It was only a matter of time before the Delta variant of the dreaded Covid-19 took hold in Zululand, especially considering this region was effectively the epicentre of last month’s rampant looting.
Right now it seems every second person is either infected with Covid-19, or is isolating because of close contact with an infected person.
Considering only around 7.5% of the population is vaccinated currently, it’s likely the infection rate will rise, and a fourth wave of Covid-19 will arrive at some point.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, here’s five things you should know about the third wave.
1. What are the variants?
The longer the majority of citizens remain unvaccinated, the more variants Covid-19 will throw at us.
And each wave, so far, has been driven by a new, more contagious variant. Alpha was the first variant, which is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom.
This was followed by Beta, which was first detected in South Africa. Beta was more infectious and also believed to escape immunity – meaning it developed features that made it harder for antibodies to develop in response to the virus.
Now we have the Delta variant, originating in India, that is driving our current third wave.
2. What are the vaccines available?
In South Africa, we currently have the single-dose Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine being administered, as well as the two-dose Pfizer vaccine. Immunity against Covid-19 occurs two weeks after J&J, and two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer.
Currently, anyone over 35 years of age is eligible for vaccination in South Africa – it’s simply a case of stopping in at the nearest vaccination site, whether public or private, and requesting the vaccine.
Registration on the government website is required, but this can be done at the vaccination site. Those aged 18 and over will be eligible as of 1 September.
3. Delta is more contagious
Each new variant appears to be more contagious than the last, with Delta considered nearly twice as contagious as the previous variant. Data seems to suggest that unvaccinated people infected with Delta experience more severe illness than before, with more patients requiring hospitalisation.
4. Delta is infecting younger ages
A recent study emanating from the United Kingdom indicates that children and adults under 50 years of age are 2.5 times more likely to be infected with the Delta variant.
Certain countries are in the process of authorising vaccines for children aged 5 to 12 years, or have done so. In South Africa, the youngest age group approved for vaccinations is currently 18 years.
5. What can we do?
Mask up, sanitise, social distance – but most importantly, get fully vaccinated. Vaccinated people who contract the Delta variant appear to be infectious for a shorter period of time.
Covid-19 will continue to mutate, likely bringing more infectious variants with each wave until herd immunity is reached.
Once sitting at 70%, the need for herd immunity is likely a higher number, which means all eligible people will need to get vaccinated to protect themselves, and others.
Stay informed on the latest Covid-19 news and information by visiting https://sacoronavirus.co.za/.
