As this virus continues to cause an exponential rise in Covid cases in hospitalizations and soon to follow, deaths, we are learning more about this new variant.
We’ve already heard it is much more infectious. 2-4x as much. It attaches more vigorously to the ACE-2 receptor on human cells. And it can replicate as much as 1000x more in the nose as it’s predecessors so can be shed to a much greater degree. However, how does that impact our interactions with people? In a nutshell, the timelines are all shortened by 48 hours.
- If you are exposed to someone with Covid and become infected, you may be infectious to other people as soon as only 1.5 days afterwards, whereas with the original form, you had 3-4 days lead time. Vaccinated or not.
- You may be infected but asymptomatic for only 3 days or less. The disease progresses faster.
- Confirmation testing can be done sooner, but no earlier than 3 days, and should be repeated at 5-7 days after exposure.
- The duration of infection seems to be the same however more people are getting more seriously sick and are suffering chronic symptoms longer (like loss of smell and taste, brain fog…)
We also know that:
- It causes more serious disease in both adults and kids.
- More long-term (at least as far as we have been able to follow put) complications. A recent study of teens who had Covid, revealed a 10% incidence of persistent brain fog and difficulties with concentration and academics. This was seen even in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic teens.
- It infects kids much more readily than the previous versions.
- Previous infection (natural immunity) provides much less protection against Delta so you must still get at least one shot of a vaccine. I would still get 2. In Europe, they are approving additional vaccination if you’re getting the J&J or AZ vaccines. Unfortunately, no such official recommendation has been made in the US.
- Vaccination provides significant protection against Delta but you must get both shots with Pfizer and Moderna! The difference is significant by more than 20%. J&J provides less, but still significant protection.
- Whereas the original and earlier forms of this virus were felt to be most transmitted indoors, in close quarters, without adequate ventilation, essentially making it an “indoor” disease, that is no longer the case with Delta. It is estimated that 50-70% of Covid cases in high school students last year occurred as a result of participation in sporting activities. Being outdoors is certainly much better, but be aware of your surroundings and avoid crowds, especially if people are unmasked.
The bottom line is that this is almost a new disease altogether.
We have a weapon however and that is vaccination.
We can’t expect others to get it and then become protected. That is selfish.
They are safe, effective and our only way out.
All the other protective measures still help significantly, especially wearing a mask.
Stay safe and be well.
AC