Startling news coming out about the latest COVID variant.
The Delta variant of the COVID virus is becoming the one to worry about. The Alpha variant announced earlier this year was 50% more transmittable than the COVID virus unleashed last year. The Delta variant is 60% more transmittable than the Alpha variant. Basically, this thing is very contagious and researchers are concerned that we’ll begin seeing breakthrough infections this fall. Meaning, the vaccine we were given may not protect us from the latest variant. Both the Delta and Kappa variants evade antibodies from previous infections and the current vaccines.
This one was first discovered in India and has spread across the globe. 41 states in the United States have seen cases of the Delta variant. States with the lowest vaccination rates are the worst hit. The vaccines are helping slow the spread some, but for how long is anyones guess.
The fear is that there will be a resurgence of the Delta variant this fall and this variant can cause a more severe disease. We may be back to wearing masks and social distancing even if you’ve been vaccinated.
I’m still wearing a mask when I stop at the market, stop for gas or visit the pharmacy. I’m also still washing my hands several times through the day and the minute I get home. Hopefully the booster vaccine they’re talking about will prevent the variants as well.
Be safe out there. This thing hasn’t gone away and it may be with us for a long time.