5 MUST-KNOW FACTS ABOUT THE DELTA VARIANT

EXPERTS ARE TAKING THE NEW VIRUS STRAIN SERIOUSLY - AND SO SHOULD YOU

IT’S MORE CONTAGIOUS:

The World Health Organization

(WHO) has called the Delta variant “the fastest and fittest” version of the coronavirus. According to Dr. F. Perry Wilson, a Yale Medicine epidemiologist, Delta is spreading 50% faster than Alpha, which was 50% more contagious than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2.

The Delta variant is now the dominant strain in the U.S.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

While a cough, shortness of breath and fever are the predominant symptoms, the Delta variant

“can look more like a runny nose, which is not as common previously,” says infectious disease expert Dr. Otto Yang. “There are mild differences like that, but overall it’s very similar [to Alpha strain symptoms].”

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?

Health experts agree that the best way to prevent infection from COVID-19 and the Delta variant is by getting fully vaccinated. “We know that the Delta variant… is currently surging in pockets of the country with low vaccination rates,” says CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. “We also know that our authorized vaccines [Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson] prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death from the Delta variant.”

SHOULD I WEAR A MASK?

The CDC recommends wearing a mask in public spaces if you haven’t been immunized. But even fully vaccinated people should avoid exposure to the virus as much as possible. “I do believe it is safer to wear a mask in crowds, when you cannot maintain adequate distance,” says infectious disease specialist Dr. David Cennimo.

WHAT’S THE DELTA PLUS VARIANT?

Delta Plus is a mutated version of the Delta variant, and it’s spreading in a number of countries. To prevent new variants from evolving, it’s important to get vaccinated and wear a mask in crowded spaces.