Coronavirus: Find out who is more at risk of contracting the Delta Variant?
The second wave of coronavirus brought along a lot of difficulties and challenges. It took a massive toll on all our lives and also disrupted our mental well-being. While the country now resuscitates back to normalcy, there is yet another looming fear of the variants. The Delta and Delta Plus variant, both seem to pose a lot of threat to human life. While initially, the older adults and those with pre-existing comorbidities were at risk from the SARs-COV-2 virus, it seems now that the remaining population also are under great threat.
Delta and Delta Plus variants are currently the most concerning variants of COVID-19
Since the onset of novel coronavirus, many new variants have emerged and wreaked havoc across the globe. The Delta variant, which is said to have driven the second wave, has mutated into a new strain, Delta Plus, which is all the more transmissible and concerning. While the Delta variant is said to have lead the second COVID wave, the Delta Plus increases the chances of yet another third wave of COVID-19.
Experts have claimed that both Delta and Delta Plus variants are a matter of great concern.
Recently, government officials said that the Delta plus variant or AY.1 variant is characterised by the acquisition of K417N mutation, which makes it more dangerous. They claimed that the Delta Plus variant has an increased transmissibility, stronger binding to receptors of lung cells, and potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response.
Read more: Coronavirus: What do we know about the possible third wave of COVID-19
Are the vaccines effective against the new variants?
While initially, the vaccines were developed in respect to the original COVID strain i.e the Alpha variant, there is a possibility that the Delta variant and the new emerging variants, therefore, have the ability to surpass antibodies released by the vaccines, as per experts. Scientists have also raised concerns that state that the newer variants contain properties that helps them escape immune defences and assists them in dodging vaccine driven protection as well.
However, in the recent past, studies have claimed that certain COVID vaccines can prove effective against the new variants including the Delta variant. Other than Covishield and Covaxin, Russia-made vaccine Sputnik V has also proven effective against the Delta variant. Pfizer BioNTech vaccine is also said to reduce the risk of COVID hospitalisation.
There is no sufficient evidence on whether the COVID vaccines are efficacious against the new Delta Plus variant.
Who is more at risk?
According to data released by UK officials, the Delta variant is the most dominant of all variants in the country. With 95% of all sequenced cases, the Public Health England claim that younger people, the unvaccinated and the partially vaccinated individuals are more at risk from infection.
92,029 cases that were evaluated between early February and mid-June were that of the Delta variant. Out of which, 82,500 cases were reported in people who were above 50 years of age and a majority of them were unvaccinated.
However, the data reported that there were 117 cases of Delta variant-caused deaths, with the majority being over 50 years. As of now, 8 deaths have been reported wherein 6 people were below 50 and unvaccinated, while 2 were partially vaccinated.
What is a possible solution?
Given the data provided by the Public Health England, it is evident that both the older adults and the younger population are at risk of the Delta variant. That said, when so many new variants are emerging, it is our responsibility and duty to stay vigilant. Although border restrictions have been lifted and states have begun their unlock process, remember to take all precautionary measures.
Practice COVID appropriate behaviour and double mask whenever needed. Above all, get yourself vaccinated. Vaccination is the only way to gain some immunity against the infection and/or to reduce risk of severe infection.