What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Delta Variant

Coronavirus cases are on the rise again as a result of the Delta variety, after falling dramatically for months. The United States is now seeing around 30,000 new cases per day, which is still well below peak levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hospitalizations have increased by approximately 36% in the last seven days.

Viruses constantly change to adapt and survive, and variants emerge when a strain has one or more mutations that differ from others. Here’s what you need to know about the COVID-19 Delta Variant to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Delta is more contagious than the other virus strains

Delta is the name for the B.1.617.2. variant, a SARS-CoV-2 mutation that originally surfaced in India. The first Delta case was identified in December 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called this version of the virus “the fastest and fittest.” In mid-June, the CDC labeled Delta as “a variant of concern,” 

Research has shown that Delta would spread from one person to maybe 3.5 or 4 other people. As a result, it grows exponentially and more quickly.

You are at a higher risk of infection if you are not vaccinated

A recent study from the United Kingdom showed that children and adults under 50 were 2.5 times more likely to become infected with Delta. The message here is clear and simple: People who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are most at risk.

To be clear, those who are vaccinated might still catch Delta, but most people who do will experience fewer symptoms with less severity.

Symptoms of the Delta Variant

The symptoms, which include a persistent cough, headache, fever, and sore throat, are identical to those observed with the original coronavirus strain and subsequent variations.

According to data from the ZOE COVID Symptom Study, COVID-19 patients in the United Kingdom have indicated that certain symptoms are slightly different for Delta. Coughing and losing one’s sense of smell appear to be less prevalent. It appears that headaches, sore throats, runny noses, and fevers are becoming increasingly prevalent.

There is still much to learn about the Delta Variant

A research from Scotland found that the Delta variation was nearly twice as likely as Alpha to cause hospitalization in unvaccinated people, while other evidence has found no significant difference. As specialists gain more knowledge, the information may alter. The most important thing you can do right now is to protect yourself from Delta is to get fully vaccinated!