Of course, the reason for this shift could be contingent on a variety of factors. The vaccination rate has stalled and currently hovers around 57%, and earlier this year, many state mask mandates were lifted along with social distancing requirements. Social However, a big player is the Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2. About 80 percent of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. can be attributed to this strain. But what is the Delta variant and how do the symptoms vary from that of traditional COVID? Here’s everything we know about the Delta variant, or B.1.617.2.
What is the Delta variant?
The Delta variant is a mutated version of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. First discovered in India in 2020, this strain of COVID has a high transmission rate, and the variant itself has mutated further, causing concern for India and other nations already affected may this strain. “The Delta variant is now the predominant strain of the virus SARS CoV-2 circulating globally,” Jennifer Horney, a professor and the founding director of the epidemiology department at the University of Delaware, tells Parade. “Since the first case was identified in the U.S. in March 2021, Delta makes up more than 80% of cases here.” Why? Because compared to other strains, the Delta variant is significantly more contagious.
What are the symptoms?
While the symptoms of Delta variant are similar to that of COVID-19—a cough, for example, is still possible as is a fever and/or a loss of taste or smell—many individuals who have been infected by the virus are experiencing less traditional symptoms. “It seems like cough and loss of smell are less common,” Dr. Inci Yildirim, a Yale Medicine pediatric infectious diseases specialist, recently said in a news release. “[Instead,] headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever are present based on the most recent surveys in the U.K., where more than 90% of the cases are due to the Delta strain.” If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should get tested for COVID-19:
HeadacheCoughFeverChillsShortness of breathMuscle achesRunny noseFatigueSore throatLoss of taste or smell
Do vaccines protect you from the Delta variant?
The good news is that the vaccines are holding up well against the Delta variant. “Those who are fully vaccinated are well protected against this variant,” Michael Calderwood, the chief quality officer at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, recently stated in a press release. There are exceptions, of course, and breakthrough infections can occur. However, most vaccinated individuals will not contract COVID-19 or the Delta variant. “Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines remain 80-90 percent effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 from the Delta variant,” Calderwood adds, “and more than 90 percent in preventing severe disease leading to hospitalization.”
Will there be other variants?
While the Delta variant is the most predominant COVID-19 variant, there are—and will be—others. “As long as a chunk of people across the world are unvaccinated, new strains of the virus will continue to develop and cause problems,” an article out of UC Davis Medical Center explains. “The Lambda variant out of South America is also emerging, [and] health experts urge that if people want to get back to normal, a significant portion of the population needs to be vaccinated.”
What can individuals do to protect themselves from the Delta variant and COVID-19?
“The best thing one can do right now is get themselves vaccinated if they are eligible,” Dr. Ryan Moran, MD, a pediatric intensivist who has treated many pediatric COVID patients, tells Parade.com. “Our greatest chance of ending the pandemic as soon as possible is to have as many people vaccinated as possible.” There are other steps individuals can take. In addition to getting vaccinated, you can (and should) wear a mask, particularly when indoors or in areas where the infection rate is high. Social distancing has effectively helped to slow the spread, and staying home when you are ill is key. “Continue to exercise the same precautions you have been throughout the pandemic,” Moran adds. “This means social distancing, refraining from unnecessary travel, and wearing masks for all but especially unvaccinated persons. While the risk of vaccinated persons getting severe disease or spreading disease remains very low, the risk of severe disease or spreading disease in unvaccinated persons is much higher now than it had been before.” Next up, do you still need the COVID-19 vaccine if you have antibodies? Here’s what to know.
Sources
Jennifer Horney, a professor and the founding director of the epidemiology department at the University of Delaware"Dartmouth-Hitchcock Infectious Disease Physician Provides Guidance on the COVID-19 Delta Variant." Press Release. July 26, 2021.“Delta Variant: 8 Things You Should Know About This COVID-19 Strain.” UC Davis.Dr. Ryan Moran, MD, a pediatric intensivist
