HSC Team,
As concerns over the Delta variant of the coronavirus continue to rise, we wanted to share the following information in order to keep our patients and team members healthy and safe.
A concerning, rapid rise in COVID-19 has been detected both locally and statewide, threatening the progress the United States has made toward ending the pandemic. More than a third of the recent COVID-19 hospitalizations in the North Texas hospital region are in Tarrant County. Tarrant County COVID-19 hospitalizations are currently the highest since March 2021. Almost all hospitalized patients are unvaccinated individuals. Approximately 49% of Tarrant County residents 12 years or older have been fully vaccinated. This means that just over half of us are not fully protected and are vulnerable. In just over a week, the number of COVID positive cases nearly doubled in Tarrant County.
Surveillance indicates that SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant is quickly becoming the predominate variant in the United States, with early data suggesting it now makes up more than 50% of COVID-19 cases. In some parts of the country, this percentage is even higher, especially in areas with low vaccination rates. Fortunately, we have safe and effective vaccines that prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The results are clear: people who are fully vaccinated have a high degree of protection from severe disease outcomes associated with COVID-19 infection. This high degree of protection includes severe disease outcomes from currently identified SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the Delta variant. If you are not yet vaccinated, you are at risk of infection and should continue to follow HSC Health’s Safe Practice Guidelines, continuing to wear a mask and get vaccinated as soon as possible. Turning the corner on the pandemic, getting back to normal, and stopping the spread of COVID requires all of us doing our part.
It is critical for all of us at UNTHSC to continue to do everything we can to address the growing threats to us locally and globally in the ongoing pandemic. Please consider, if you and your family are not already vaccinated, to do so now. This is a vital – and simple – way to help protect yourself and those you love from becoming ill and possibly developing severe illness.
HSC Health is conducting COVID-19 vaccine clinics on Friday, July 16th and Friday, July 23rd. Please contact HSC Select Services at 817-735-2273 to schedule.
Facts about the Delta variant:
• Delta is the name for the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2. variant originally identified in India; it is the same SARS-CoV-2 virus but with mutations which may enhance its ability to spread.
• Delta may be spreading 50% faster than the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) first identified in the United Kingdom and the current predominate variant in the United States.
• Treatments such as monoclonal antibodies may not be as effective against Delta.
• Different symptom presentation may be seen with Delta – Patients diagnosed with Delta may be more likely to experience headache, sore throat, runny nose and fever, whereas those diagnosed with the original coronavirus strain additionally experience cough and loss of taste and smell.
• People who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are most at risk of contracting Delta.
• Studies have proven that all COVID-19 vaccines provide some protection against Delta.
• As of now, the CDC is not recommending a booster shot to protect against Delta.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael R. Williams
President