Dr. Dave Hnida: Emerging COVID Mutations Mean Funding For More Genetic Testing Needed

CBS Denver

January 13, 2021

(CBS4) – The original coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has mutated several times, raising concerns about spread, symptoms and the efficacy of vaccines. CBS4 Medical Editor Dr. Dave Hnida spoke about those concerns this week in an interview on CBSN Denver.

One strain, the so-called UK strain, has already been detected in Colorado. There is also the South African strain and scientists are monitoring other changes. It is believed both of those named strains are more contagious.

“They do not induce some severe illness as we would worry that a mutated strain might,” Hnida said. But he pointed out if they are more contagious they do still pose a risk to people who are high risk and predisposed to getting severe COVID. That could overwhelm the hospital system.

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