With a steep drop in the number of Coronavirus cases across India, people have started to feel that the tragedy is finally over. But unfortunately, when we have started going out again, a new variant of the virus – Delta Plus – has emerged, posing a bigger threat to mankind.

The Delta Plus variant is the mutated version of the Delta variant, which was already spreading across India.  

How much has it spread?

So far, India has recorded 49 cases of Delta+ variant across 12 states of the country. Maharashtra is once again the worst-hit state with the maximum number of cases. Notably, the Delta Plus variant has already broken into 85 countries across the world and is one of the biggest reasons behind the surge in infection in South Africa.

Why should we worry about the Delta Plus variant?

The Delta+ variant, also referred to as AY.1 is about 60% more contagious than the previous version – the Delta variant. It is more dangerous for the lungs of the patients as it binds even more easily with the lung cells.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed that there have been two graded mutations in the Delta variant, which already was the most dominant strain of coronavirus in India till date.

ICMR has also stated that these mutations have increased the transmission capability of the variant and now it will spread from one person to another even more quickly. These mutations have also made it much easier for the virus to get into the cells of a patient.

The biggest reason to be worried is that the experts of epidemiology and communicable diseases have claimed Delta Plus to be the most dangerous mutation of coronavirus till now.

How to trace the Delta Plus variant?

The top virologists of the country have confirmed that the Delta Plus variant shows the symptoms of both, the delta variant and beta variant. Have a look at the symptoms:

• Headache
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Cough
• Skin rash
• Shortness of breath.
• Diarrhoea
• Discolouration of fingers and toes.

The delta pus variant may also cause symptoms like nausea, stomach ache and loss of appetite.

How can we prevent it?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already notified the Delta variant of Coronavirus as a cause of concern for the world. WHO has also made it very clear that similar to the previous variants of COVID-19 infection, wearing a mask while going out and following the norms of social distancing are essential to prevent the Delta Plus variant of the virus.

Here are the measures you should take to prevent the Delta Plus variant from infecting you and your loved ones:

• Do not go out until it is extremely necessary.
• Maintain at least 6-feet distance from people when you are out.
• Wear double mask while going out.
• Avoid touching any surfaces when you are outside.
• Use sanitizer every time you touch anything.
• Disinfect your clothes and other pieces of stuff which you took outside with you.
• Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds as many times as possible.
• If you bring home any item from outside, ensure to disinfect it before using it.
• The most important of them all, get yourself vaccinated as soon as possible.

The important thing about delta plus variant is, it is 50% more contagious and faster spreading than other variants and it has a propensity for what is called a HYPERLOCAL outbreaks.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Treatment of Delta Plus Variant

There are no sure-shot ways of treatment to treat Delta Plus variant infection as of yet. Usually, doctors use antibodies to treat this variant too. The best way to ensure the safety of your loved ones and yourself is to get vaccinated. As per the experts, none of the existing treatment courses have been found effective against this variant so far.

Although the delta variant is more contagious and spreads rapidly, it is rarely linked to severe infections in hospitalised patients, you may usually start showing symptoms within 4 days of getting infected with the delta variant of Covid

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Takeaway

With the Delta Plus variant spreading its wings across India, we once again find ourselves in an uncomfortable situation where we may have to face another lockdown, shortage of hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, life-saving medications and whatnot. If we really don’t want to repeat that horrible episode we saw about a month ago, we must ensure to follow all the protocols established by the government. Let’s pledge that this time, we would not let any of our loved ones die just because of our careless behaviour.

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