The Delta variant is more contagious and more deadly than other strains of COVID. People all over the country are contracting the variant despite their vaccination status. If you are experiencing symptoms and then test positive, there is a strong likelihood that you have the Delta variant. Visit AFC Urgent Care Hillsdale for COVID-19 testing today, and receive your vaccine. 

Testing for the Delta Variant

The tests used to tell if you have COVID-19 will not be able to know whether or not it is the Delta variant. In order to tell if it’s Delta or another variant, a specific type of test called genomic sequencing is required. Due to the fact that there is a high number of testing happening, sequencing will not be performed on all viral samples. That being said, because Delta is so prominent in the United States, there is a high chance that the Delta variant causes a positive test. 

Symptoms of the Delta Variant

Symptoms and warning signs of the Delta variant are essentially the same as the original strain of COVID. This includes fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, headache, and sore throat. That being said, the Delta variant spreads more easily than other strains. This is essentially the biggest reason why it is taking the country by storm. 

In unvaccinated people, symptoms are more severe than in vaccinated people. It increasing the chance of hospitalization, complications, and death. 

Contracting the Variant

Those who are unvaccinated are at higher risk of contracting the Delta variant than anyone else. Since Delta is more aggressive than other variants, areas with low vaccination levels are experiencing an increased number of cases. The CDC has found that the Delta variant is 2x more contagious than other variants and the original strain of COVID. 

While it is unconfirmed, it has been observed that breakthrough cases who are asymptomatic are less likely to spread it to others. Symptomatic cases, however, increase that chance. 

COVID Vaccines & the Delta Variant

The vaccine is extremely effective at preventing severe symptoms and hospitalization. While no vaccine is 100% effective at stopping the virus entirely, it is still our best chance at slowing the spread and saving lives. Similar to the flu shot, the COVID vaccine can help keep people safe and keep symptoms from getting out of control. 

The FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine as of August 23rd. While it is now even more available for those 16 and older, those 12 and under are at high risk of getting COVID. Clinical trials are underway to speed up approval for young children, but it may still be several weeks before there is any good news.