As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, more and more variants of the virus are emerging. Variants are a natural part of the process of how viruses spread and evolve as they move from person to person. When the genetic sequence of a virus changes enough that it is significantly different from other circulating viruses, the new strains are classified and tracked by scientists. This is done using a technique called genomic surveillance.

Variants of COVID-19 are named according to a system based on their relative position in the alphabet (Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma, etc). Each one is monitored carefully by scientists to track how it moves and whether any existing tests, treatments or vaccines work against it.

Scientists use genetic sequencing, combined with observable characteristics of the virus (phenotypic), to categorize the variants. They are then grouped into three categories – variants under monitoring, variants of interest and variants of concern.

The most significant COVID-19 variants currently in circulation are Gamma, Omicron and Delta. These are the ones most likely to cause illness in people.

Getting the most serious forms of COVID-19 can lead to long-term loss of taste and smell, skin rashes, difficulty breathing and pneumonia. It can also make other health problems you have worse, like heart disease and diabetes.

The virus can be spread by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. It can also be spread through airborne droplets or particles that are breathed in. This is why CDC recommends you practice proper handwashing and other prevention strategies, such as staying up to date on your vaccinations.