No one was happier than I was to start leaving my mask in my bag once the CDC said it was safe and I was considered fully vaccinated, saying, as always, that I follow the science. With my prednisone and the fever that I frequently experience with my autoimmune disease, I overheat wearing the mask and it isn’t the most pleasant feeling. I was beyond happy for fresh air.
However. . .
Based on my understanding of the information from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the new Delta variant of COVID and its transmissibility, as well as the vaccination rates in my area, and also the cases that are being seen worldwide among vaccinated people, I have removed my mask from the bottom of my bag and put it back on.
Since y’all are my people, I want to talk to you about all of this as well.
Some of you are probably much more on top of this than I’ve been – and, if so, just carry on with your day and I’ll see you next post. 😉 I’ll admit I’ve been wrapped up with finishing my second summer course and not watching the news as closely as I usually would – and this sort of caught me unawares.
When I read the initial article over the weekend about JUST how serious WHO is reporting the Delta variant is turning out to be, I was truly frightened – and want to share what I’ve learned for others who may not realize how concerning this is.
Please take a minute to read this article about the Delta variant and the importance of masking now, even if you are vaccinated.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/coronavirus/article252427233.html
A few things I would note from the article specifically:
- “#DeltaVariant is enormously contagious with even fleeting exposure of just seconds.” – Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding. This is different and truly concerning.
- Delta variant is about 60% more contagious than the Alpha variant.
- Currently, Delta variant is accounting for 30% of COVID cases in the US and is doubling every 11 days.
- Vaccinated people are being infected, though at a lesser rate and often the infections are not as severe – so it is much better to be vaccinated.
- If you are not vaccinated, please do so right away.
Vaccination rates are so important. In my case, I live in Alabama, and that is cause for additional concern, because while the national rate of vaccination is 46%, Alabama’s is 29%. This is particularly unsettling news with a new, hyper-contagious variant – and no mask mandates.
https://www.al.com/news/2021/06/6-alabama-counties-very-high-risk-for-covid.html
As has been stated numerous times, the vaccine will reduce the risk of hospitalization and death if a person does contract the virus.
The last article I want to share is the one that alarmed me so greatly in the first place, entitled, “WHO says Delta is the fastest and fittest Covid variant and will ‘pick off’ most vulnerable.” Yes.
From this, I would call to your attention:
- “Delta, first identified in India, has the potential ‘to be more lethal because it’s more efficient in the way it transmits between humans and it will eventually find those vulnerable individuals who will become severely ill, have to be hospitalized and potentially die,’ Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s health emergencies program, said during a news conference.”
- WHO said more severe symptoms have been reported with Delta but more research is needed.
- “These vaccines are highly effective against severe disease and death. That is what they are intended for, and that is what they need to be used for.”
Y’all, I hoped we were on the pandemic upswing and I was through preaching the COVID word – but that was not to be. Even though the world has opened back up, we are still at risk – and we don’t know all the ways yet.
So many of us are spoonies too adding more reason for concern and caution.
Please put your masks back on, socially distance especially in areas where people are likely unvaccinated, of course get your vaccine if you haven’t, just be safe out there. . .
Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Grace and Blessings.
the autoimmune hippie. 