6 Delta Symptoms Worrying Doctors Most
One constant of the coronavirus pandemic is that it keeps changing. Experts agree that the Delta variant is much more contagious than earlier iterations of the virus. The symptoms of Delta may be slightly different, but what's clear is that COVID still has the potential to be serious or fatal. These are the symptoms of Delta that are worrying doctors most. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
Trouble Breathing or Chest Pain
The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary, and most of them aren't serious. However, some symptoms warrant prompt medical attention. "Seek help immediately if you are experiencing difficulty breathing or chest pain," says Dr. Gwen Murphy, Ph.D., MPH, director of epidemiology for Let'sGetChecked.
No Symptoms
From the beginning of the pandemic, one of the most frustrating aspects of COVID-19 for health officials is that it can be spread by people who have no symptoms. That continues to be true, with vaccinations adding a twist: Delta can be transmitted by vaccinated people who might not even know they're infected. "Vaccinated people are transmitting it, and the extent is unclear, but there's no doubt they're transmitting it," Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden's chief medical adviser, said in July. "People who are vaccinated, even when they're asymptomatic, can transmit the virus." This is why the CDC revised its mask guidance to recommend that everyone wear masks indoors in public.
Confusion or Inability to Wake
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to difficulty breathing or chest pain, if you or someone you know with COVID are experiencing new confusion or an inability to wake up or stay awake, you should seek emergency medical care immediately. Those symptoms might indicate that COVID has caused inflammation in the brain.
Long-Term Symptoms
"The SARS-CoV-2 virus can attack many different parts of our bodies, and unfortunately some infections lead to long-term illness known as long COVID," says Murphy. "For these people, symptoms can last for weeks or months and can affect most, if not all, body systems, including heart, lung, kidney, skin, and brain functions."
She adds: "Long COVID is another reason for all of us to get vaccinated and to encourage our friends and family to do the same."
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What to Do if You Fear You Have Delta
Delta symptoms can appear—especially to vaccinated people—like you have a cold, or you may have a fever or chills, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath and other common COVID symptoms. Call a doctor and get a test ASAP if you suspect you have COVID. And follow the fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
