🔹The Delta variant was first detected in India in October 2020, but has now proceeded to spread worldwide. It has been detected in almost 100 countries around the globe. Even countries like Israel and The UK who have a high percentage of their population vaccinated, are currently experiencing rising cases attributed to the Delta variant.
🔹The Delta variant is highly transmissable. Epidemiologists estimate a rate of 30 – 60 % more so than the South African Beta variant and 100% more transmissible than the original Covid-19. This higher transmissibility means that what we advised as a close contact before has now changed. Initially 15 minutes in close proximity or in a closed room were enough to transmit Covid, but now ANY close contact, especially in a closed room or without a mask is thought to be significant.
🔹People, adults and kids, who previously had one of the other strains are also susceptible to the Delta strain.
🔹As if the Delta variant is not enough,there have now been some reports of a Delta-plus variant. A mutation of a mutation. The exact clinical effects of this is as yet unsure. I guess we will “ have to watch this space.”
🔹It seems the Delta variant may cause more severe disease and for longer. Higher rates of hospitalisations this time round seem to support this statement.
🔹Common symptoms in our kiddies differ slightly from our previous dominant strains.
-Fever, coughing and loss of taste and smell is less common with this strain.
-Symptoms of the Delta variant may look and feel like a bad cold in the younger population with runny and congested noses being very common. That “ sinus” infection might be Covid this time around.
-Nausea, vomiting, tummy aches and diarrhoea seem to be more prevalent.
-Red eyes, and cracked lips, swollen glands, a rash and ongoing high fevers, might be an indication of serious disease.
🔹Like with previous variants a large group of paediatric patients show no symptoms at all.
🔹What can you do to protect yourself and your children?
-Stay at home as far possible.If you have to go out, keep a safe distance; 1.5-2m is advisable.
-Mask up, at all times when not in your house. Over mouth and nose!Any child over 2 years could tolerate a mask and keep it on. Try your best!
-If you show any symptoms, please stay at home. It is COVID until proven otherwise. When in doubt, and especially if you or your kids start to show any symptoms after being in contact with a positive person, have yourself tested.
-When you are eligible, please vaccinate yourself, and encourage those around you to do the same. The new strains find the vulnerable and it’s not playing nice.
-Contact your Dr if you need help. We have the necessary PPE and protocols in place to protect ourselves while tending to you and yours. We are here to help!
Stay safe and take care
Xoxo @Dr Christa