The COVID-19 Delta Variant: What We Know Now

The COVID-19 Delta Variant: What We Know Now Posted By:
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Just when I was feeling somewhat "bullet-proof" against COVID-19—having received the mRNA vaccine doses in December 2020 and January 2021—well, I'm not feeling so safe any longer.

Let"s quickly review: For those of us who were fully vaccinated, we started to enjoy social events again in June/July 2021 when CDC mandates were eased and we were told we could unmask, given certain situations, which varied from region to region and from person to person, accounting for locales with high prevalence rates, for those with high-risk conditions, and those who were unvaccinated. The guidance is all a bit complicated, but as healthcare providers, we've been able to follow this moving target over the past 18 months or so.

As a nurse practitioner, I have been working weekly since March 2020 in an academic medical center COVID testing tent, so I have been able to see the changing patterns of this pandemic up close. Indeed, as recently as May 2021, I had barely seen a symptomatic person or a positive test for 3 months.

Fast forward to July 2021; what a difference a few months make. The Delta variant and its impressive transmission capability have clobbered us.

Since May, Delta has moved into first place as the dominant COVID-19 mutation circulating in the US. The COVID testing tent is, again, full of symptomatic people, and we have a positivity rate of 10% to 20% on any given day. About 70% of these patients are healthcare workers with breakthrough infections—they are fully vaccinated and have mild symptoms. Predominating symptoms include nasal congestion, anosmia, sore throat, headache, and some GI complaints, along with low-grade fevers and myalgia. I have not seen much shortness of breath or dyspnea.

The good news is these folks are staying out of the hospital and are not seriously ill. But let's not ignore the 10-day isolation, self-quarantine, anxiety, and general illness this infection inflicts. It's a big deal.

So once again, I am humbled by this virus. Back to masking and avoiding indoor crowds.


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Filed under: Infectious Diseases , Public Health

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