Why You Should Take the Delta Variant Seriously – What Science is Telling Us

As the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads across the globe, it’s more important than ever to understand why this strain is causing such concern among health experts. With its highly contagious nature and potential to cause severe illness, the Delta variant is not something to be taken lightly. But what does science have to say about this new threat? In this blog post, we’ll explore the latest research on the Delta variant and explain why you should be paying attention to what scientists are telling us. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in – let’s dive into this important topic together!

What is the Delta Variant?

The Delta Variant, also known as B.1.617.2, is a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that was first identified in India. It is concerning because it has several mutations that make it more infectious than other variants and may be associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and death. TheDelta Variant is now the dominant form of SARS-CoV-2 in the United Kingdom and is spreading rapidly in other countries, including the United States. Scientists are still learning about this variant and its implications for disease severity and vaccine effectiveness, but there is reason to believe that it could become a major public health threat in the coming months.

Why is the Delta Variant More Contagious?

The Delta Variant, formally known as B.1.617.2, is a COVID-19 variant that was first identified in India. It has since been found in over 50 countries and is now the dominant variant in the United Kingdom (UK). Public Health England (PHE) has classified the Delta Variant as a “variant of concern” based on its increased transmissibility and potential to cause more severe disease.

There are several reasons why the Delta Variant is more contagious than other variants of COVID-19. First, it appears to spread more easily from person to person. This is likely due to one or more of the variant’s mutations, which make it better able to attach to and enter human cells. The Delta Variant can also spread through aerosumables such as food and water, which increases its chances of infecting people who come into contact with contaminated surfaces.

In addition to being more contagious, the Delta Variant is also thought to be more severe than other variants of COVID-19. This is because it is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and death, particularly in younger adults. The severity of the Delta Variant may be due to its ability to evade immunity from prior infections or vaccinations. The variant can also cause a “cytokine storm” – an overreaction of the immune system that can lead to organ damage and death.

The increased transmissibility and severity of the Delta

What are the Symptoms of the Delta Variant?

There are many symptoms of the delta variant, and they can vary from person to person. The most common symptom is fever, which is often accompanied by chills, body aches, and fatigue. Other symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. In some cases, people may also experience a rash or joint pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Who is Most at Risk from the Delta Variant?

There are a few factors that make someone more likely to develop severe illness from the Delta variant:

age – people over the age of 60 are more likely to experience severe symptoms from the virus
underlying health conditions – people with chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are more vulnerable to the virus
previous infection with another coronavirus – people who have already had Covid-19 or another similar virus are at a higher risk for developing severe illness from the Delta variant
pregnancy – pregnant women are more likely to experience severe symptoms from the virus

The Delta variant is particularly concerning because it seems to be more contagious than other variants and it is spreading rapidly in countries where vaccination rates are low. So far, there have been relatively few cases of the Delta variant reported in the United States, but experts believe it is only a matter of time before it becomes the dominant strain here.

How to Protect Yourself from the Delta Variant

As the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread across the UK, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from this more infectious strain. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Wash your hands regularly and often, for at least 20 seconds each time

Wear a face covering when you’re around other people, even if you’re outdoors

Stay at least 2 metres away from other people where possible

Get vaccinated if you’re eligible – the vaccines available offer good protection against the Delta variant

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, a new continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste), self-isolate immediately and get a test

Conclusion

We hope this article has provided you with the information necessary to understand why the Delta Variant of COVID-19 is a cause for concern and why it’s important to take it seriously. As more research comes in, we can be sure that scientists will be able to get a better understanding of how this variant works, its transmissibility and how effective existing treatments are. In the meantime, following proper protocols such as wearing masks and social distancing remain essential for preventing further spread of this virus.