COVID-19 Delta Variant: 4 Things You Should Know

Everyone is talking about the COVID-19 Delta variant. While several countries have made great strides in vaccinating their populations, this variant is popping up in a variety of places, including the United States

Here’s what you should know about this COVID-19 strain:

Why are people concerned?

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Delta variant can spread more easily than the original coronavirus. It has mutations on the spike protein that make it easier to transmit from person to person and infect human cells faster.

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According to the Washington Post, the Delta variant is 50% more contagious than the original coronavirus, with each infected person spreading it to three or four people. As of June, the Delta variant will be the best-known variety in the USA

What about symptoms?

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While the level of contagion is worrying, the Delta variant is very similar in terms of symptoms to the original form of the virus. There is persistent cough, headache, fever and sore throat.

Data from the UK, which followed the development of the Delta variant even before the US, shows that coughing and loss of smell were less common. The most commonly reported symptoms included a runny nose, headache, fever, and sore throat.

Is it deadlier?

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The delta variant is significantly more dangerous for unvaccinated people. Communities with low vaccination rates have seen a significant increase in cases in recent weeks in areas such as the Midwest and the South. Infections are rare in vaccinated people. Two doses of the vaccine Moderna and Pfizer were 88% effective against disease and 96% against hospitalization.

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In terms of fatality, data from the UK show that this variant is more likely to lead to hospitalization and death, especially in those who have not been vaccinated.

Shall we mask ourselves again?

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There are different opinions on the subject. While the CDC recommended masking only unvaccinated people, the WHO suggests that all wear masks. Speaking on behalf of the CDC, Dr. Anthony Fauci with CBS News. “If there are any changes that would change the recommendation, that will happen,” he said. “But right now, the CDC’s recommendation is that if you are actually fully vaccinated, you are protected and don’t have to wear a mask outside or inside.”