COVID-19 –
Alpha Variant

The Alpha variant (B.1.1.7
and Q-lineages) was first
identified in the United
Kingdom in late 2020 and has
since been detected in many
more countries. It is more
contagious than the original
strain and has multiple
mutations, including one on
the spike protein of the virus
that helps it bind to human
cells. Some common
symptoms of COVID-19
associated with the Alpha
variant include fever,
shortness of breath, cough,
fatigue, change of sense of
taste/smell.