Posted on Sep 8, 2021

The delta variant was first identified in India in December 2020. Since its identification, the delta variant has been able to spread and become the dominant variant in the United States. While we are still learning new information regarding the delta variant, we have been able to learn quite a bit already.

The delta variant was first identified in India in December 2020. Since its identification, the delta variant has been able to spread and become the dominant variant in the United States. While we are still learning new information regarding the delta variant, we have been able to learn quite a bit already. Here are some common questions and answers individuals may want to know about the delta variant.

 

What is a variant and how do they appear?

As a virus spreads from person to person, it is able to mutate or have changes occur to its genetic code. The genetic code is like the blueprints to the virus. As such, changes to the genetic code can change the structure of the virus and how it functions. These changes to the genetic code are what leads to what we call viral variants. While some variants may have minor and somewhat insignificant changes, other variants may have very significant changes. The variants that cause very significant changes are called variants of concern. The delta variant is considered a variant of concern.

 

Why should we care about the delta variant?

It is important to note that research is constantly being done on the delta variant which leads to new information being produced daily. As such, there may be new information that comes out that may make this section more accurate. Yet, here is what we know so far about the delta variant and its impact. We know that the delta variant is more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus. Since the delta variant is more contagious, it is able to infect children and teens more than the original virus. There is some research that shows that some antibody infusion treatments are less effective against the delta variant. These infusions are given to those with severe COVID-19 or those who are at risk for developing severe COVID-19 like those with weakened immune systems. Some research has also shown that the delta variant may lead to a more severe COVID-19 illness.

 

Vaccines and variants

It is believed that with the delta variant vaccinated individuals may be able to spread the virus without having many, if any, symptoms. This may allow for the transfer of the COVID-19 virus to unvaccinated individuals who are at a much higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. This is why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) still recommends individuals to wear masks while indoors in areas of substantial or high transmission even if they have been vaccinated. This is also why places with at-risk communities, such hospitals or nursing homes, may still require all people to wear masks whether vaccinated or not. This reasoning is why we need our community to become vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated, you are at a higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 complications. This is especially true as variants become more infectious and potentially more dangerous. Therefore, by getting vaccinated, you may not only protect the community but also yourself from injury or death due to COVID-19. We have the tools to help slow down this pandemic and to save lives, but we need everyone in our community to take steps to protect themselves and the ones they care about. As of September 7, 2021, we have 34.24% of our community vaccinated. The more infectious these variants become the harder it will be to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The Darke County General Health District, along with numerous other entities in Darke County, continue to offer COVID-19 vaccinations. The DCGHD, has vaccination clinics on Tuesdays, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, by appointment only. Currently the DCGHD is offering both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. If you are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, please call 937-548-4196 Ext: 224 to schedule your appointment.

For more information on the Delta Variant or COVID-19 vaccines please visit the following resources: