The COVID-19 delta variant inflicts new fear in people. Day in and out, we hear health and government authorities talk about how it is more contagious, appears to affect children more, and seems to resist the protection offered by current vaccines. How worried should we be about this variant? What can we do to protect ourselves? Here are some things to know about the Delta variant.
6 Important Things to Know About the Delta Variant
The Delta Is, Indeed, More Contagious
The delta was first identified in India in December of 2020. Soon after that, it became the “dominant” variant, which experts believe caused the alarming surge in cases, reaching about 400,000 daily. Then, by July of 2021, it is the delta that caused about 80% of COVID cases in the United States.
Now, as of this writing, the Department of Health reported that the Philippines now have community spread of the delta variant.
US CDC says The Delta Is More Dangerous… When You’re Unvaccinated
Second on the things to know about the delta variant is that it might cause more severe illness when you don’t have the vaccine yet.
In two studies conducted in Scotland and Canada, researchers found that severe infections and hospitalizations are more likely to occur with the delta variant than the original strain or UK alpha variant. Still, the majority of severe cases happened to people who have yet to receive their jabs.
The Delta Doesn’t Specifically Target Children
Over the weeks, we heard about a surge of cases in children. We read about kids needing hospital stay or children as young as two dying because COVID-19 affected their hearts.
But the delta is NOT specifically targeting kids.
It’s just that the delta is more contagious, and it’s affecting unvaccinated individuals, such as children.
This is the reason why more and more parents discourage visitations. They kindly ask people, including vaccinated relatives, to refrain from going to their houses because the kids are unprotected.
Symptoms Are Generally The Same As The Original COVID-19
Next on the things to know about the delta variant is that the symptoms are generally the same as the original Wuhan strain.
However, according to UC Davis Health, although the symptoms are similar, doctors notice that with the delta variant, people are getting sicker quicker, especially for younger people.
If you got your COVID jab, experts say you are likely to be asymptomatic or only develop mild symptoms similar to cold or flu, which include headache, cough, or fever, plus the hallmark loss of smell and taste.
With the Delta, Experts Still Recommend Following Health Protocols
To protect yourself and your family from the delta variant, it’s essential that you still follow health protocols – even if you’re fully vaccinated. In fact, many healthcare professionals still wear their masks even though they’re fully vaccinated.
UNICEF also recommends the following:
- Avoid crowded spaces and practice physical distancing at all times.
- Make sure indoor spaces are well-ventilated.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- When it’s your turn, get vaccinated.
Experts Expect Variants As Long As Portions of Population Remain Unvaccinated
And last on the things to know about the delta variant is this: it’s not going to be the last variant – there will be others, such as the lambda variant that even show resistance to vaccines.
Experts remind the public that to go back to our pre-pandemic life, a significant portion of the population must be vaccinated. This is because as long as there’s a chunk of unvaccinated individuals, the virus will still spread and mutation is possible.
Worried about vaccination? Remember that all vaccines approved by the World Health Organization are safe and effective. If you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Learn more about Coronavirus here.
