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The Delta variant is the fourth known mutation of the COVID-19 virus. Like any mutated virus or bacteria, each strain of the COVID-19 virus behaves a little differently than the others. While data on the variant are still being analyzed, it appears to spread more easily than the other variants and may cause more severe disease in people who have not been vaccinated.
All forms of the current vaccine offer protection against severe COVID-19 infection from all strains of the virus. While you may still catch the Delta mutated virus if you are vaccinated, you will be more protected against getting hospitalized or dying.
However, more than one-third of the U.S. population is not vaccinated, so the virus continues to spread. As long as spreading continues, the virus will keep mutating. Future, stronger mutations may necessitate tweaking of the vaccine—just like we do with the flu vaccine each season.
The cycle can be stopped.
We can stop this cycle, just like we have with other nefarious diseases in the past, such as polio, measles, chickenpox, and diphtheria. All it will take is more people age 12 and older getting the free vaccine.
The Mid-Atlantic has, so far, avoided a spike in Delta variant infections. Our communities have been highly receptive overall to getting vaccinated. However, the south and central U.S. are seeing continuously increasing numbers.
As we say in the world of infectious disease medicine, an outbreak is just a plane ride away. Exposure to a spreading, mutating virus can cause a new wave of illness in our vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. Even people who have had COVID-19 should get vaccinated so as not to spread the Delta variant to others.
The COVID-19 vaccine is proven safe and effective. If you or a loved one have been on the fence about getting vaccinated, now is the time to do it. I’ve laid out some data-driven points on some of the more common concerns we’ve heard from patients about the vaccine.
1. Why is the CDC recommending masks for the vaccinated?
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, guidance has changed as new data becomes available. The re-recommendation of wearing masks is one of those instances—and it’s the right thing to do. Though we are over a year into the pandemic, the virus is still relatively new and we are still learning about it.
However, we know that certain safety protocols work, including masking, social distancing, and getting vaccinated. It’s like the safety elements of a car: the brakes, seatbelt, airbag offer multiple levels of cumulative protection:
- Vaccines are like the airbag: You get it, and it stays with you, protecting you behind the scenes.
- Masking is like the seatbelt: You have to remember to put it on, but when you do, it adds an extra layer of protection for yourself and others near you.
- Social distancing is like following traffic signals: If everyone plays it safe, we will all be safer.
