The public needs to be aware of the symptoms and modes of transmission of the new variant of the corona virus that was first discovered in India, called the Delta variant. This new variant of the Corona virus is known to spread more quickly than the previous type.
COVID-19 Delta variant or B.1.617.2 is a COVID-19 disease caused by a mutated Corona virus. The emergence of this new Corona virus variant was first reported in India in December 2020. This variant has been found in more than 74 countries, including United States. In addition to the Delta variant, there are several other variants of the mutated Corona virus, for example the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Lambda variants.
The spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 is a serious health problem and has played a role in the spike in positive cases of COVID-19 in various parts of the world.
COVID-19 Delta Variant Symptoms
The Delta variant of COVID-19 can cause different symptoms for each person. The various symptoms of COVID-19 due to infection with the Delta variant of the Corona virus can also be mild to severe.
Some people who tested positive for the Delta variant of COVID-19 had no symptoms, but most others experienced symptoms that got worse within 3-4 days.
The most common symptoms:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
Slightly uncommon symptoms:
- Discomfort and pain
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Headache
- Loss of sense of taste or smell
- Rash on the skin, or discoloration of the fingers or toes
Serious symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure in the chest
- Loss of ability to speak or move
Until now, the symptoms of the Delta variant of COVID-19 are still being monitored and researched. In addition, to diagnose COVID-19, a physical and supporting examination from a doctor is still needed, including a PCR test.
Risk of Transmission of COVID-19 Delta Variant
the Delta variant is known to be more easily and quickly transmitted than other Corona virus variants. Research so far says that the Delta variant of COVID-19 has a higher transmission rate of up to 40% than the Alpha variant of the Corona virus.
The reason why this variant of the new Corona virus spreads more quickly is still unknown. Therefore, researchers are still continuing to study it.
One theory is that the proteins on the surface of the Delta variant of the Corona virus more easily merged and blend with human cells, making it easier for the virus to overpower the immune system and infect humans.
In addition, the Delta variant Corona virus is known to have the ability to replicate or multiply faster than the usual Corona virus.
Delta Variant COVID-19 Severity
Compared to the Alpha variant COVID-19 or others, the Delta variant COVID-19 has a higher severity.
Several case reports so far have stated that there are more positive patients of the Delta variant of COVID-19 who require hospitalization than other variants of COVID-19 patients.
In addition, the Delta variant of the Corona virus is known to cause more severe complications in elderly patients or who have previous comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma.
This variant of the new Corona virus is also easier to infect children, adolescents, and adults under the age of 50. People with immune system disorders and people who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine are also at high risk of being infected with the Delta variant of COVID-19.
The Ability of the COVID-19 Vaccine in Fighting the Delta Variant of COVID-19
The currently available COVID-19 vaccine can provide protection against various variants of the COVID-19 virus, including the Delta variant.
Several studies have shown that people who have received 2 doses of COVID vaccines, such as the Astrazeneca vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine, have sufficient antibodies against the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Then, what about people who have just received the first dose of vaccination?
The first dose of vaccination only provided 33% protection against the Delta variant. While the protection of the full-dose COVID-19 vaccine against the Delta variant is known to reach 60–80%, it is no different from the protection of the COVID-19 vaccine against other Corona virus variants.
