It’s always been expected that COVID-19, similar to other airborne viruses, will mutate into multiple different variants. Fortunately, with the introduction of mRNA vaccine technology, the human race is more prepared now than ever before to fight this evolving virus. Let’s discuss some of the Delta variant symptoms to look for in an effort to keep yourself and loved ones protected.

As of July 22, 2021, according to the CDC, the Delta variant accounted for more than 80% of new COVID-19 cases in the United States. Due to the Delta variant’s ability to spread easier than other variants, being twice as transmissible, it’s clear to see that our role is to mask up once again and follow the science.

Delta Symptoms & Facts

Delta variant symptoms appear to be similar to symptoms of the original COVID-19 virus. The main difference here is that physicians are seeing the Delta variant grow more rapidly. This results in people getting sicker much quicker, particularly in younger individuals. Delta variant symptoms to look out for are:

• Headache and/or unusual tiredness
• Loss of appetite and/or change in smell/taste
• Sore throat, cough, and/or fever
• Runny nose and/or sneezing
• Diarrhea

One of the most concerning attributes of the Delta variant, or COVID-19 for that matter, is how these symptoms can at first appear to be that of a common cold or another general issue that many would shrug off. Although seeing how data shows the Delta variant causing more severe illnesses than other variants, it’s vitally important to seek medical help early on.

The Advantages of Getting Vaccinated

Getting vaccinated is one of the absolute best ways you can protect yourself and loved ones from the Delta variant. As of July 22, 2021, 97% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated individuals, which explains why areas with lower vaccination rates tend to have higher Delta infection rates.

Breakthrough cases are unfortunately a reality since the COVID-19 vaccines are about 90% effective, so there is about a 10% likelihood that a vaccinated individual could test positive. Fortunately, though, getting vaccinated greatly improves your chances of showing no symptoms or very minor symptoms. Additionally, getting vaccinated dramatically improves an individual’s chance of remaining out of the hospital and decreases the risk of dying from the Delta variant.

For unvaccinated individuals, however, the Delta variant works much quicker and has a higher rate of fatality than any of the other COVID-19 variants. Unfortunately, at the point of testing positive, it’s too late to receive the vaccine in hopes of improving symptoms. To protect your community and yourself, now is the ideal time to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Other COVID-19 Variants

While the Delta variant is the most harmful variant that science has currently observed, there are other concerning variants across the United States as well:

• Alpha Variant – First identified in the United Kingdom, this variant spreads much faster than others. Fortunately, current vaccines and treatments do work against this variant.

• Beta Variant – First identified in South Africa, this variant may spread faster than other variants. Fortunately, current vaccines do work against this variant. Other treatments, besides vaccines, are less effective against this variant.

• Gamma Variant – First identified in Japan and Brazil, this variant spreads faster than other variants. Fortunately, current vaccines do work against this variant. Other treatments, besides vaccines, are less effective against this variant.

Scientists are still learning about COVID-19 and its variants. Unfortunately, there are likely to be more variants to come. On the positive side, there’s much that we can do to prevent this spread. Experts recommend that we vaccinate as many people as possible in hopes of halting transmission. Additionally, experts recommend that everyone should mask up, even those who are vaccinated.

Pacific Medical Products

Masking up is one of the best ways to prevent spreading COVID-19. Whether you’re looking for face masks, O2 Nose Filters, or other protective equipment, you can find all the PPE you need at Pacific Medical Products. We understand there’s a lot of concern about fake 3M masks, which is why we purchase all our 3M masks directly from two of the world’s largest 3M distributors, Medline and McKesson, who by contract only buy direct from 3M. Every mask is 100% authentic with lot numbers that can be tracked back to the manufacturer. Quality and trust are of utmost importance to us here at Pacific Medical Products. You can buy with confidence.