The Delta Variant
The coronavirus disease has drastically altered the way we live. While governments nationwide have imposed safety restrictions and mandates (albeit most of which have been loosened through time), the number of cases has in fact increased with the spread of a deadly variant: the Delta variant. With COVID-19 cases rising in the United States, and the Delta variant identified in all 50 states across the country, it is crucial to understand the intricacies of this new variant and how we can stay safe.
The Delta variant is now responsible for more than 98 percent of new coronavirus infections in the United States, and there’s been an increase in hospitalizations.
What Is the Delta Variant?
Labeled as “a variant of concern” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the delta variant is the predominant strain of the coronavirus that has resulted in approximately 1500 deaths per day in the United States of America.
According to data collected by the American Society for Microbiology, the “Delta is 40–60% more transmissible than [the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant] and almost twice as transmissible as the original Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2” (ASM). Regarded as “the fastest and fittest” variant so far, the Delta Variant is gradually disseminating across countries and directly into homes.
Delta Variant Symptoms
With the new Delta variant rapidly disseminating across countries such as India, thousands of people have begun to experience serious symptoms.
“I started having flu-like symptoms Saturday night and went to the doctor this morning,” — Senator Lindsey Graham
With scientists studying the distinct COVID-19 variants that have originated from countries such as Brazil and India, several studies have come to the conclusion that all variants share a set of common symptoms. To further elaborate on, headaches, sneezing, sore throats, and a loss of smell/taste were found to be the fundamental symptoms that could be applied to all variants. Additionally, more detailed studies revealed that coughing and shortness of breath were universal too.
With the delta variant being a highly contagious and deadly strain, it is critical to take precautions!
Are Vaccines Enough?
Innumerable studies have revealed that although being vaccinated may help you to a certain extent, the delta variant is more than two times contagious than previous strains and thus requires greater attention. Now, this isn’t to say that vaccines aren’t effective against the delta variant. In fact, according to an analysis carried out by Public Health England, two doses of the Pfizer vaccine were conducive to an approximate 88 percent effectiveness against symptomatic disease and 96 percent effective against hospitalization (Healthline). However, given the uncertainty of nature and the Delta variant, coupled with the variant’s ability to unleash several dreadful effects such as a cough, shortness of breath, severe body aches, fever, or sore throat, it is crucial to stay vaccinated as this enables the body to stay prepared and armed in case you do get exposed to the actual virus!
A common misconception is that vaccines guarantee immunity; it is crucial to realize that vaccines solely “[force] your immune system to make antibodies against a specific disease, usually with a dead or weakened form of the germs” and do not guarantee immunity. In essence, vaccines are not enough. As a society that is constantly growing and changing, we need to take action against the new variant and we can do so in multiple ways. However, this doesn’t mean that you should not get vaccinated; getting vaccinated is vital! Vaccines allow our bodies to stay alert and aware of any foreign pathogen and attack/remove it from our body.
Taking Action
1. Washing Your Hands
It is imperative to wash your hands frequently! Dermatologists recommend washing your hands 11 times a day, 3 times before eating, and 8 times after using the toilet. Examples of when you should always wash your hands include the following: Before eating/preparing food; before touching your face; after using the restroom; after leaving a public place; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; after handling your mask; after changing a diaper; after caring for someone sick; and after touching animals or pets.
2. Wearing A Mask
Given that only 53.6 of Americans are vaccinated, wearing a mask is crucial! Additionally, people who may have a certain condition and are thus taking medications/prescriptions that are subject to a weakened immunity may not be fully protected despite being fully vaccinated. Therefore, it is recommended to take extra precautions for unvaccinated people, including wearing a mask and staying clean! (CDC).
3. Social Distancing
When possible, it is recommended to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between your peers and your household members. Our world is constantly moving and viruses can disseminate within a blink of an eye! It is important to maintain your distance and keep your hands to yourself.
4. Sanitizing
It is also recommended to sanitize personal materials. Specifically, the CDC recommends “cleaning high touch surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks” (CDC).
5. Monitor Your Health Frequently
With cases rising day by day, it is vital to be alert for symptoms and check upon yourself every day.
Be alert for symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and a loss of taste or sense of smell.
Additionally, it is recommended to “take your temperature if symptoms develop” (CDC). However, it is advised to not take your temperature “within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen” (CDC).
In short, the Delta variant, a highly contagious strain of the coronavirus disease, has been responsible for a myriad of unfortunate deaths. Given that cases are rising day by day, it is crucial to take precautions against this new strain and stay safe!
We recommend that you follow organizations such as the CDC, The The New York Times, Healthline, CNN, BBC News, and of course, the Coronavirus Visualization Team, for new updates on the pandemic and how society can ameliorate its ensuing effects.
Works Cited:
“Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 Feb. 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html.
“How Dangerous Is the Delta Variant (B.1.617.2)?” ASM.Org, 2021, asm.org/Articles/2021/July/How-Dangerous-is-the-Delta-Variant-B-1–617–2.
Katella, Kathy. “5 Things To Know About the Delta Variant.” Yale Medicine, 26 Aug. 2021, www.yalemedicine.org/news/5-things-to-know-delta-variant-covid.
Cha, Ariana Dan Eunjung Keating. “U.S. Covid Death Toll Hits 1,500 a Day amid Delta Scourge.” Washington Post, 3 Sept. 2021, www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/09/03/delta-deaths-us-fourth-wave.
Sakay, Yasemin Nicola. “Here’s How Well COVID-19 Vaccines Work Against the Delta Variant.” Healthline, 26 Aug. 2021, www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-how-well-covid-19-vaccines-work-against-the-delta-variant#Breakthrough-infections-can-be-expected.
Alexander, Alexander. “COVID-19 Symptoms and the Delta Variant.” CBS News, 26 Aug. 2021, www.cbsnews.com/news/delta-variant-symptoms-covid-19.
“COVID-19 and Your Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 Aug. 2021, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html.
