The Delta variant, the one which has been devastating the Indian subcontinent, is here and we need to be concerned. It accounts for over 90% of new cases in Britain. A month ago, it only accounted for 1% of new US cases but is now up to 6%. In addition it is thought that it will be the dominant strain in the US within the next few months.
Not only is it significantly more infectious than previous versions (2-3x more infectious than the British variant which was twice as infectious as the original form), but, as the British variant, it infects kids more readily and it causes more severe disease.
Although it was initially thought that it was not leading to worse disease, trends indicate that this is in fact not the case. This variant IS resulting in more hospitalization, essentially an indicator that it is more aggressive.
In Britain, they are seeing not only more hospitalizations but these cases involving younger people. Why? Partly because they are also the ones who are not getting vaccinated to the same degree as older people.
Vaccination is not as protective against the Delta variant as it is against the other forms, but it is still very good. In the 80% range, but that also assumes you get BOTH doses if you get the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna). The coverage with J&J is a little bit lower but still much better than nothing. With only one dose, you only get about 30% coverage.
We are enjoying more freedom than we have had for a year and a half, but that WILL change, and very quickly if we don’t continue to vaccinate those who are still at risk (everyone) and behave in a way which ignores the fact that this virus is still spreading.
Life is NOT back to normal, and it won’t be for a long time.
We must come to grips with the fact that this virus has changed how we will live our lives moving forward. Being cooped up is not the answer, but neither is avoiding vaccination and behaving in a way oblivious to the existence of this virus and potential for infection.
This pandemic will eventually settle down, but it won’t go away. And it will not be the last pandemic, especially if we continue to live however we want.
Continue to MASK and DISTANCE where and when appropriate.
WASH your hands.
VENTILATE. Spend as much time outdoors as you can. This is an indoor virus.
VACCINATE. It’s still our best line of defence.
GET HEALTHY!.
Stay safe and be well.
AC