The delta variant is surging all across the country. Here are some things that are important to know:
The delta variant is highly contagious - anywhere between 2x -5x more contagious, putting it on the spectrum of chicken pox and measles. With and R0 ( pronounced R ‘naught’) of 5 or more. That means for every 1 person infected with the delta variant 5 or more other people will get infected. Original Covid had an R0 of 2-2.5.
It can make people just as sick as Original Covid- people who are unvaccinated will get just as sick as original Covid strains. Meaning, some people will have mild infections, others will have more severe infections, and some will die of this infection. Anecdotally, it is affecting more young people (20-40) who are being seen more in hospitals and ICUs. Though it is not clear yet, it is possible that Delta makes people more sick on average, than Original Covid.
Vaccination does help prevent illness and stop death and hospitalization from Delta - even though some vaccinated people are being seen in ICU and hospital settings. Vaccination has a clear and significant benefit for preventing people from getting so sick that they have to go into the hospital.
Vaccination alone (without masks and distancing) doesn’t stop spread, especially given Delta’s infectiousness. Given how “sticky” this illness is, it requires extra measures to prevent even vaccinated people from spreading it around. Like masks, keeping your distance, and avoiding crowds— especially if you are unvaccinated.
What can you do?