COVID UPDATES by Fred Harvey, MD
The Delta Strain
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elta is an extremely contagious strain of the COVID-19 virus. Delta and other strains have battled for supremacy, and Delta is almost the last variant standing. The Alpha strain that came from the United Kingdom dominated for months until the third week of June, and now it barely accounts for one percent of infection cases, while Delta is responsible for 87–93 percent of all cases. It is efficient in its ability both to produce and then spread many copies after inundating the victim with the virus particles. This is the crucial piece of information that is unclear in the experts’ current descriptions of the Delta variant. Mitigation education is necessary for understanding and behavior changes in the public. This variant is a breeder—Delta makes 200 times more particles than Alpha. So we know that particle density in the air determines infectivity and severity of illness. The inoculum (the dose of virus particles) determines both, so Delta is more efficient in spreading the infection rate. This is especially dangerous if you’re indoors with those others who might be infected but are asymptomatic. Masks reduce particle exposure which, therefore, can lower the risk. Remember: even vaccinated
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Some people have inflammation or irritated immune systems associated with their diets or lifestyle choices, which can make them susceptible to both COVID-19 and long-haul syndromes. people who are infected with Delta can still transmit it, so everyone must wear a mask to ultimately end this pandemic.
Long-Haulers
COVID long-haulers are those who have persistent symptoms long after the infection has left their bodies. These people experience an inappropriate immune activation which, in this case, means the COVID-19 virus is not actually the killer—it is their own immune system’s inappropriate and excessive response that cause most of the harm. Some people have inflammation or irritated immune systems associated with their diets or lifestyle choices, which can make them susceptible to both COVID-19 and long-haul syndromes. Therefore, to support both prevention and recovery, it’s import-
