Delta Plus Variant and Symptoms

     The second wave of Covid-19 has a massive impact on public health of India.  The country is slowly recovering from the pandemic.  Covid cases continue to decrease for the past few days.  Now a new variant, Delta plus is shaking the world, and also entering the country.   The new Covid Delta Plus variant cases have been detected in Madhya Pradesh, and the government officially declared that two patients died with this variant.  Maharashtra, Kerala,  Andhra Pradesh and nearly 12 states of India have also been hit by this variant.  Maharashtra reported more cases. 

As per officials, the new Delta Plus coronavirus variant is more dangerous than previous variants.  New variant has increased transmissibility, Stronger binding to receptors of lung cells and Potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response.  Previously this variant has been detected in the US, UK, Switzerland, Portugal, Nepal, Poland, China, Russia and Japan. India is the next country which detected this variant.  The Delta plus variant was first detected in Europe in March 2021. 

Worries about Delta Plus Variant

Studies are going on globally to test the effectiveness of vaccines on Delta Plus Variant. WHO is working on this as a part of Delta Variant. There are worries in India that Delta Plus would cause another wave of Covid-19.  The mutation may not lead to another wave in India, but it could be one of the reasons for the third wave. The Indian Government has announced that there is not enough data at the moment to say that it could cause a third wave of Covid.  Experts say that people cannot take the new variant lightly.  Delta plus is a variant with increased transmissibility.  Delta Plus variant has just begun in India, and there is no evidence that it causes more serious illness compared with Delta or other variants. But more transmission will give it a chance to spread rapidly.  There is limited scientific evidence available for whether or not the delta plus variant is more deadlier than the other variants of Coronavirus.  

  

Symptoms of Delta Plus Variant

Delta plus variant included 

Dry cough

Diarrhea

Fever

Headache

Skin rash

Discolouration of fingers and toes

Chest pain and 

Shortness of breath etc.  

How to protect from Delta Plus Variant

Vaccination is the only way to gain immunity against all viruses.  As per suggestions of experts Covid vaccines are effective against the new variants including Delta variant. It is better to get Covid vaccination to protect from Delta Plus too.

Using N95 masks give more protection

Go out if necessary.

Maintain social distance.

Keep your hands and yourself clean.