The Delta Variant: What You Need to Know

The Coronavirus Delta variant seems to be at the center of most discussions regarding the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and the skyrocketing positive case numbers and hospitalizations. However, along with the highly contagious variant, there seems to also be a pandemic of misinformation. Therefore, we have compiled this list of frequently asked questions to hopefully set the record straight on the nearly-twice-as-contagious Coronavirus Delta variant.

What is the Delta variant?

The Delta variant is a new strand of the original Coronavirus that came to light in early 2020. Viruses change and mutate frequently. According to the CDC, there have been multiple variants of COVID-19 in the United States. However, at this point, the original strand that infected people back in January 2020 is no longer circulating and new variants are continuing to increase. In fact, according to Newsweek.com, the Delta variant is currently responsible for 93% of cases circulating in the United States.

Where did the Delta variant originate?

According to the CDC, the Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2, was first identified in India in December 2020.

How did the Delta variant occur?

The Delta variant mutated from the original virus. Different conditions can be stated to contribute to this situation. At the moment the CDC is constantly learning into further detail on the how.And, CDC website shares a great analogy on the development of variants: “If you think about a virus like a tree growing and branching out; each branch on the tree is slightly different than the others. By comparing the branches, scientists can label them according to the differences. These small differences, or variants, have been studied and identified since the beginning of the pandemic.”

What does the Delta variant mean for vaccinated individuals?

According to the CDC website, the COVID-19 vaccines administered in the United States are highly effective in preventing severe disease and death- and that includes the delta variant. However, no vaccine is 100% effective. In some instances, it is possible that full vaccinated people will be infected (which is called a breakthrough infection). And, even those who are fully vaccinated can still spread the virus.  In an instance of breakthrough infection where a vaccinated person becomes symptomatic, their vaccine will still provide effective protection against serious illness and death. Vaccines can also shorten the length of time one experiences symptoms from the virus.

That said, there does seem to be rising concern about vaccine effectiveness when breaking down the numbers by specific vaccine manufacturer. In a recent study shared on Axios.com, there seems to be a growing discrepancy between the effectiveness of the Pfizer and Modern vaccines when up against the Delta variant. As testing is ongoing, it is vital that vaccinated individuals remain vigilant and continue taking safety precautions such as wearing a mask, staying six feet away from others, and washing your hands regularly.

Constant testing at worksites and at home, can help monitor any possible outbreaks and stop the spread. 

What does the Delta variant mean for unvaccinated individuals?

Vaccines play a vital role in limiting the spread of the virus and minimizing severe disease and/or death. According to the CDC, low vaccination rates in many areas, neighborhoods, and communities is the driving force behind the rapid spike in cases of delta variant infection.

Additionally, there is data suggesting that the delta variant is more dangerous than the original strains of the virus. In separate studies from Canada and Scotland, patients were more likely to be hospitalized or experience more severe symptoms than those with original strains of the virus. Therefore, unvaccinated individuals are of the greatest concern when it comes to the Delta variant. The greatest risk of transmission is among unvaccinated people who are more likely to contract, and therefore, transmit the virus.

Will “normal” COVID tests work if I have the Delta variant?

Yes. In most, if not all cases, the same testing that has been done since the beginning of the pandemic will detect whether you are carrying the virus. Tests such as the Medek COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test have even been tested against different variants. In the case of the Medek COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test, results have shown that the delta variant “does not affect the performance of the screening.” 

There is so much information. What’s the most important takeaway?

COVID-19 is not political- it’s medical. As the virus spreads, it has new opportunities to change. It will become more difficult to stop. It’s vital that we all stay vigilant and do our best to be caring, responsible members of our community. Taking recommended safety measures, testing regularly with test kits, and getting vaccinated, are all ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

With Medek Test Kits you can keep yourself safe at any place. Whether it be at work or at home Medek test kits give you an instant safety of mind knowing if you are positive or not within 10 minutes. Don’t put people at risk. Get tested today.