March of 2020 was devastating for many. People have lost their loved ones and their livelihoods. Those who have survived have had to do so by isolating themselves from the world, staying home as often as possible, and coping with the toll that takes on their mental health.
We have remained strong during this past year and many people have gotten vaccinated, but there is still more work to be done: Young folks are largely unvaccinated and, therefore, are more susceptible to the delta variant. The unfortunate truth is that it would likely be in our best interest to go back to square one, wear our masks, and continue social distancing, whether we like it or not: It seems that this strain could be even more deadly than what we have encountered in the past!
1. The Delta Variant is More Contagious Than Other Strains of The Coronavirus
Unfortunately, the delta variant is more contagious than other strains of the virus because, according to Dr. Loren Miller, it “sheds more virus into the air, making it easier to reach other people.” That is tragic news, considering that the strain we were faced with in March of 2020 was already incredibly deadly.
Miller also notes that the delta variant attaches to human cells in the respiratory tract more easily than previous strains did, meaning that small amounts of the virus can extremely dangerous.
2. Scientists Strongly Believe That This Variant Could Cause More Serious Illness in Unvaccinated Populations, But They’re Not Yet Certain
Scientists are rushing to learn the severity of this new strain because they want to help the public, and knowing such information would lead to a more educated populace, but, unfortunately, researchers don’t yet have the full picture of the danger of the delta variant: They have, however, found a few pieces of the puzzle that they are gradually putting together to form a more comprehensive understanding of the dire situation we are in.
- A peer-reviewed study in Scotland examined 19,000 confirmed COVID cases between April and June of 2021
“Scientists were able to differentiate between the alpha and delta variants by molecular testing for one of the multiple mutated genes known as the S gene.”
Around 7800 cases in 130 patients were due to the delta variant, which was confirmed by the presence of the S gene.
- Another study has recently been conducted in Singapore, but it is still awaiting approval. The research states:
“The delta variant was significantly associated with [an] increased need for oxygenation, admission to the Intensive Care Unit, or ICU, and death when compared to the alpha variant.”
Tragically, this could mean that the delta variant is even more dangerous than the alpha variant we faced in March of 2020.
3. Delta is Now The Dominant Strain of The Coronavirus, Nationwide, and Worldwide
The delta variant is now the prominent strain in the United States and around the world, and it’s hitting unvaccinated populations the hardest.
According to the Center for Disease Control or the CDC, more than 90% of the coronavirus cases in the United States have been caused by the delta variant.
4. Covid Vaccines Usually Protect People from The Delta Variant, But Not 100% of The Time
The vaccine is very effective, but there is still a small chance that you could get sick, be hospitalized, or die. Scientists are in a race against time to provide the public with more detailed information about the vaccine’s efficacy.
According to Dr. Hussein, “The majority of hospitalized COVID patients are unvaccinated.” This means that it’s of the utmost importance to get that shot if you haven’t already!
Here’s the kicker:
“Studies show that vaccines still dramatically reduce the risk of hospitalization and death, though the delta variant may be more likely than prior variants to cause asymptomatic or mild illness among vaccinated people.”
It’s essential to note that people who have compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to breakthrough infections, even if they are vaccinated. You’ll want to make sure you’re taking good care of yourself!
A Canadian study, which is still awaiting peer approval, examined 200,000 cases of the coronavirus, and they discovered that the delta variant was more likely to cause hospitalization, visits to the Intensive Care Unit, and death.
Unfortunately, researchers don’t yet know for certain if the delta variant is indeed more dangerous than the alpha variant was, or if it simply affects those who are unvaccinated more powerfully than those who are.
5. Younger, Unvaccinated Individuals Are More Vulnerable to The Delta Variant Than Anyone Else
“Unfortunately, many younger adults have not been vaccinated, resulting in this shift to younger hospitalized patients.”
—Hussein
The delta variant is infecting the younger generation more powerfully than the elderly one. However, this is not because it is more severe for the youth: It is because this demographic—teens and young adults—is, unfortunately, largely unvaccinated.
This could be due to the fact that the elderly were vaccinated first, understandably so, because there were more vulnerable to the virus that took over the world in 2020: 80% of people aged 65 or older have been fully vaccinated, and 90% of adults over the age of 65 have had one dose of a two-dose vaccine.
If you are not vaccinated, it’s likely a good idea to get that shot: We are being faced with a virus of momentous proportions, and it seems that this course of action would be the best way to protect yourself and others.
If you have already been vaccinated, it’s important to note that, while you don’t absolutely have to wear a mask in many places of business, you may still want to: The vaccine significantly reduces your risk of getting severely ill, being hospitalized, and dying. However, there are still cases where vaccinated individuals get sick. It’s up to you, but it’s ultimately best to remain as safe as possible during these challenging times.
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Healthcare Solutions Team is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National General Insurance Group and The Allstate Insurance Company.