The COVID-19 Delta variant is a mutated version of the original COVID-19 virus that spreads at least twice as fast. But why is Delta spreading so quickly? And what can we do to slow it down here in northern Michigan?
In this short episode of Munson Minutes, we’ll break down two reasons why the Delta variant is so contagious. We’ll also share a few easy actions you can take to help slow the spread, keep hospitals from overcrowding, and finally end this pandemic for good.
COVID-19 Delta Variant Transmission
The COVID-19 Delta variant.
It’s a mutated version of the original COVID-19 virus that spreads at least twice as fast.
So why is Delta spreading so quickly?
The amount of virus growing inside an infected person is called viral load.
Infection from Delta causes a viral load about 1,000 times higher than the original virus strain, meaning there’s 1,000 times more virus an infected person can “shed” and possibly infect others.
Delta also becomes infectious faster.
It took almost a full week for a person carrying the original COVID-19 virus to become contagious.
With Delta infection? Closer to two days.
This means the chance of spreading the virus before you know you have it is much higher.
So what can we do to slow the spread?
The combination of vaccination and masking is the most powerful weapon we have.
In fact, we should continue using every tool we can to keep this virus contained, including:
- Washing hands often
- Keeping physical distance when you can
- And making sure to quarantine right away if you’re unvaccinated and been exposed to a known positive case
It will take all of us working together to slow the spread and finally end this pandemic.
That’s it for this episode Munson Minutes. We’ll see you next time.