By: Isabela Gee
The COVID-19 virus has continued to be of great concern on a global scale. Though we’ve made impressive strides working together to adapt, develop, and grow from the pandemic, the virus has learned to adapt along with us. Just like the common cold takes form in different variants, the COVID-19 virus has begun to mutate, bringing a significant list of variants that could be incredibly destructive if not dealt with properly.
There are several different existing variants of the virus currently: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. However, the most concerning of the existing variants is the Delta Variant.
The Delta variant was first detected in December of 2020 in India, travelling through the country like wildfire and overwhelming India’s hospitals. Now labelled a variant of concern in the United States of America, the Delta Variant quickly reached Great Britain soon after, becoming the predominant virus strain in both countries. The CDC estimates that more than 80% of new COVID-19 cases within the US were identified as the Delta strain of the virus.
In order to protect ourselves from this new and potent strain, we must be fully aware and educated about its characteristics. The main reason why the Delta Variant raises concerns is due to its contagiousness, which is two times more than that of other COVID strains.
So who is at risk of being infected with this new variant? While unvaccinated individuals remain the most at-risk for infection, the truth is that everyone should remain vigilant. During the weekend of July 4th, celebrations in Provincetown, Massachusetts resulted in a large outbreak. The unusual aspect of this outbreak was that nearly three quarters out of those infected had been previously vaccinated. That being said, the COVID vaccine is still proven to be extremely effective in decreasing chances of transmission, disease and death of COVID; the same, however, cannot be said for the vaccine’s deterrence of COVID’s upcoming Variants. Thus, unvaccinated individuals and pre-vaccinated individuals alike should be wary of being susceptible to Variants. Studies conducted in Scotland and Canada showed that those who caught the Delta Variant were more likely to be hospitalized than those who caught the original strain or the Alpha Variant. Children and young adults must remain cautious as well. Studies have shown that they are 2.5 times more likely to catch the Delta Virus.
With the arrival and influence of the Delta Variant, we may have to navigate unfamiliar territory yet again. However, the necessary preventative measures put in place from the original strain of COVID-19 remain unchanged in the face of Delta. The best way to decrease chances of Delta outbreaks would simply be to continue wearing a mask whenever possible, as well as maintaining physical distance and getting your vaccinations if you have not yet.
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