5 questions (and answers!) concerning the Delta variant

As if Covid-19 couldn’t get any more complicated, we now have the delta variant. Many people have questions for nurses, and sometimes the answers should not so simple as a Google search. There is lots of misinformation (and misinformation) circulating in society. How are you able to higher answer among the hottest questions on this variant? We’ve got some answers for you from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What makes the delta variant stand out?

COVID-19 is a brand new virus, which is a brand new strain of coronavirus able to mutation. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is responsible and has developed several variants of its own. Delta is considered one of many variants, but only considered one of 4 variants of concern currently being monitored within the United States (the others are Alpha, Beta and Gamma). The delta variant is thought to be greater than twice as contagious and has grow to be probably the most dominant strain within the United States. This strain may also cause more serious illness. Covid-19 vaccines have been shown to offer protection against this variant, making unvaccinated people a population of high concern (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(a), 2021).

Does the vaccine really provide protection against the delta variant?

Covid-19 vaccines available within the United States have been shown to offer protection against severe disease resulting in hospitalization and death from the delta variant. mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) require two injections, with full vaccination occurring two weeks after the second dose. If you select the single-dose Johnson & Johnson/Jansson vaccine, you will likely be fully vaccinated two weeks after the dose. During this two-week period, there remains to be susceptibility to infection because the immune system responds to the vaccines by producing antibodies. Although breakthrough infections may occur, the resulting disease is less severe, leading to significant advantages from vaccination in comparison with unvaccinated people. It can be vital to notice that people who find themselves immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system may require a booster dose 28 days after the last vaccine dose because their response to the vaccines could also be impaired (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(s), 2021; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (b), 2021; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (c), 2021).

Can fully vaccinated people transmit the virus?

 Vaccinated people can still grow to be infected with the delta variant. Those who often have mild or no symptoms may not realize they’re infected with Covid-19 and may spread the virus through droplets.

Do fully vaccinated people must wear a mask again?

The CDC recommends that individuals at high risk for Covid-19 disease, individuals who live with at-risk individuals who can’t be vaccinated, or who’re in regions with significant or high transmission rates wear masks indoors to forestall the spread delta variant (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (c), 2021; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (d), 2021). You can use this COVID data tracking to envision the status of your county.

What risk does the delta variant pose to children who can’t be vaccinated?

Children under 12 years of age cannot currently be vaccinated, but studies are underway to grant an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). As already mentioned, the delta variant is extremely contagious and kids returning to high school are in danger. The CDC recommends that children proceed to take preventive measures, including wearing masks, maintaining social distance, sanitizing and avoiding crowded places. Parents also needs to ask what measures are being taken in schools and day care facilities to guard their children (including vaccinations for teachers/day care employees). The CDC now recommends “universal mask wearing indoors for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(d), 2021; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Disease Prevention (d), 2021;e), 2021).

There is restricted data on children with Covid-19. Children with disabilities or chronic health conditions comparable to obesity, diabetes, asthma, and sickle cell disease who develop COVID-19 are at greater risk of more severe disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (f), 2021). Some children infected with Covid-19 have been diagnosed with a condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Symptoms could also be vague but may include chest pain, diarrhea, lethargy, fatigue, low blood pressure, neck pain, vomiting or a rash. The parent of any child with Covid-19 presenting with shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, altered mental status, or cyanosis should seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. The emergency operator ought to be informed of the COVID-19 diagnosis (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Disease Prevention (g), 2021).

The COVID-19 virus continues to challenge the healthcare community as latest variants are discovered. The characteristics of every variant may vary, in order updates grow to be available, we want to remain informed about prevention and management options. There will little question be more questions; and as nurses, we’ve a responsibility to offer consistent and accurate information from reputable sources.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(s). (2021). Downloaded from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(b). (2021). Downloaded from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (c). (2021). Downloaded from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (d). (2021). Families and Covid-19. Downloaded from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/groups/families-covid-19.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(e) (2021). Find out what to anticipate at your child’s K-12 school or early care and education program. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/groups/expect-school-child-care.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(f). (2021). People with certain medical conditions. Downloaded from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (g). (2021). What to do for those who think your child has MIS-C. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/mis/mis-c.html