Protecting Our Unvaccinated Children From the COVID-19 Delta Variant

After a challenging year and a half spent largely indoors, many of us are finally re-emerging into the world. If your household has been vaccinated, including children aged 12 and older, that’s commendable! However, the Delta variant of COVID-19 is now a significant concern, accounting for roughly 25% of cases in the U.S. Unvaccinated individuals, especially kids, are at the highest risk, and the variant is particularly prevalent among younger populations in countries like the UK. Here’s what you need to know about this variant and how to safeguard your children.

Understanding the Delta Variant

With numerous COVID strains circulating, it can be tough to keep up, and some may dismiss the risks. But with only 47.6% of the U.S. population fully vaccinated, and just 55.6% of those aged 12 and up, caution is warranted. The Delta variant, which Dr. Anthony Fauci predicts will dominate cases in the U.S. soon, is a major threat.

The Delta variant is exceptionally contagious, originating in India, and is approximately 60% more transmissible than the original strain. In simple terms, this means it spreads more than twice as quickly, accelerating the pandemic. The World Health Organization has recognized it as “the fastest and fittest” version of the virus, a sentiment echoed by the CDC.

Why Is This Variant Concerning?

Research shows that patients infected with the Delta variant are twice as likely to require hospitalization compared to those with the Alpha variant. Moreover, symptoms may differ from the typical COVID indicators we’ve come to know. Infected individuals may experience headaches, sore throats, and runny noses, resembling a bad cold, which might lead to underestimating the seriousness of their condition.

Potential for Local Outbreaks

Areas with low vaccination rates are at risk for localized outbreaks, especially when surrounded by regions with higher vaccination levels. This can result in the Delta variant spreading rapidly and overwhelming local healthcare systems. The competition between vaccination rates and the virus’s spread is crucial; if Delta continues infecting individuals, we could witness a resurgence of cases and potential lockdowns.

Who Is Most At Risk?

The unvaccinated, particularly children and young people, along with those with compromised immune systems, are the most vulnerable. Children under 12 are especially at risk since vaccines for this age group are still pending approval. A recent study in the UK revealed that children aged 5 to 12 were five times more likely to test positive for COVID than adults over 65. As vaccination efforts progress among older age groups, younger unvaccinated individuals, including children, face increased risk.

Protecting Your Unvaccinated Children

If you have unvaccinated children, it’s natural to be concerned. Here are ways to protect them from the Delta variant:

Get Vaccinated: If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, please consider it. Experts agree that fully vaccinated individuals are well-protected against the Delta variant, as recent statistics show that 99.2% of recent hospitalizations and deaths occurred among unvaccinated people.
Wear Masks: Ensure that your unvaccinated children wear masks, and you should too. The WHO recommends that everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals, continue to wear masks in public indoor spaces.
Stay Informed: Be aware of COVID and vaccination rates in your area or any locations you plan to visit. Familiarize yourself with the atypical symptoms of the Delta variant, and remain vigilant if your child exhibits cold-like symptoms.

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Summary

The rise of the COVID-19 Delta variant poses a significant threat, particularly to unvaccinated children. Understanding the variant’s characteristics and taking proactive measures, such as vaccination, mask-wearing, and staying informed about local conditions, are crucial steps in protecting our children from potential infection.