What should I know concerning the delta variant?
This is the most contagious coronavirus mutation in the pandemic. However, COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection. Nearly all deaths and hospitalizations are caused by the unvaccinated.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited delta’s rise for their updated advice that fully vaccinated individuals return to wearing masks indoors in high-transmission areas. Recent research suggests that people who are vaccinated against the delta variant may spread it to others even if they don’t become seriously ill.
This guidance is intended to protect unvaccinated children, as well as those who may not be eligible for shots.
Because vaccines are designed to prevent serious illness, there were certain cases of breakthrough cases that had milder or no symptoms. Although the CDC has stopped publishing information about milder cases, a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of data collected from states that keep a tally showed they account for a small percentage of all COVID-19 infection cases.
The effects of the delta variant on health are not known. Experts believe it spreads faster because it has better ability to latch onto cells.
The first detection of the delta was in India. It has since become a dominant feature wherever it has landed, even the U.S.
Viruses are constantly changing and many of these changes aren’t too concerning. Unchecked spread can lead to mutations that could cause more severe illnesses, more serious illness, or even evade vaccine protection.
Experts agree that vaccines should be available worldwide. They also stress the importance of getting all vaccines. Getting just one dose of two-dose vaccines won’t protect against the delta.
