COVID-19 Delta Variant FAQ

What is the Delta variant?

SARS-COV-2 Delta is a variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease.

Should I be concerned about the COVID-19 Delta variant if I am vaccinated?

The Delta variant appears to be more transmissible than the SARS-COV-2 that was most commonly seen. It appears that even in instances of vaccine breakthrough (contracting COVID despite being fully vaccinated), illness is typically milder with hospitalization and death being very rare.

Who is at risk for the Delta variant?

Two main groups- those who have not been vaccinated at all or who have only partial vaccination AND those who have been fully vaccinated but who have an immunocompromising condition. In those individuals, vaccine protection may not be quite as strong.

What are the symptoms of the Delta variant?

The symptoms are the same ones that folks have experienced earlier in the pandemic- loss of taste/ smell body aches; fever; shortness of breath; fatigue. In some cases, the shortness of breath can be profound and may require ventilatory assistance.

What should I do to protect myself from the variant?

First and foremost, get fully vaccinated. If you have been fully vaccinated, use common sense measures: avoid crowds; wash your hands frequently; cover any coughs or sneezes; avoid touching your eyes or mouth; and if you are around individuals who you feel may not be vaccinated or if you have an immunocompromising condition, OR if you feel more comfortable doing so, wear a mask.

Has the Delta variant been found in our area?

It has been reported that regionally, over 80% of cases of COVID-19 can be attributed to the Delta Variant.

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Dr. Carol Fox, Chief Medical Officer