The CDC notes that Delta is even more infectious than influenza, smallpox, Ebola, MERS, SARS, and chickenpox.

Global Impact of Delta Variant

The Delta variant caused overwhelming outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, particularly in India, the country of origin. During India’s second wave, infections reached approximately 400,000 cases per day with at least 4,000 deaths daily.

As of July 5, 2021, Delta has been detected in 96 countries. Yale Medicine epidemiologist F. Perry Wilson warned that it “will certainly accelerate the pandemic worldwide.”

Delta in the Philippines

Photo via: Straits Times

Health experts warn that Delta’s faster transmissibility could lead it to become the dominant circulating variant in the Philippines. Slow genome sequencing means local cases may be underreported. Dr. Melvin Sanicas advises caution, emphasizing that more cases will eventually lead to more hospitalizations and deaths.

Symptoms of Delta Variant

Delta can be twice as severe as Alpha, leading to higher hospitalization rates. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Less common: Cough and loss of smell (WHO)

Vaccinated individuals may experience milder symptoms such as:

• Common cold
• Cough
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of smell

How to Stay Safe

Vaccination remains the most effective protection. Studies show:

• Pfizer-BioNTech: 96% effective against hospitalization
• Oxford-AstraZeneca: 92% effective against hospitalization
• Moderna & Johnson & Johnson: Effective, but booster discussions ongoing

Other health measures include the APAT DAPAT strategy:

• A – Air circulation: Outdoor activities are safer
• P – Physical distancing
• A – Always wear face mask & face shield
• T – Thirty minutes interaction or less

The CDC also advises mask-wearing for all, as breakthrough infections are possible, and vaccinated people can still transmit the virus to unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals.

A Future with Variants

As viruses evolve, new variants may emerge with higher transmissibility or new symptoms. Vaccines help reduce severe illness and hospitalization, but vigilance and adherence to health protocols remain critical for protecting yourself and others.

References

• Yale Medicine – 5 Things to Know
• New York Times – CDC Report
• Washington Post – Delta Variant
• WHO – Tracking Variants
• Rappler – Delta in PH