COVID-19 Delta Variant in Pakistan: Is it a Threat? Who is Most at Risk?

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a strain of a virus called coronavirus. In the word Covid ‘CO’ stands for Corona ‘VI’ stands for virus and ‘D’ is for disease. It is also known as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’.

What is COVID-19 Delta Variant?

COVID-19 Delta Variant also known as B.1.617 is a new variant of strain that causes COVID-19. Doctors believe that the tide was turning in humanity’s favor but the Delta Variant has wreaked havoc in the entire world. The Delta Variant is 60% more infectious as compared to previous mutations.

Where was the COVID-19 Delta Variant first discovered?

The Covid-19 Delta Variant was first identified in India in the month of December. Later on, it swept the entire country with a serious second wave of COVID-19 in which there was a major loss of life.

The UK also got affected by the strain and the condition over there was also quite unfavorable.

However, in the United States, the first case of Delta Variant was diagnosed in the month of March and currently, it is a dominant strain in the US.

COVID-19 Delta Variant in Pakistan

The first few cases of the COVID-19 Delta Variant in Pakistan were identified in Rawalpindi in the month of July. Later on, 16 cases were reported from Balochistan and 40 cases from Karachi.

But the current situation in Karachi has become alarming because the positivity ratio has risen to 23.12% from 8.5%. Hospitals are running out of beds and they are urging the officials to impose a health emergency in the city.

What are the symptoms of the COVID-19 Delta Variant?

Studies show that the symptoms of Delta Variant may be slightly different from COVID-19. Here we are mentioning a list of symptoms that indicate Delta Variant:

• Consistent headaches
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Dry cough
• Loss of taste and smell
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

If you are symptomatic, then make sure that you visit your nearest laboratory or hospital at your earliest and get yourself tested.

Is it true that COVID-19 Delta Variant spreads easily?

It is certainly true that Delta Variant spreads easily. It is because this strain has mutations on the spike protein which makes it capable of infecting human cells easily. That means it makes people more contagious if they have contracted the virus and they are more prone to spread it among others.

Dr. Wilson, a Yale Medicine epidemiologist said that the spread rate of Delta Variant is 50% faster than the alpha variant.

Who is most at risk of contracting the COVID-19 Delta Variant?

According to Yale Medicine, people who haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 are the most vulnerable to the Delta variant. Hence, it is essential to get fully vaccinated as early as possible to protect yourself and reduce the risk of contracting this contagious COVID-19 strain.

Are vaccinated people at risk of contracting the COVID-19 Delta Variant?

The great news is that people who are fully vaccinated are at a very low chance to get seriously ill when they are infected with the Delta Variant.

However, vaccinated people still need to keep their masks on in crowded indoor or outdoor spaces and maintain social distance since they can still contract the virus and spread it.

Which vaccines provide protection against the COVID-19 Delta Variant in Pakistan?

Studies prove that the Pfizer vaccine is 88% effective against the Delta Variant. However, Moderna and J&J vaccines also offer adequate protection against the variant.

Some recent studies also believe that all fully vaccinated people might require a booster shot for full protection against Delta Variant and other future variants. These vaccines for COVID-19 are available in Pakistan

1. Sinopharm

What is the best way to protect yourself against the COVID-19 Delta Variant?

The best way to protect against Delta Variant is to get vaccinated. Moreover, you can protect yourself and others by wearing a mask in public and maintaining social distance in public spaces.

In countries where the situation is getting grave, locals should follow all mandatory protocols imposed by their authorities for their own and the nation’s protection.

Do people need to put their masks back on?

Yes everyone still needs to keep their masks on because the Delta Variant is accelerating the pandemic by spreading rapidly.

However, vaccinated people can take their masks off when they are surrounded by people who are fully vaccinated too.

Bottom line

Experts all over the world believe that the concern should stay still because new mutations of the virus will keep on bringing it back and it might come out even stronger. So people should learn to live their lives with it.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of the COVID-19 Delta Variant you should seek help immediately. To book online appointments with the best internal medicine specialists in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad you can use oladoc.com or call our helpline (042) 38900939 to confirm your appointment.