Coronavirus third wave: How to spot a Delta COVID infection (and ways to stay safe)

With cases gradually increasing in some states, there's a lot of worry about a potential third wave starting up. The virus remains the same, and the dangers fueled by the COVID variants can also cause alarms. Even though there's no telling how severe or threatening the coming months of the pandemic are, it has become more important than ever to sight and recognize symptoms early on. The Delta variant, for one, is highly infectious and transmissible, and carries threat whether or not you are vaccinated and thus, a potentially higher risk of breakthrough infections too. Therefore, to keep yourself protected and safeguard health, here are some critical tips to keep in mind:

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While by now we all have come to know about the common and classic symptoms associated with a growing COVID infection, with the Delta variant, which is said to be presymptomatic and spread to vital organs quicker, the symptoms can be a tad bit different, and to avoid infection getting severe, being aware about the onset of symptoms, and emergency signs is important. According to the COVID symptom Study app, which collects data from over 1 million people in the UK, a Delta infection can lead to symptoms such as nausea, headache, abdominal cramps, high fever, dizziness and fatigue, which should not be dismissed off. Certain symptoms, like that of congestion and runny nose should not be ignored as well. Amongst those who have happened to catch the Delta variant already, it has also been noticed that the disease can start off at the presymptomatic phase, and the initial symptoms could be different from the original strain.

Common symptoms seen with the Delta infection include:

-Fever

-Persistent cough

-Myalgia

-Weakness and fatigue

-Brain fog

-Gastrointestinal symptoms

-Ear pain

-Runny discharge from the eyes

While vaccinations have been known to cut across severity and overall chances of contraction, there have been several reports of breakthrough cases reported. It's also a likely possibility that with cases surging, we'll continue to see more such breakthrough cases reporting.

ALSO READ:Most common COVID-19 symptoms recorded after vaccination

As per studies, with vaccination, people tend to feel less intense form of the illness and the symptoms, too, can wary. According to the COVID study app, a lot of post-vaccination symptoms resemble that of a cold-like illness. Experiencing symptoms such as a sore throat, sneezing, runny nose (which can be easily confused with an allergy or a cold) can be common breakthrough symptoms. In rarer cases, fever, shortness of breath or symptoms which require hospitalization may be noticed.

Since COVID-19 infections spread quicker, it's important to take quick action and follow necessary protocols. Experts are now also advising people to keep at-home COVID tests (antigen tests) handy, which can quite accurately predict infections, and help an individual safeguard the health of others around themselves. Self-COVID tests are also quite helpful for those wanting a reassurance of safety measures in high-risk places.

Getting RT-PCR tests can also be considered, since they are more efficacious and considered to be gold-standard of all tests. Once you receive test results, consider taking the next steps-quarantine, isolate or inform, whatever may be necessary whether or not you are vaccinated or unvaccinated.

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to keep yourself protected, even if you have had COVID-19 before. Since the Delta variant is so contagious, getting vaccinated on time will keep you protected from severe outcomes and avoid mortality risk. However, it should be remembered that the risk of infection, if you happen to catch COVID-19 after vaccination depends on the number of shots you have been inoculated with- a single shot of the vaccine offers considerably lower levels of protection against the Delta variant, in comparison to two doses, i.e. when you develop peak immunity.

Apart from the above listed measures, as cases continue to rise, it's also important that we all follow necessary safety measures and preventive measures to minimize risk of catching the illness. Apart from getting vaccinated and following COVID-appropriate protocols, the following protocols will help keep COVID risk at bay:

- Improve indoor air and ventilation

-Have safer gatherings with vaccinated members

-Weigh individual risks when necessary

-Make masks a necessity

-Outdoor settings may be more safer than indoor spaces