KOMPAS.com- Deputy Minister of Health (Wamenkes) Dante Saksono Harbuwono said, mutation corona virus from England or varian B.1.1.7 already logged into Indonesia.
The government found two cases of the new variant of the British corona virus, B.1.1.7 on Monday (1/2/2021) night.
“This fresh from the oven“Only last night two cases were found,” said Dante at the Indonesian Innovation for Indonesia Recover Post-Pandemic, Tuesday (2/3/2021).
Dante said the government had examined 462 cases in the last few months. As a result, two cases were found mutation of the corona virus the.
What is a B.1.1.7 virus mutation?
Also read: Mutations of Corona Virus B.1.1.7 Found in Indonesia, Here Are 4 Things You Need to Know
The Primaya Hospital Tangerang Internal Medicine Specialist, dr. Haryanto Utama SpPD, explained that the British Covid-19 variant B.1.1.7 that appeared in Indonesia was a variant of the corona virus that had undergone structural mutations.
For information, B in the new variant B.1.1.7 means British and the number 117 is the code for the type of Covid-19 virus in the British (UK).
Dr. Kathi Swaputri SpPD, a specialist in Internal Medicine Primaya Hospital Bekasi Utara, said that the naming itself is registered in Gisaid.com.
Also read: Mutation of Corona Virus B.1.1.7 Entering Indonesia, Symptoms are Similar to the Original Variant
“With the increasingly uncontrolled Covid-19, there will be a tendency for the virus to mutate,” said Dr. Kathi.
Here are some facts regarding the new variant B.1.1.7 that entered Indonesia, from how it was spread, how it was formed, symptoms, treatment, to prevention.
1. How to spread Covid-19 variant B.1.1.7
The spread of Covid-19 variant B.1.1.7 UK has a higher transmission rate, which is 70 percent of the previous Covid-19 which has not been mutated.
“According to researchers, the characteristics of the Covid-19 variant (corona virus) B117 UK (UK) are easier to attach to host cells and infect them compared to Covid-19 which has not been mutated. Covid-19 variant B.1.1.7 UK itself is no more dangerous, but the rate of spread can be said to be very high, “said Haryanto.
Also read: Mutations of the Corona Virus B.1.1.7 Entering Indonesia, These Are Kinds of Covid-19 Variants
As a result of being a concern for many people, you also need to know how to spread this new variant of the Covid-19 virus, which is considered to spread faster.
- First, through the droplet. Inhalation of saliva or droplets from the patient when coughing or sneezing
- Second, close contact with people. Close contact with those who are already infected (touching, shaking hands, and talking at close range without wearing a mask).
- Third, contact with objects. Close contact with objects contaminated with the virus and touch the nose, eyes and mouth without washing hands with soap first.
Also read: 4 Concerning New Variants of Corona Virus, One of which is B.1.1.7
2. The way the new variant B.1.1.7 is formed
Dr Kathi explained that in fact the formation of this new variant B.1.1.7 UK with the SARS-CoV-2 virus has not mutated, it can be said to be almost the same.
The virus attaches itself to cells in the human body, especially in the organs respiratory or lungs.
Furthermore, the virus replicates in large enough numbers to cause systemic symptoms, both mild and severe.
Also read: New British Corona Virus Variant, These 2 Symptoms Predictors Being Treated in the Hospital
3. Symptoms of a new variant of Covid-19 infection
Meanwhile, the symptoms felt between Covid-19 which has not been mutated and the new Covid-19 variant B.1.1.7 UK are also not much different.
“It’s just that the Covid-19 variant B117 UK is more easily transmitted,” said a pulmonary specialist at Primaya Hospital Makassa, DR dr M Harun Iskandar SpPD SpP (K).
Here are some of the early symptoms of infection with the new Covid-19 variant B117:
- Hard to breathe
- Olfactory disturbances
- Diarrhea
- Cough and cold
- Fever
“The symptoms that appear are similar to ISPA (Acute Respiratory Infection), but according to experts in the UK, some patients experience severe conditions due to respiratory disorders,” said Dr. Kathi.
Also read: New Corona Variants in England and South Africa, This Is What You Should Know
4. Treatment of new variants of Covid-19 patients
Haryanto emphasized, even though it is more quickly transmitted, the treatment of patients exposed to the new Covid-19 variant B117 UK is still the same as Covid-19 which has not been mutated.
If the patient has only mild symptoms or no symptoms, then independent isolation can be carried out while maintaining a balanced nutritional intake.
However, if the patient has moderate or severe symptoms, it is better if the patient goes to a health facility to get the appropriate therapy.
“Immediately go to the nearest health facility for screening and appropriate treatment if you experience symptoms of this Covid-19 variant B117 UK,” said Haryanto.
Also read: If the Corona Virus Mutations Get More Malignant, the Covid-19 Vaccine Needs to be Revised
5. Prevention of infection with the new variant B117 UK
To avoid infection with this new Covid-19 variant, the public is asked to adhere to health protocols.
- Always apply social distancing
- Use a mask
- Avoid crowds – Wash your hands regularly
- Maintain immunity
- Join the Covid-19 vaccination program
There are several studies that show that the change in the structure of the corona virus in the British variant B.1.1.7, as found in Indonesia, is not too significant from Covid-19 which has not been mutated, so the Covid-19 vaccination program is still quite effective in preventing the spread of the virus.
Also read: Mutations of the Corona Virus B.1.1.7 Entering Indonesia, These Are Kinds of Covid-19 Variants
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