- UK variant or B.1.1.7: Identified in September last year, this variant transmits faster and is infectious to more people than before. It is also called the “British Covid-19 variant” or “Kent variant. The UK has restricted the spread of this variant, whereas it is causing menace in the other countries of the world. Nearly, 40% of the cases in Asia have this variant. As per various reports, the UK variant could be the reason behind the spike in coronavirus cases in India, especially in the state of Punjab where 80% of 400 samples examined turned out to be the UK variant. Its symptoms include body ache, fever, cough and loss of smell and taste. People have also complained of rashes, conjunctivitis, upset stomach, sore throat and discolouration of toes and fingers.
- Brazilian variant or B.1.1.28: It is perilous than the previous variant. Associated with the Brazilian Amazon, this variant caused the healthcare disaster in Brazil. Experts state that it spreads faster and perhaps, deadlier too.
- South Africa variant or B.1.351: First identified in South Africa, it has now transmitted to nearly 20 countries, comprising India. There has been no evidence yet if it makes a patient ill. This variant had led South Africa to discard the use of AstraZeneca vaccine. Now, a study claims that it might escape the protection given by the Pfizer vaccine too.
- Covid-19 N440K variant and Covid-19 E484Q variant: Dr VK Paul, Niti Aayog Member (Health) had confirmed that these variants account for a large number of coronavirus cases in states such as Maharashtra and Kerala.
- Covid-19 B.1.36 variant: It is a variant found in a particular region in a large number of Covid-19 cases in Bengaluru.
