current treatment and vaccines might be useless as the new variant is adept to it. This variant has now spread to over a dozen countries, with a strong concentration in South America.
Is the Lambda variant more transmissible?
An increase in transmissibility does not mean that the variant is deadly. However, according to scientists, this variant does carry a number of mutations that could potentially increase the risk of transmission. It also means that the variant can evade the COVID-19 vaccines as it has enough resistance to the antibodies provided by the COVID-19 vaccines.
One of the mutations found by the scientist in the Lambda strain is referred to as T859N.
However, it is important to consider that this is merely the early stage of the mutant. Therefore, the research is mostly basic and theoretical.
As there are not enough cases and evidence to show how the Lambda variant is different from other strains, it is necessary to take precautionary measures beforehand. Furthermore, a concrete study is needed before making any suggestion or to understand the complete extent of the strain’s effect.
The Threat of Lambda Variant
According to the health studies conducted in the UK, currently, there is no evidence of the variant being more severe and dangerous than other variants. Thorough research is being conducted on the same, and we will soon get to know about its type and about the effectiveness of the current coronavirus vaccines.
What are the Symptoms of Lambda Variant?
High body Temperature – Although being a very common symptom of COVID, it is reported that the patients suffering from Lambda variant may have considerably high body temperature, which can be fatal in some cases. Such patients need to be given immediate medical treatment and in some cases hospitalization becomes necessary.
If you feel hot touching your chest or your back, measure your temperature and seek medical treatment.
Continuous Cough – The problem of continuous cough is observed in patients affected by the Lambda variant. Due to persistent cough, the chances of its transmission are very high. Therefore the patient may, at all cost, wear a mask all the time. Never cough in the open, it is necessary to cover your mouth and nose.
The patient can go through many coughing episodes within 24 hours or can face continuous coughing for more than an hour. If any such symptoms are observed, immediately seek medical treatment.
Loss of Smell and Taste – Many patients suffering from the variant are facing the problem of loss of smell or taste. Reportedly, the patient may experience a decrease in the sense of taste or smell for the duration of the disease.
Simply when you cannot taste or smell any normal things under normal conditions, seek medical treatment.
A positive COVID-19 patient will have at least one of the above-listed symptoms.
What is the Cause of Lambda Variant?
For the initials, COVID is considered to be its cause but due to very little information in the field, not much is known about the variant yet. For the time being, only COVID is being considered as the cause of the Lambda variant. If you face any of the above-listed symptoms yourself or in your family, immediately seek a doctor’s consultation.
Lambda Variant Covid treatment
Currently, generic medicines are given to COVID patients for treatment. If the patient is already vaccinated, then there are very few chances of damage. The vaccine would work against COVID but still, proper treatment is necessary in either case.
Right now all the patients are being treated on the basis of the symptoms of their disease. According to the latest information, there is no news of the death of any patient so far. The variant is not reported to be deadly, however, it is still spreading really fast.
Precautionary Measures for Lambda Variant
As per studies, there’s not much difference found in the variant in comparison to other variants. This being said, more research is needed in the context now. We would recommend our readers to follow the same safety measures – stay home, cover your face, avoid public areas, get vaccinated and always wear a mask. It is necessary to follow the government guidelines. Do not go outside the house until necessary. Don’t meet anybody, always wear a mask to prevent the spreading. Maintain at least 5 feet distance, always sanitize your hands, keep general medicines, increase the intake of vitamins, consume a healthy diet and always consult a doctor if you have any COVID symptoms.
This was all we had to inform you about the new Lambda variant of COVID-19. There are two takeaways from this article – a) The variant is not deadly but spreads really fast, b) By following the safety measures you can prevent yourself from coming into contact with the virus. Be at home, keep your family safe and immediately consult a doctor if you experience any of the above-listed symptoms.
About Chaudhary Hospital
Established in 2005 by Dr. B.R. Chaudhary, Dr. Chaudhary Hospital is Udaipur’s first NABH Certified multi-specialty hospital. It is one of the top multi-specialty hospitals in the city of Udaipur. Our hospital is renowned and recognized as a premier healthcare provider in Rajasthan. Keeping in mind the ongoing crisis of the COVID Coronavirus outbreak we have a COVID Care ward with quarantine facilities along with world-class Diagnostic Services listed below:
- NABH Certified
- 15 years of experience in Healthcare services
- 4 Lakh+ tests per year
- Team of Expert Doctors and Specialists
- Accurate Results
- Advanced Diagnostic Labs
- COVID Care unit
Our team of doctors and the entire staff of Chaudhary Hospital have been vaccinated with the Covishield vaccine. We are proud to have serve Udaipur with the utmost care and safety required to fight the pandemic.
