COVID-19 (DELTA VARIANT)

Hello everyone! How are you all? I hope you all are fine and I am fine too. Today's topic is "The Delta Variant" of COVID-19. Let's begin!

GENERAL INTRODUCTION 

The Delta variant of COVID-19 is a highly contagious variation of COVID-19. It originated in India and began to spread rapidly about in the middle of June. But, let's just begin from scratch. What is COVID-19? 

COVID-19 INTRODUCTION

COVID-19, or Coronavirus, is a virus that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. It was first diagnosed in Wuhan city, China. Since then, it has spread worldwide. Its been 1 year, 9 months, and 2 days since the first case was reported and now, the virus has produced variants that have their names in accordance from where they were originated. Today, we will discuss the deadliest of these variants, The Delta Virus.

WHAT CAUSES THE DELTA VARIANT?

The only way to contract COVID-19 is by coming in contact with a person who is already infected with the virus. This happens when you inhale respiratory droplets (in six feet contact) of the infected person. Health experts say it's typical for a new strain of a virus to be more contagious because it often becomes much more efficient and easily transmitted. 

HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER I HAVE CONTRACTED THE DELTA VARIAN OR NOT?

The easiest way to recognize the Delta Variant is to recognize the symptoms which are very simple and can be easily recognized. The symptoms of COVID-19 are as follows:- 

• The symptoms of the Delta variant appear to be the same as the original version of COVID-19. However, physicians are seeing people getting sicker quicker, especially younger people.
• According to surveys conducted in the U.K., where Delta accounts for ~90% of current COVID-19 cases, symptoms of Delta tend to be a little different than other strains, but that does not necessarily mean the associated symptoms are more severe. Fever, headache, sore throat, and runny nose are common, while cough and loss of smell are not. Other reports link Delta to more serious symptoms, including hearing impairment, severe gastrointestinal issues, and blood clots leading to tissue death and gangrene. Research is ongoing to determine if Delta infection is associated with increased hospitalization and death.

PREVENTIONS

Following are the ways the Delta Variant of the COVID-19 can be prevented:-

• The best way to be protected from the virus is to get vaccinated. Following are some of them.

1. Pfizer-BioNTech
2. Moderna
3. Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen
4. Sinopharm
5. Sinovac
6. BIBP vaccine
7. CanSino vaccine
8. CoronaVac vaccine
9. Oxford, AstraZeneca vaccine
10. Sputnik V vaccine

Note that none of the vaccines are fully able to prevent the virus. So, following all the other SOPs is fully mandatory.

• Another way to be protected is to be isolated or quarantined. One should study, work or socialize through social media and physical gatherings should be avoided.
• If it is necessary to go out, then one should wear a face mask. (N-95 and KF-94 are highly recommended).
• Moreover, make sure to keep a hand sanitizer along with you.
• Maintain a 6-feet distance from others. 
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Get dis-infected more often.

PREVALENCE

Most patients hospitalized at UC Davis Medical Center are people who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine. Nationally, 97% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated, as of July 22. Vaccines are highly effective at preventing COVID-19 infection and are also effective in fighting against the Delta variant.

In California and across the U.S., data shows that areas with lower vaccination rates tend to have higher COVID-19 infection rates. Health experts urge that COVID-19 vaccines work to prevent severe disease, which may be fatal. 

1. Breakthrough cases for vaccinated people are rare but do happen

When a vaccinated person tests positive for COVID-19, most either have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms, and it rarely results in hospitalization or death. Their symptoms are more like those of a common cold, such as cough, fever, or headache, with the addition of a significant loss of smell. No vaccine is 100% effective. With the COVID-19 vaccines averaging about 90% efficacy, health experts expect about 10% of those vaccinated could be infected. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 0.005% of the vaccinated population has reported breakthrough cases of COVID-19.

The number of people infected changes daily. Organizations that collect this information, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are gathering information and continuously learning more about this outbreak. As of this writing (05/11/2021), more than 159,000,000 people in the world have been infected. Over 3,300,000 people have died. Some 192 countries and territories on all continents (except Antarctica) have now reported cases of COVID-19. The U.S. has the highest number of cases, with more than 32,000,000 people infected and over 580,000 deaths. India has nearly 23,000,000 cases and 250,000 deaths. Brazil has more than 15,200,000 cases and 420,000 deaths. France has over 5,800,000 cases; Turkey has over 5,000,000 cases; Russia and England have over 4,400,000 cases; Italy has more than 4,100,000; Spain and Germany have over 3,500,000 cases; Argentina and Columbia have more than 3,000,000 cases; Poland and Iran have over 2,600,000 cases and Mexico has over 2,300,000 cases. For the latest statistics, see the World Health Organization's situation reports and Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center map references

This virus has disrupted the lives of people around the globe. But now, we need to break te chains and learn to be able to prevent and kill this virus before it kills the all of us. I request everyone who is reading this article right now, that please, it is time that we become literate and understand that this virus is for real and is part of no conspiracy. Please be careful as every life is equally important. If you don't belive in COVID-19, then I recommend you to ask someone of their experience who has lost a loved one because of this virus. Please, get vaccinated and follow all the necessary measures, because,

IT IS NOW.... OR NEVER!!!

Well, readers, that was it. Hope you liked it and it gave you enough information about The Dleta Variant. If still have any queries, feel free to ask in the comments, and yes! suggestions will be appreciated. Take care and keep you and your family safe. I will write again soon. Till then, bubyeeee.