Delta Plus COVID Variant: How To Protect Yourself From The ‘Variant Of Concern’

The Delta Plus variant of coronavirus has been wreaking havoc across the world. Fears are mounting that the Delta Plus variant could trigger the third wave of coronavirus pandemic. The Delta Plus COVID variant is more infectious with increased transmissibility and resistance to some drugs and therapies. The new viral variant of the coronavirus, Delta Plus, was identified on June 11 and since classified as a variant of concern.

Cases of the new variant have also been found in India. Maharashtra, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh are at the forefront once again. The health ministry has advised these three states to ramp up containment measures. Additionally, the new mutant has also been detected in Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Apart from India, the Delta Plus variant has been detected in around 80 countries across the world. US, UK, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Nepal, Poland, China, and Russia being some of them.

The Delta variant of Covid-19 is 60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant. The estimates for the doubling rate of infection for the Delta range from 4.5 days to 11.5 days. Now with the mutation of the Delta variant to Delta Plus has raised concern among countries across the globe. It has so far been found in 85 countries, according to health experts. It is now causing a surge in COVID-19 cases in the UK. The US has called the Delta variant the greatest threat to its effort to eradicate COVID-19 in its borders.

Here is all you need to know about Delta Plus Variant Symptoms, Precautions, and more:

 Delta Plus Variant:

The highly transmissible variant of SARS-CoV-2 mutated further and has formed Delta Plus Variant or ‘AY.1′ variant.
Vinod Scaria, the scientist at Delhi’s CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), said the mutation is in the spike protein of SARS-COV-2. This helps the virus enter and infect the human cells. Scaria further added that the variant frequency for K417N is mostly from Europe, Asia, and America.

Symptoms Of Delta Plus Variant:

Some of the symptoms of Delta Plus Variant are:

• Stomach ache,
• Nausea,
• Appetite loss,
• Vomiting, joint pains,
• Hearing impairment,
• Conjunctivitis
• Fatigue
• Dry Cough,
• Diarrhoea,
• Fever,
• Headache,
• Skin rash,
• Discolouration of fingers and toes,
• Chest Pain
• Shortness of breath

Precautions:

• Social distancing,
• Wash Hands Frequently with soap and water
• Use Sanitizer
• Stay home or go out only when extremely necessary
• Vaccination
• Wear A Double Layer Mask
• Avoid contact
• Stay Home As Much As possible
• Avoid Touching Contaminated surfaces
• Elderly and Children should not step out

Why is it a Variant Of Concern?

The Delta Plus variant of the coronavirus is a ‘variant of concern’ (VoC). The new COVID variant has three characteristic features. They make it more concerning than the previous variants.

1. Increased transmissibility

2. Stronger binding to receptors of lung cells

3. Potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response

Are vaccines effective against the Delta Plus COVID variant?

Covid-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca offer high protection against hospitalization from the Delta variant. Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin is also effective in neutralizing the Delta and Beta variants of Sars-CoV-2. But the Delta Plus variant is resistant to the monoclonal antibody cocktail treatment for COVID-19 recently authorized in India. It is also not clear if the existing vaccines are effective against the Delta Plus Variant. Research is on to find out which vaccine is more effective on the new variant. But Scientists recommend vaccination as a precautionary measure to be on the safe side.

The government is working overtime to curb the new variant, but we as citizens too should be vigilant. Therefore do not step out of the house unless necessary and follow the guidelines prescribed by the health ministry. If you see any symptoms immediately consult a doctor.

Also Read: Delta Plus: Severity of Strain to Transmission; All You Need To Know