COVID-19 Delta Variant: What to Know
Yes, COVID-19 is still happening. Of course, we know that COVID is so 2020, but unfortunately, there is a variant that is thought to be over 40 percent more transmissible than previous COVID-19 variants. The following information can help us learn more about the variants and how they impact you.
What is a variant?
In December 2020 the alpha covid variant was found, since then more variants are showing up. Viruses change through mutation and these changes are called variants, similar to how the flu virus mutates each year.
Variants aren’t unexpected and we are currently seeing multiple variants of the original COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) coronavirus from the first version detected in China says Stuart Ray, M.D., vice chair of medicine for data integrity and analytics at Johns Hopkins.
What to Know
The delta variant has reached 74 countries and has overtaken the alpha variant. Studies from the United Kingdom suggest children and adults under 50 are 2.5 times more likely to become infected. In addition, the symptoms seem to be more severe. This highly contagious Delta variant could soon become the dominant strain of coronavirus in the U.S., says the CDC.
Protect Yourself
Currently, fully vaccinated individuals are believed to have significant protection against illness, especially after two doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine. For instance, people who are vaccinated still do well against the delta variant. For us Missourians, anyone age twelve at up can get a vaccine.
How do I get the Vaccine?
There are two ways to get the vaccine and it’s your choice. Residents of Missouri can register on vaccine navigator and someone will reach out to you with available appointments. You can also check out the most up-to-date list of vaccinators with supplies in your area to schedule with them directly. You can search for vaccinators at https://www.vaccines.gov/.
The delta variant is projected to be the most common variant of the virus by August of this year. It’s important to know what it is and how to protect yourself. If you get sick or have cold and flu-like symptoms don’t forget to go to the doctor. We’d love to see you and get you back to good health. Don’t forget to schedule an appointment with us.
Thanks for reading,
Cam Corbet is the Marketing and Communications Manager for Northwest Health Services and works with healthcare professionals to provide education on important health issues.