Delta COVID-19 variant, which was first detected in India, is worrying doctors in the United States. According to health experts, this variant is much easier to spread between individuals.
Dr. Ogechika Alozie, a member of the Texas Medical Association’s COVID-19 Task Force, believes that what individuals should know about the mutation is that it appears to be more infectious and easily transmitted.
The Delta variation was recently elevated from a “variant of interest” to a “variant of concern” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Rob Watson, the chief medical officer for the Austin, Round Rock, and Hill Country regions of Baylor Scott & White, said that “this is an indication that people should pay close attention. It’s in the United States. It’s increasing at a faster rate than we’d want, and they’re still collecting information.”
KVUE inquired of both doctors on the propagation of the variant in Texas.
Less than 60 Delta cases in Texas
Dr. Watson stated that they had less than 60 cases of the Delta type in Texas around a month ago. And today, there are about 230 cases. So, there has been a fourfold growth in a month. The number of rising cases is gaining attraction.
Dr. Alozie believes that Texas, like the rest of the United States, still does not have a significant Delta variant population.
The Delta variant is much more dangerous
According to Dr. Watson, the Delta variety appears to be more contagious and dangerous than previous variants. He cautioned that the symptoms of this type do not appear to be the same as those of COVID-19, such as loss of taste.
All who opted to get immunized, according to Dr. Alozie, should not be afraid.
According to Dr. Alozie, the mRNA vaccines encompass a wide range of the types of mutations that they are finding. Even if the variants remove 10 or 12 pieces here and there, they still contain over 85 epitopes, which is great.
Dr. Watson agreed with Dr. Alozie, stating the vaccine data is encouraging. He expressed anxiety over things appearing to be back to normal.
Vaccinations are mandatory
Both doctors recommended people to get vaccinated.
“I think that’s our fear, is those folks who have not sought what we see as an effective treatment,” said Dr. Watson, adding, “but now they’re going back to just normal behavior. We know that the coronavirus takes advantage of that type of opportunity.”
He pointed out that the effectiveness of a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is less effective with the Delta variant. On the other hand, vaccine efficacy “goes up much higher” after the second dose, Dr. Watson stated.
