Confirmation that the Delta
variant – the most highly transmissible form of COVID-19 identified to date –
is now spreading in South Africa demands urgent action from every person to
help prevent the third wave of Covid-19 becoming a tidal wave, a South African
clinical risk expert warns.
“Although limited information is available on this variant, indications
so far suggest that it can spread much more easily – and it could be 55% to 97%
more transmissible than the original strain of the virus,” says Dr Jacques Snyman, medical
advisor to Health Squared Medical Scheme.
“This appears to be driving a rapid increase in infections. The number of
people being hospitalised in our
country for COVID-19 is picking up fast, and many more people are getting
sick – irrespective of which variant they have. We all need to take steps to
protect ourselves, our loved ones and South Africa. A great deal is at stake,
and if we don’t act now, we could face a tidal wave of infections in the coming
weeks.”
Simple measures can save lives
“Fortunately, there are many
simple things we can do individually to reduce the risk of transmission, which
can make a great difference collectively and save lives. At the rate of
infections seen recently in Gauteng, we all have a responsibility to slow the
spread and prevent too many people becoming seriously ill at the same time,
potentially outstripping the country’s healthcare resources,” Snyman points
out.
“It’s human nature for us to
want to be physically close to our loved ones and spend time with our friends,
but this is not the time to be socialising – especially since we are far behind
in vaccinating, with people in their fifties only now being vaccinated. Many
young people may feel invincible, but it is reported that younger people are
becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 in the third wave, possibly as a result of
the Delta variant.
“It is important to understand
that with the Delta variant, in particular, it appears that the viral particles
can remain airborne in an enclosed space – such as a room or vehicle – for many
hours, potentially infecting anyone else in that space. It has also been
suggested that the quantity of viral particles a person is initially exposed to
could influence the severity of COVID-19 illness they will develop in some
cases.
“In winter, people tend to
gather indoors and keep windows closed because of the colder weather. This can
create ideal conditions for the spread of COVID-19, especially if people are
not wearing masks correctly. Good ventilation is essential, and it is important
to open windows for airflow whenever possible in shared spaces – even with your
close family.”
Cold weather does not cause
people to develop colds, as is commonly believed. “Whether it is a cold,
influenza or COVID-19, the viral particles are what causes the illness. If you
are in an enclosed area, breathing in air that has a high concentration of
these germs, you are much more likely to become ill. Rather let fresh air
circulate even if it is cold, wear masks, and self-distance if those around you
are not keeping a safe social distance.”
Wearing a clean mask that
covers the nose, mouth and chin helps to contain the virus particles when
people breathe or speak so that fewer infectious viral particles are released
into the air, or onto surrounding surfaces.
The World Health Organization
(WHO) recently reiterated that the guidelines for prevention advised since the
start of the pandemic remain effective, even against the Delta variant. “In
South Africa we were among the first countries to adopt wearing of masks in
public, which can be extremely effective but only if everyone does it correctly
at all times,” he says.
“We really need to consider all aspects of our daily lives and see how all
of us as responsible individuals can practically limit opportunities for the
virus to spread,” Snyman emphasises.
“Local testing capacity may be stronger now than it was in the first
wave, meaning that a higher proportion of cases are detected. However, this
does not
diminish the fact that it is more transmissible than the dominant strains we
had in the first two waves. If we act immediately, many thousands of lives
could be saved in the months ahead.”
