COVID-19
Variants of COVID-19
It is a natural process for viruses to change or mutate, which may produce variants. Variants are developing around the world. This tends to happen in places where the virus is out of control.
WHO is tracking variants of concern and variants of interest.
Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants | WHO website(external link)
Variants of COVID-19 may affect how fast the virus spreads, or how sick people get from the virus.
The current variants of concern are:
- Alpha — first found in the United Kingdom
- Beta — first found in South Africa
- Gamma — first found in Brazil
- Delta — first found in India
- Omicron — first found in South Africa.
The Ministry of Health is providing updates on these variants.
COVID-19: About the Delta variant(external link)
COVID-19 Symptoms
The symptoms of COVID-19 are like common illnesses such as the cold or flu. Some people will only experience mild to moderate symptoms. Older people, ethnic minorities, and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.
Some people who have had the virus are suffering health impacts longer than a few weeks or months. This is commonly referred to as Long COVID.
COVID-19 Vaccination
For accurate and reliable advice about COVID-19 vaccination, including vaccination for children and people who are pregnant, and information about the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, visit the link below;
Self-isolation
There is support and advice available if you test positive for COVID-19 and need to self-isolate.This includes conversations with a health professional, contact tracers and deciding what support you need.
Click the link below for further information and assistance:
https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/care-in...
