1. easier to spread than previous COVID-19 strains
According to Yale Medicine, the US CDC's July report on Delta's transmission potential was released after an outbreak in Massachusetts (USA). After just one crowded weekend, this place quickly saw a series of infections with 470 cases.
Notably, 3/4 of those infected are people who have been vaccinated. According to the US CDC, even people who have been vaccinated carry some of the virus in their nose and throat and can pass it on to others regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.
Dr. F. Perry Wilson, an epidemiologist at Yale Medicine (USA), said that the rate of Delta variation spreads too quickly. According to Dr. Wilson, Delta variants spread 50% faster than Alpha variants, meaning they are 50% faster spread than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. "In a normal environment, where no one is vaccinated or wears a mask, it is estimated that an ordinary person infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus will initially infect 2.5 others. Meanwhile, in the same environment, Delta variants will spread from one person to 3.5 or 4 others.
Dr. Loren Miller, deputy director of infectious diseases at Harbour-UCLA Medical Center and researcher at the Lundquist Institute in Torrance (USA) said that there is some evidence that the Delta virus can more easily stick to human cells in the respiratory tract.
2. Causing more serious illness for people who have not been vaccinated
According to Abc News, a study in Scotland looked at more than 19,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases from April to June 2021. Scientists can distinguish between Delta and Alpha variants by testing the molecules of one of the many pathogens.
About 7,800 cases of COVID-19 and 130 hospitalized patients with Delta strain were confirmed by the presence of the gene. Scientists note that there is an increased risk of hospitalization in patients infected with Delta strain when analyzing common factors such as age, gender, basic health status and duration of the disease.
Another recent study in Singapore found that Delta variants are significantly linked to increased oxygen supply, hospitalizations for special care, and death compared to the Alpha variant.
Similarly, a Canada study awaiting peer approval, which looked at more than 200,000 COVID-19 cases, found that Delta variants are more likely to cause severe symptoms and even death.
3. Delta is currently the dominant variety in the US and globally
According to the US CDC, more than 90% of the country's COVID-19 cases are currently caused by Delta variants. Delta variants first appeared in India and have so far been detected in more than 80 countries around the world, including Vietnam.
4. COVID-19 vaccine is still effective for Delta variants
Dr. Abir Hussein, deputy director of infection prevention and control at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle (USA) said that "most of COVID-19 patients who are in the hospital have not been vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine".
According to Abc News, studies show that current COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Delta variants can cause disease in people who have been vaccinated, but symptoms will be mild or asymptomic.
There are still cases of COVID-19 patients who have been vaccinated but still have to be hospitalized. However, this case only occurs in people with "weakened immune systems".
5. Delta variety threatens young people without vaccination
Many cases of COVID-19 are being reported in adolescents and young adults. This can be explained by the fact that young people are less likely to be fully vaccinated.
Unfortunately, many young people have not been vaccinated, leading to more serious symptoms and hospitalizations, says Dr. Hussein.
According to Abc News, experts confirm that Delta variants pose a new threat to young people. And the best way for people to protect themselves against Delta variants includes getting vaccinated against COVID-19, wearing a mask, keeping social distance, and washing their hands regularly.
