Everything You Need to Know About the Delta Variant

By now, we’ve all heard of the very contagious Delta variant of COVID-19, but do you know everything about it to stay safe? That’s where we come in! Keep reading to get all the information. 

Delta is More Contagious Than Other Virus Strains

The Delta strain’s quick growth has been dramatic giving it the nickname, the variant of concern. It has been spreading 50% faster than the original strain of the Coronavirus therefore making it 50% more contagious. In an environment where no one is vaccinated or wearing a mask, the original strain of COVID-19 would infect 2.5 people while in the same environment, the Delta variant will infect 3.5 or even 4 other people. 

Unvaccinated People Are at Risk

In the United States, the vaccine number are disproportionate as the numbers are low in the Southern and Appalachian States such as Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri and West Virgina. However, cases are rising all over the country. We cannot stress enough to get vaccinated if you are not and if you are be sure to keep up to date on your boosters as they become available.

Vaccination is the Best Protection Against Delta

Like we touched on above, the biggest thing you can do to protect yourself from the Delta variant is to get fully vaccinated. This means getting both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and waiting the recommended two weeks in-between shots to get the full benefits. Data shows that by getting vaccinated, you are at a lower risk of developing a severe illness, hospitalization and death. If you are immunocompromised, the importance of being vaccinated and staying safe and clean is even higher. 

All in all, COVID-19, the Delta variant and everything that comes with it, is not going away, so we need to be sure to step up and do our part to keep ourselves and our loved ones as safe as possible. If you have questions about your respiratory system and COVID-19 or if you need breathing assistance, be sure to reach out to your family physician. Your safety and health is always top priority!