Lambda Virus Corona that causes COVID-19 is still mutating and producing new variants or viruses. One of the variants that are now starting to be found in Indonesia is the Delta variant of the Corona virus or the Delta variant of COVID-19. This new variant of the Corona virus is known to spread more quickly than the previous type.
COVID-19 variant Delta or B.1.617.2 is a COVID-19 disease caused by a mutated Corona virus. The emergence of this new Corona virus variant was first reported in India in December 2020. This variant has been found in more than 74 countries, including Indonesia. In addition to the Delta variant, there are several other variants of the Corona virus that mutate, for example the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Lambda variants.
The spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 is a serious health problem and has played a role in the spike in positive cases of COVID-19 in various parts of the world, including Indonesia.
Symptoms of the Delta Variant of COVID-19
The Delta variant of COVID-19 can cause different symptoms in each person. The various symptoms of COVID-19 due to infection with the Delta variant of the Corona virus can also be mild to severe.
Some people who tested positive for the Delta variant of COVID-19 were noted to have no symptoms, but most others experienced symptoms that got worse within 3-4 days.
The following are some of the symptoms that can appear when exposed to the Delta variant of COVID-19:
- Fever
- Have a cold
- Headache
- Sore throat
In addition to these symptoms, the Delta variant of COVID-19 may also cause other common COVID-19 symptoms, such as coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, anosmia, muscle aches, and indigestion. Until now, the symptoms of the Delta variant of COVID-19 are still being monitored and researched. In addition, to diagnose COVID-19, a physical and supporting examination from a doctor is still needed, including a PCR test.
Risk of Transmission of COVID-19 Delta Variant
The SARS-Cov-2 virus or the Corona virus that causes COVID-19 the Delta variant is known to be more easily and quickly transmitted than other Corona virus variants. Research so far says that the Delta variant of COVID-19 has a higher transmission rate of up to 40% than the Alpha variant of the Corona virus.
The reason why this variant of the new Corona virus spreads more quickly is still unknown. Therefore, researchers are still continuing to study it.
One theory is that the proteins on the surface of the Delta variant of the Corona virus more easily blend and blend in with human cells, making it easier for the virus to overpower the immune system and infect humans.
In addition, the Delta variant of the Corona virus is known to have the ability to replicate or reproduce faster than the usual Corona virus.
Delta Variant COVID-19 Severity
Compared to the Alpha variant COVID-19 or others, the Delta variant COVID-19 has a higher severity.
Several case reports so far have stated that there are more positive patients for the Delta variant of COVID-19 that require hospitalization than patients of other variants of COVID-19.
In addition, the Delta variant of the Corona virus is known to cause more severe complications in elderly patients or who have previous comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma.
This variant of the new Corona virus is also easier to infect children, adolescents, and adults under the age of 50. People with compromised immune systems and people who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine are also at high risk of being infected with the Delta variant of COVID-19.
The Ability of the COVID-19 Vaccine in Fighting the Delta Variant of COVID-19
The currently available COVID-19 vaccine can provide protection against various variants of the COVID-19 virus, including the Delta variant.
Several studies have shown that people who have received 2 doses of COVID vaccines, such as the Astrazeneca vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine, have sufficient antibodies against the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Then, what about people who just got the first dose of vaccination?
The first dose of vaccination only provided protection against the Delta variant as much as 33%. While the protection of the full-dose COVID-19 vaccine against the Delta variant is known to reach 60–80%, it is no different from the protection of the COVID-19 vaccine against other Corona virus variants.
Adhere to Health Protocols to Prevent COVID-19 Delta Variant
Considering that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is increasingly being reported in Indonesia, you need to remain vigilant. To prevent the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 or other types, apply the applicable health protocols and avoid crowds.
In addition, the COVID-19 vaccination is also an important step to prevent transmission of the Delta variant of COVID-19. So, don't hesitate to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and don't delay the schedule of giving the second dose of vaccine to minimize the risk of being exposed to this virus.
If you still have questions regarding the Delta variant of COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccine, you can ask your doctor directly via chat in the ALODOKTER application. In this application, you can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital if you need an in-person examination.
