Australia is eerily beginning to feel like March 2020 all over again, with outbreaks of COVID-19 sparking varying degrees of restriction and lockdowns in most states as of late June. At least one element is different though: the virus. Is the Delta strain of COVID-19 different, and why does it have Australian pollies so worried?
Here’s your rundown of the basics – no fear mongering, promise!
What is the Delta strain?
Just like any other virus, COVID-19 mutates as it moves through a population. Delta has nine mutations from the OG virus, but of particular interest:
- Changes to the spike protein to help it latch onto human cells more easily
- Early research suggests that it is possibly multiplying in human airways more easily
The Delta strain was first detected in India, but has been found in most countries around the world. It is at the centre of the recent ‘Bondi’ cluster in NSW, that has also triggered cases in VIC, QLD, WA, NT, and the ACT.
Is it more transmissible than other variants?
Again, the research on this strain is still underway but so far studies are finding Delta could be between 40% to 80% more transmissible than the “Alpha” variant (which was previously known as the UK variant). Someone with COVID could infect, on average:
- OG COVID: 2.5 more people
- Delta COVID: 5 more people
It comes down to those two key mutations – being better able to 1) get into our cells and 2) replicate quickly helps Delta move from one person to the next.
How is the Delta strain of COVID-19 different to previous ones?
Apart from increased transmissibility, it’s important to remember this is essentially the same virus. There is no solid evidence yet that Delta is more severe or deadly than previous versions, or that it behaves in any significantly different ways.
There is no evidence of additional or atypical symptoms. The symptoms to look out for (and book a test for) are the same as all other COVID strains. Either:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Tiredness or fatigues
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Which you might experience alongside:
- Aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Loss of taste or smell
- Other symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rashes (although these alone would not indicate COVID)
How do we best protect ourselves?
The good habits we learned in 2020 are still effective against the Delta strain of COVID. The only difference is while we put arguably a greater focus on hand hygiene last year, we should now prioritise mask-wearing and giving each other (especially strangers) space.
Once lockdowns are over, the safest way to socialise is in outdoor or open air venues.
Vaccination is still effective against the Delta strain – at the recent “super spreader” party in NSW, none of the guests who were vaccinated contracted COVID, while all of the guests who were not vaccinated tested positive for the virus.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is now being made available to all Australian adults over the age of 18 who have approval from their GP. But you can still only book a vaccine if you meet the eligibility criteria – best bet is to check your state government’s health website.
