What is the difference between the original COVID-19 virus and the Delta variant?

The Delta variant causes more infections and spreads faster than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain of the virus that cause COVID-19. Vaccines remain the best way to reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

When was the Delta variant first identified in India?

First identified in India in December 2020, Delta swept rapidly through that country and Great Britain before reaching the U.S., where it quickly surged.

How much more contagious is the Delta variant of COVID-19?

• The Delta variant is more contagious: The Delta variant is highly contagious, more than 2x as contagious as previous variants.

Which is the most transmissible variant of COVID-19?

Omicron is highly transmissible compared to Delta, Garcia noted. “The viral load is much higher in Omicron, which means that someone infected with the Omicron variant is more infectious than someone infected with the Delta variant.

When was the COVID-19 Mu variant first detected?

The epicenter of mu transmission is Colombia, where the variant was first isolated on January 11, 2021 (Figure 1A and Table S2). There was a huge surge in Covid-19 cases in Colombia from March through July 2021.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine effective against the Delta variant?

COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Delta variant and other variants with widespread circulation in the United States. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant.

Is the COVID-19 Epsilon variant more infectious?

The Epsilon variant is gaining a higher profile as cases of COVID-19 spike among the unvaccinated, driven in part by the widely spread Delta variant.

In the lab, the Epsilon version proved to be more infectious than previous variants, and researchers have discovered three changes in its spike proteins.

Which Covid test is most accurate?

“PCR tests are considered the most accurate available,” Dr. Martinello says.

When will the free Covid tests arrive?

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE THE TESTS? The White House says “tests will typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering” through the U.S. Postal Service. USPS reports shipping times of 1-3 days for its first-class package service in the continental United States.

Can I still have relationship during the coronavirus pandemic?

If both of you are healthy and feeling well, are practicing social distancing and have had no known exposure to anyone with COVID-19, touching, hugging, kissing, and relationship are more likely to be safe.

Is it normal to have side effects after second COVID-19 vaccine?

Side effects after your second shot may be more intense than the ones you experienced after your first shot. These side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection and should go away within a few days.

Which variant of COVID-19 was first detected in South Africa?

On November 24, 2021, South Africa reported the identification of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, B.1.1.529, to the World Health Organization (WHO). B.1.1.529 was first detected in specimens collected on November 11, 2021 in Botswana and on November 14, 2021 in South Africa.

How safe is intimacy with a partner during the COVID-19 pandemic?

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If both of you are healthy and feeling well, are practicing social distancing and have had no known exposure to anyone with COVID-19, touching, hugging, kissing, and relationship are more likely to be safe. Similarly, sharing a bed with a partner who is healthy should not be an issue.

Be aware, though, that the CDC reports that some people may have the virus and not yet have symptoms during the early part of the incubation period (presymptomatic). Additionally, some people never develop obvious symptoms of COVID-19 (asymptomatic). In either case, it’s possible that the virus might spread through physical contact and intimacy.

Can you get COVID-19 from kissing someone?

It’s well known that the coronavirus infects the body’s airways and other parts of the body, but new research indicates that the virus also infects mouth cells. You don’t want to kiss someone who’s got COVID.

What should you look for after being intimate with someone new during the COVID-19 pandemic?

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After a close, high-risk encounter like relationship, you should be mindful of your personal risk of contracting and falling ill to COVID-19 as well as the risk you may pose to those in your own circle. I recommend monitoring yourself closely for any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, the loss of taste and smell). Also, consider getting a COVID-19 test five to seven days after the interaction. I would also refrain from interacting with any at-risk persons within a 14 day period after the encounter. If you cannot avoid contact with a high-risk individual, take precautions to lower your risk profile by social distancing, choosing to interact with the individual in outdoor spaces as opposed to indoor spaces, and wearing a mask.

What do I need to know to keep myself and others safe when I go to the grocery store during the COVID-19 pandemic?

There are steps you can take to help protect yourself, grocery store workers and other shoppers, such as wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, and using wipes on the handles of the shopping cart or basket.

Can I start a new relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic?

For those people who would like to start a new relationship, that should be considered carefully. All of us should be practicing social distancing at this time due to the pandemic, and dating does not comply with recommendations for social distancing. While this time is challenging, social distancing is of the utmost importance to keep you and your loved ones safe.

How long does COVID-19 stay active at room temperature?

A study published in found that at room temperature, COVID-19 was detectable on fabric for up to two days, compared to seven days for plastic and metal.

What should I do when shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Practice social distancing while shopping – keeping at least 6 feet between you, other shoppers, and store employees. Keep your hands away from your face. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds when you return home and again after you put away your groceries.

What are some of the safety measures for gyms during the COVID-19 pandemic?

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• Close or limit access to common areas where employees are likely to gather and interact, such as
break rooms, outside the entrance, and in entrance/exit areas.
• Encourage social distancing of at least 6 feet between patrons and employees in all areas of the
facility, such as workout areas, classrooms, pools and saunas, courts, walking/running tracks,
locker rooms, parking lots, and in entrance/exit areas.
• If your gym has restaurants or juice bars, consult CDC restaurant guidance.
• Consider making foot-traffic single direction in narrow or confined areas, such as aisles and
stairwells, to encourage single-file movement at a 6-foot distance.
• Use visual cues such as floor decals, colored tape, and signs to remind workers and patrons to
maintain distance of at least 6 feet from others, including around training equipment, free weight
areas, at employee workstations, and in break areas.

What are some ways you can improve your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Getting quality sleep, eating nutritious meals, and managing your stress are meaningful ways to elevate your immune system.

Sleep is one of the most important health behaviors for optimal immune function, mental and physical health, and quality of life.