The Delta variant has a lot of similarities to other variants and the original strain of COVID. There is no test that can tell if a specific case is the Delta variant, however, due to the high transmission rate, it can be assumed almost all cases are the variant.
Visit AFC Urgent Care North Bergen today for a COVID-19 test. Patients can get an appointment or walk in today to get tested.
Differences in the Delta Variant
There are not many differences in the Delta variant compared to the original strain, except the contagiousness. Health experts have said that the more a virus is transmitted, the more likely it is to develop. This is how variants happen. The Delta variant is 2x more contagious than other variants.
Trends have also found that the symptoms of the Delta variant are more severe. While they are similar, unvaccinated people are more likely to become hospitalized after getting infected with the Delta variant.
Similarities to the Original COVID Strain
As mentioned previously, symptoms are similar among all strains of COVID. This includes upper respiratory infection symptoms – fever, cough, congestion, and loss of taste or smell. It has been found that the Delta variant shows more severe symptoms and an increased chance of hospitalization.
Across the nation, 97% of hospitalizations are unvaccinated people. While vaccines are not 100% effective and breakthrough infections will happen, they drastically improve the condition. Vaccinated people are more likely to have minor symptoms or asymptomatic cases.
Similar to the rise in cases last year, the Delta variant can be devastating to communities without healthcare access. More rural or lower-income areas are less likely to be vaccinated and can spread the variant more frequently.
Preventing the Spread
In addition to getting vaccinated, people should wear masks indoors in areas with high transmission rates. Even fully vaccinated people can catch COVID right now, and those with symptoms may still spread the virus to others. Unvaccinated people should wear masks around others. This is an effective way to prevent the spread of the Delta variant, and thus, future variants to come.
Getting vaccinated is also an extremely effective way to stop the spread. Not only are vaccinated people less likely to catch COVID, but they are also less likely to experience severe symptoms and hospitalization. It is unclear at this time, but the CDC has found trends in vaccinated, asymptomatic cases not spreading the virus.
