February 2021

In the previous blog, Dr. Moondust noted the major variants of Coronavirus. Of those currently circulating in the world, the UK variant is the predominant one as of this posting date.  Today, she answers questions from readers on the variants and how they affects our daily life. 

What is there for us to do as our part in the ongoing pandemic climate? And, what are some of the actions being taken by our public authorities?  

Q. Dr. Moondust, what is being done about the situation of the variants?  

The vaccine companies can re-engineer the vaccines, but this takes a few weeks; providing booster shots may also be an option, but also take time to prepare. 

China and India are both taking a different approach. They are developing vaccines that include the whole inactivated virus in order to trigger a wider variety of antibodies in recipients instead of just antibodies to the spike protein with the mRNA vaccines. 

Q.  Why are we being advised to wear 3-layer medical masks instead of cloth ones? 

It’s to do with the higher transmissibility of the new coronavirus variants. We know that they are around, but we don’t know how prevalent they are.  

We are being asked to be conscientious about wearing 3-layer masks, with proven protection for ourselves and those around us. Be sure to fit your mask properly to avoid gaps. (See a short video here as Dr. Moondust demonstrates putting on a mask properly  

Q.  What is the advantage of continuing the vaccination program? 

The objective is to vaccinate as many people (without a history of allergies) as quickly as possible in the hope that the coronavirus variants (UK, SA, Brazil) are not the dominant strains in the Canadian population, yet. And, thereby, herd or community immunity can still be achieved. 

Q. Is there an example of a country that is successful with their vaccination program?  

Yes, Israel comes to mind. Studies show that vaccinations work and also that infection rates are dropping  

Q. Just to be clear, what is herd immunity? 

Herd immunity occurs when 60-70% of the population becomes immune to the virus due to vaccination or previous infection. So, in theory, less people are virus carriers or transmitters. Naturally, this does not preclude the possibility of reinfection once the activity of your antibodies decreases with time.  

Q. Why are we seeing new travel restrictions, again?  

The restrictions try to limit the entry and spread of coronavirus variants into the country since the current vaccines may be less effective against them.   

Stay tuned for more updates from Dr. Moondust, cancer biologist and founder of Moondust Cosmetics® on health tips for all of us under our shared sun!  

Check out Moondust Cosmetics® website for more posts on skin care, the Human Sunburn Cycle explained and the merits of APF – apoptotic protection factor – the ultimate science of skin care at work for you in any sun setting.  

Learn more tips on health and lifestyle topics at the Moondust Cosmetics® website.   

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In today’s video conversation with Dr. Moondust, cancer biologist and founder of Moondust Cosmetics® we look at the Corona Virus variants. With countries the world over vaccinating their citizens against the COVID19 virus, we are getting more information on how effective the vaccines are. We’ve also got news of variants that are cropping up.  

Q.           What do we know about the coronavirus variants? 

There are 3 major variants at this time: UK, South Africa and Brazil        

Q.   At this time, the UK variant is predominant. What can you tell us about it?   

It’s up to 70% more transmissible or more contagious than the original strain and according to new statistics, it is also 35% more deadly.  

It contains mutations in the viral spike protein that increases its binding capacity and helps it to invade human cells. 

A German study suggests that the Pfizer vaccine is less effective against it. 

Q:  What about the South African variant? 

It is somewhere between 30-70% more transmissible or contagious than the original virus. It also contains mutations in the spike protein that increases binding capacity. 

Reinfections seem to occur more often with this strain. A few reports suggest that it can evade antibodies acquired through certain vaccines and previous infections  

Pfizer has claimed that its vaccine is effective against this strain, but the Moderna vaccine is considerably less effective. 

Q. And finally, what is the situation with the variant from Brazil? 

Less is known about this variant. It’s more transmissible than the original virus.  It also contains mutations in the spike protein like the UK and SA variants. 

In looking at indigenous population, they are testing 50% positive. Generally, priority to vaccinate should be given to indigenous populations.  

We know that this thinking is part of the efforts in Canada where vulnerable populations and front line workers, especially in long-term care homes have been vaccinated first. These also include our indigenous elders in urban centres and remote communities with less access to medical equipment and support.  

For more posts on health and lifestyle topics, check out Moondust Cosmetics® The website also has posts on skin care, the Human Sunburn Cycle explained and the merits of APF – apoptotic protection factor – the ultimate science of skin care at work for you in any sun setting.  

Learn more at the Moondust Cosmetics® website 

Follow us on Instagram  

Find us on Facebook    

Visit MoondustCosmetics.com