People talk about how much more transmissible the new UK variant of covid-19 is. But HOW is it more transmissible? Does it multiply faster? Stay in the air longer? Stay on surfaces longer? Is it just more powerful? What specific steps can we take to avoid it? #AskReuters

The #B117 🇬🇧 strain is believed to be more contagious because patients have a higher viral load, so when they breathe, cough, or sneeze, they release more virus into the air. #WearAMask w/ 3+ layers, consider 👓 in public indoors, &amp; avoid indoor gatherings. #AskReuters #COVID19 https://t.co/aSYTgZT00M

Tatiana Prowell, MD

@tmprowell Thank you. I've been trying to get an answer to this for a week.  If a higher viral load is being transmitted, does this indicate more severe disease is likely in those with symptoms?

Dr. Mary Trump’s Ghost

@NonnieSchu The #B117 🇬🇧 strain does not cause more severe disease. It is of concern because it can result in a rapid ⬆️ in # of cases. This is a bigger problem in areas like LA where hospitals are full &amp; will worsen outcomes for ppl ill enough to need hospitalization. #AskReuters #COVID19

@tmprowell Thanks!  Makes sense but I thought viral load correlated with symptom severity.

I dip into Twitter every now and then. Snark about the things you cannot change, change the things you can. I don’t sweat pronouns. Just let me know yours.

Clodagh Dunne

Oncologist serving ppl w/ #cancer in #bcsm clinic, #MedEd, #PublicHealth, #ClinicalTrials & #COVID19. #ASCO20 Ed Chair. #OslerPride. Loyal to #science. Go high.