The COVID-19 Delta Variant

The SARS-CoV-2  B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant was discovered in India in late 2020 and it has since become the dominant strain in the United States.

  1. The Delta Variant is More Contagious
    • The World Health Organization (WHO) has called the Delta Variant the “fastest and fittest” strain.
    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 80% of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. are caused by the Delta Variant
  2. Vaccinations and the Delta Variant
    • Results of a preliminary study show that existing vaccines are holding up well against the Delta Variant
      1. Pfizer & BioTech – 88% effective with two doses & 36% effective with one.
      2. AstraZeneca – 67% effective with two doses & 30% effective with one.
    • Persons with both doses of the vaccine are much less likely to be hospitalized if they become infected with the Delta Variant
  3. Symptoms May Vary
    • Most of the Delta Variant’s symptoms are the same as other strains
      1. Fever
      2. Dry Cough
      3. Shortness of Breath
      4. Temporary Loss of Taste and/or Smell
      5. Flu-Like Respiratory Issues
      6. Muscle Aches
      7. Fatigue
    • However, other symptoms reported include
      1. Stomach Pain
      2. Headache
      3. Stuffy Nose
      4. Nausea &/or Vomiting
      5. Diarrhea
      6. Hearing Loss
      7. Loss of Appetite

The CDC has updated its mask guidelines again. It’s recommended that masks be worn indoors by all persons – including fully vaccinated ones. Breakthrough infections are rare but they do happen and symptoms are likely to feel like a mild cold. Getting vaccinated is still the best way to prevent yourself from contracting COVID-19 and its variants.

Sources:
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/5-things-to-know-delta-variant-covid
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-delta-variant-and-covid-19-vaccines-what-to-know-11627079604
https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2021/07/delta-variant-symptoms-are-they-different-when-do-they-appear-heres-what-to-know.html
https://www.prevention.com/health/a37130094/delta-variant-symptoms-covid-19/

 

About PGM

Physicians Group Management (PGM) is one of the fastest-growing medical billing companies in the United States.  For over 35 years, PGM has been providing medical billing and practice management services and software to physicians, healthcare facilities, and laboratories.  PGM’s current client base encompasses the full spectrum of medical specialties, including Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Pathology, EMS & Ambulatory Services, Cardiology, Nephrology, Urology, Pain Management, OB/GYN, Gastroenterology, Independent Laboratory, and many more.  PGM’s medical billing and practice management solutions include:                             –

– A full suite of practice management and medical billing solutions each tailored to the specific needs of your practice

– CCHIT-certified electronic medical record software and services

– Streamlined, customized credentialing services for providers of all sizes

– Practice management software that provides advanced financial and practice analysis tools, specifically designed to give enhanced visibility of operations at the click of a button

Laboratory billing software that offers best-in-class systems to streamline, and manage and track, financial and administrative processes