THE variant dhigh of virus SARS-CoV-2, cause of Covid-19, was initially described in the India and later in various regions of the planet. It is considered a worrying variant, as it stands out for being more transmissible than others. The delta variant is estimated to be 60% more transmissible than the alpha variant (B.1.1.7), first detected in the UK, and is as transmissible as the chickenpox.
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Covid-19 delta variant summary
The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 variant, or delta variant, was detected in 2020 in India.
Studies show that the delta variant is more transmissible than other variants.
There is still no evidence to confirm that the delta variant causes more severe cases of covid-19.
Vaccinated people have a reduced risk of contracting infections serious.
For greater protection, it is essential that all people receive both doses of vaccineat against covid-19 (with the exception of the Janssen vaccine, given as a single dose).
THE vaccination, O distance physical, hand hygiene, the use of maskat and avoiding clusters are essential measures to avoid contamination by the delta variant as well as other variants of the virus causing covid-19.
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What is the delta variant?
SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2, better known as the delta variant, is a covid-19 virus variant detected in India in October 2020,and that is spreading all over the world. In some regions, such as the UK, it has become dominant over other strains. In Brazil, cases of the variant have already been diagnosed, but it is not yet considered dominant in our territory.
The delta variant features mutations in its genetic material in the region of the genome responsible for guiding the production of the call protein Spike. This protein is related to the ability of the virus to infect the cells of our body. Changes in the Spike protein can bring advantages to the virus, ensuring, for example, that it increases its ability to infect cells and is able to escape the immune system.
What's the biggest concern about the delta variant?
The delta variant is of concern as studies suggest that it is more transmissible than other variants of the covid-19 virus. Due to this high transmissible rate, its presence can cause a rapid increase in the number of cases of the disease. So far, there is no clear evidence that the delta variant causes more severe cases of covid-19 or is able to completely escape the protection provided by vaccination.
There is evidence, however, that she is able to escape the antibodies produced by people who have already been infected by other variants, which causes it to present greater ability to cause reinfection.It is noteworthy that vaccinated people can acquire the delta variant, however, they have a reduced risk of developing severe disease.
Read too: 5 myths about vaccines
What can we do to protect ourselves from the delta variant?
To protect ourselves from the delta variant, it is critical that we continue to take preventive measures against covid-19. This means that actions like use of a mask, proper hand hygiene, physical distance and avoid agglomerations cannot be ignored.
Another important point concerns vaccination, being essential that all people able to receive the vaccine go to the vaccination posts in their city to receive the dose of the immunizing agent.
It is also essential that people who received the first dose of the vaccine seek, on the appropriate date, the health centers to receive the second dose (with the exception of the Janssen vaccine, administered in a single dose). Completing the vaccine schedule is essential to ensure greater protection against the different variants of SARS-CoV-2, including delta.
It is important to emphasize that even those who have already completed their vaccination schedule should continue to adopt preventive measures against covid-19. Although severe cases of covid-19 are rare in vaccinated people, they can still occur. In addition, a vaccinated person can still transmit the virus and infect others.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "Delta variant of covid-19"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/variante-delta-da-covid-19.htm. Accessed August 10, 2021.
