As the Coronavirus Delta Plus variant slowly spreads, experts are now urging people across the world to follow COVID-19 safety protocols seriously. Today’s post will look into the ways you can stay safeguarded against this latest variant of the coronavirus that is Delta Plus which a highly transmissible variant of the coronavirus in some regions of the world.
Understanding Coronavirus Delta and Delta Plus Variants
Before learning how to protect yourself from the Delta Plus variant, you must first understand its predecessor, the Delta variant of the coronavirus.
The Delta variant is the dominating strain of the coronavirus in the world today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, the Delta variant first surfaced in India and now is the dominant strain in the USA today.
The first case of this variant in the USA was documented in March and the percentage of the Delta variant cases have been doubling roughly every two weeks as per a CDC estimate.
Public Health specialists in the USA have issued a warning that the Delta variant of the coronavirus will spread fast in people who have not been vaccinated. The Head of the CDC recently stated that approximately 1000 counties in the USA have a vaccination coverage rate of below 30 percent. The country will witness more infections as the Delta variant gradually takes control. Make sure to clear all your doubts in case you are still worried about the possible side effects of coronavirus vaccination.
The World Health Organization or WHO has declared the Delta strain as the most transmissible of all the coronavirus identified till date. It has been advised that even fully vaccinated people should wear face masks in places where the Delta variant transmission is high. The guidelines by the CDC, when it comes to wearing masks remain unchanged in the wake of the Delta variant affecting several regions in the nation.
Why Should We Be Concerned?
Research has revealed that the Delta variant of the coronavirus is by far about 40 to 60 percent more transmissible than the original Alpha strain first detected in the United Kingdom. With about less than 50% of the population in the USA fully vaccinated, there is enough opportunity for this variant of the coronavirus to spread faster.
A study from Scotland has suggested that the Delta variant of the coronavirus doubles the risks of hospitalization when compared with the Alpha strain. However, global healthcare experts warn that this data is still evolving and so the picture in the USA could be different over time.
Coronavirus Delta Plus Variant
The Delta Plus variant of the coronavirus is a sub-lineage of the Delta variant with an additional mutation. Indian authorities have warned people and called it a “variant of concern” however, WHO has not matched this designation as of now.
WHO recently declared the Delta Plus variant is not common and at present it accounts for just a small fraction of the sequences of the Delta variant of the coronavirus. However, it has added that the Delta and the other circulating variants that are currently of major concern remain a high risk to public health as they all have demonstrated an increase in the transmissibility rates in the regions where they have been identified.
Protection from Coronavirus Delta Plus Variant – 7 Simple Steps
You need to gear up and stay protected 24/7 and you can do so by following these 7 steps. So don’t stress yourself amongst these tough coronavirus times as the entire world is going through the same pain.
1. Get Fully Vaccinated
Even though vaccines give you different levels of protection, public health experts advise you should get vaccinated with both doses at the earliest. There are reports of people getting their first dose and skipping the second. You need both doses of the vaccine you take to be protected from the Delta Plus variant.
2. Avoid Going To Crowded Places
In case you do have to visit a crowded place, wear a face mask, carry hand sanitizers and maintain social distancing as much as you can.
3. Practice Frequent Hand-Washing At Home
Ensure you wash your hand frequently with soap and water at home. Use disinfectants to clean and sanitize your home. Teach your kids to wash their hands frequently as well.
4. Never Discard Face Masks
Even if you are fully vaccinated with both doses and need to go out to markets, make sure you wear a face mask. Carry extra clean masks in your bag as well in case you tear a disposable mask or forget to wear one when you venture out. Do not assume you are immune to the Delta Plus variant even if you have received a double dose of any vaccine. Protect yourself and others too.
5. Traveling To A New Place
Make sure you check the COVID-19 rates and status of the Delta Plus variant in any place you need to travel to. Keep in mind the above COVID-19 safety protocols when you travel.
6. Eat A Healthy And Balanced Diet
You need to boost your immunity so stay away from alcohol and bad lifestyle habits as much as you can. Eat a balanced diet rich in protein so that your body gets the strength it needs to fight infections and illnesses.
7. Keep Track Of The News
Make sure you follow news reports and avoid going to areas where the risks of infection are high.
Last but not the least spread awareness among your family and friends. You must be careful and do not venture outside without reason assuming you are immune to the coronavirus. It has been over a year and many people are getting frustrated about these COVID-19 safety protocols especially in regions where the transmissions are high. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
These are challenging times not only for you but for everyone. The Pandemic still has its potent health threats and being responsible will not only safeguard yourself but others too. In short, you can save lives and stop the spread of the coronavirus with just these simple steps listed above. Together, we will and can fight the COVID-19 Pandemic to make the world a safer place for not only ourselves but for everybody too!
