A new strain of the Coronavirus, known as the Delta variant, is becoming a dominant strain in the US after being mainly found in cases of unvaccinated communities, the most vulnerable people for this strain. It is predicted to see an increase in cases, especially among the unvaccinated, because of this variant. As the global death toll surpasses 4 million, the spread of the delta variant has caused mass panic among people not just across the nation, but around the world.
Many people have questioned the effectiveness of vaccine and whether Delta can “break through the barrier”, especially since the CDC is only reporting severe, groundbreaking side effects and scientists are unaware of mild or asymptomatic infections. Even though vaccinated people are unlikely to spread it, health officials are debating whether to test unvaccinated people for the variant. In my opinion, vaccinated people should also be tested for this new strain since scientists and health officials are continuing to learn about Delta as more data comes in. Due to the lack of knowledge on Delta, more research should be conducted on both unvaccinated and vaccinated people to prevent another rise of cases and having to go back to quarantine to keep everyone safe from this new variant in the future.
On the other hand, I found it interesting that some believe that the panic surrounding Delta is creating unnecessary anxiety and confusion, especially about the vaccines’ effectiveness, and that it is causing more harm than good. They argue that the effectiveness of the vaccine should even be questioned since the vaccines are built to create long lasting protection in your body by allowing the B cells and T cells to adapt to prevent unfamiliar diseases, such as the Delta variant. I believe it is still very important to get vaccinated during a critical time like this so it can lower your chances of experiencing severe infections or other side effects COVID-19 and Delta can cause. However,since Delta is still very new, I think the concern around the vaccine is justified and vaccinated people should still be cautious because we still do not how this new extremely transmissible strain impacts vaccinated people.
For now, it is highly recommended to receive your two doses of the vaccine if you have not already and continue to wear your mask in indoor settings.
Works Cited:
Gandhi, Dr Monica, and Kyle Hunter MPH. “Opinion: Delta Variant Panic Could Cause More Harm than Good.” SFGATE, SFGATE, 7 July 2021, www.sfgate.com/california-politics/article/Delta-variant-California-COVID-19-masks-open-where-16296087.php?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter.
Howard, Jacqueline, and Keri Enriquez. With Delta Variant Spreading, Experts Split on Whether to Test Vaccinated People for Covid-19, CNN, 7 July 2021, apple.news/A4_cTbf8nT22eEzWYUmK8Hg.
Segarra, Edward, et al. “Global Death Toll Surpasses 4 Million; Delta Variant Dominant Strain in the US: Latest COVID-19 Updates.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 7 July 2021, www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/07/delta-covid-variant-now-dominant-us-costco-ends-senior-hours/7881229002/.