• Published on: Aug 03, 2021
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Covid Expert Online

Covid Delta Variant: Virus Is Changing And We Need To Change Too!

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Delta Variant: Virus is changing and we need to change too!

The entire world is changing its overall strategy on the coronavirus pandemic this week. Masks are back, vaccine mandates are looming, and officials have sounded more worried than they have in months. Employees must wear a mask throughout the day at work while also keeping distance from others and submitting to a virus test once per week for safety reasons driving these changes as two factors: The large number who remain unvaccinated due to fears about vaccines' health effects combined with Delta variant's rapid spread across Europe over recent weeks which forces authorities around the world into immediate action against disease threat."

The Delta variant, originally known as B.1-617.2 has been around since last year but in recent months it's become the fastest spreading virus of all time according to many experts and scientists who are researching this issue more now than ever before. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have also said that COVID-19 cases have increased over 300% nationally from June 19th to July 23rd along with parallel increases in hospitalizations and deaths are driven by the highly transmissible B: 1 617 2 delta variant which is one of a few reasons why they're so concerned about this new strain because there doesn't seem like any way we can stop or cure it yet if at all.

The Delta variant, originally known as B.1.617.2, has been around since last year but in recent months it's become speedily dominant with an 80% share of newly diagnosed cases across the US according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC says there have also been "parallel increases" in hospitalizations and deaths which are being driven by this new highly transmissible strain - COVID-19 or what is now better described as the Delta infection

Let's understand what the Delta variant is: a virus that has been around since late last year but in recent months it has become speedily dominant in many countries. It accounts for more than 80% of newly diagnosed cases.

The Delta variant is more transmissible in some studies, but not all. One CDC document indicates the Delta variant to be as contagious as chickenpox with each infected person infecting a few others. This difficult number to check because it requires much testing which has yet been done

The Delta variant is more transmissible than traditional coronavirus, but we don't know by how much. The CDC estimates that the new virus might be about 60-200% as contagious as chickenpox with each infected person infecting eight or nine others on average while a typical case of common cold only has an infection rate of two other people per affected individual. One paragraph from one CDC document indicates that this number could even be higher and since it's difficult to determine exact statistics without comprehensive testing, there are multiple possible outcomes for these estimations.

In a recent presentation, the CDC has noted that vaccines prevent more than 90% of severe diseases but may be less effective at preventing infection or transmission. However, if you're vaccinated with one of two currently approved COVID-19 mRNA vaccine brands (Pfizer and Moderna), then evidence suggests they are highly effective against hospitalization and death for various strains such as Alpha (B.1.1.7) Beta (B 1/351), Gamma( P 1 ), Delta( B/617).

 The presentation notes that vaccines are less effective at preventing infection or transmission and sometimes can lead to breakthrough outbreaks in communities despite vaccination. To help combat these effects, the site also noted Moderna's mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective for many strains of measles including Alpha (B.1.1), Beta (B2) Gamma (P), Delta B(2).

A recent study has shown that the effectiveness of vaccines against certain variants may be lower than previously anticipated. The CDC is urging for ongoing monitoring to ensure appropriate vaccination strategies are developed and implemented with these new findings in mind.

Data suggest that the vaccine is less effective against confirmed infection and symptomatic disease caused by variants of influenza. Ongoing monitoring should be done to ensure that vaccines are still as effective in fighting off Delta variant though lab tests indicate immune response generated should cover it.

Delta has a unique set of mutations that may allow it to evade the human immune system and be more efficient in infecting cells. Delta's changes are limited to its receptor-binding domain, which allows for tight connections with the host cell while also helping this virus escape detection by hiding from our body's natural defenses like antibodies. One change is believed to help make these bonds tighter--making us sicker faster!

The delta virus has at least three mutations on a structure that is called the receptor-binding domain--the part of the disease-causing agent responsible for docking into human cells it infects. It may help evade detection by our immune system, and one mutation, in particular, could make it bind more tightly to infected cells.

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Monthly Health Survey via SecondMedic App: A Smarter Approach to Preventive Healthcare

Monthly Health Survey via SecondMedic App: A Smarter Approach to Preventive Healthcare

Healthcare is gradually shifting from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Traditional health models rely heavily on annual checkups or medical visits only after symptoms become severe. However, many chronic and lifestyle-related conditions develop silently over time. The Monthly Health Survey via the SecondMedic App addresses this gap by enabling continuous health monitoring and early risk identification.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and NITI Aayog, early detection and preventive care are critical to reducing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in India. Digital health tools play a key role in achieving this shift.

What Is the Monthly Health Survey?

The Monthly Health Survey is a structured digital questionnaire delivered through the SecondMedic App. It captures key health indicators such as:

  • recurring symptoms
     

  • lifestyle habits
     

  • stress and sleep patterns
     

  • nutrition and activity levels
     

  • chronic condition markers
     

By repeating the survey monthly, subtle health trends become visible.

 

Why Monthly Health Tracking Matters

Annual Checkups Miss Gradual Changes

Many health issues develop slowly. Annual tests may appear normal while symptoms quietly progress between visits.

Monthly surveys:

  • detect early warning signs
     

  • capture symptom patterns
     

  • identify lifestyle-related risks
     

 

Health Is Dynamic, Not Static

Stress, sleep, diet and activity fluctuate monthly. Regular tracking reflects real-life health variation more accurately than isolated tests.

 

How the Monthly Health Survey Works

Each month, users answer a guided set of questions related to:

  • physical symptoms
     

  • mental wellbeing
     

  • lifestyle behaviours
     

  • known medical conditions
     

The app analyses responses to highlight:

  • risk trends
     

  • symptom persistence
     

  • areas needing attention
     

This structured approach simplifies health awareness.

 

Key Health Areas Covered

Symptom Monitoring

Persistent fatigue, headaches, breathlessness or digestive issues are tracked across months to identify patterns.

 

Lifestyle Risk Factors

The survey captures:

  • sedentary behaviour
     

  • sleep quality
     

  • stress levels
     

  • dietary habits
     

These factors strongly influence long-term health outcomes.

 

Chronic Disease Indicators

For individuals with diabetes, hypertension or thyroid conditions, monthly monitoring supports better disease control and early escalation.

 

Role in Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on stopping disease before complications arise.

Monthly health surveys support prevention by:

  • identifying risks early
     

  • prompting timely consultations
     

  • supporting lifestyle modification
     

  • reducing emergency care needs
     

WHO and NITI Aayog both highlight digital monitoring as a cornerstone of preventive health systems.

 

Benefits for Individuals

Early Awareness

Users become aware of health changes before symptoms become severe.

 

Empowered Decision-Making

Access to regular health insights encourages proactive lifestyle choices.

 

Reduced Anxiety

Structured tracking reduces uncertainty and fear about unexplained symptoms.

 

Better Doctor Consultations

Survey data provides doctors with a clearer health history, improving consultation quality.

 

Benefits for Chronic Care Management

For chronic conditions, consistency is key.

Monthly surveys help:

  • track symptom control
     

  • identify early deterioration
     

  • support medication adherence
     

  • reduce complications
     

This continuous loop improves long-term outcomes.

 

Data-Driven Personalised Care

The survey supports personalised care by:

  • tailoring recommendations
     

  • prioritising high-risk users
     

  • guiding preventive interventions
     

This approach moves healthcare from generic advice to individualised guidance.

 

Privacy and Responsible Use

Health data is sensitive.

The survey framework is designed to:

  • collect only relevant information
     

  • support medical decision-making
     

  • maintain confidentiality
     

Responsible data use builds trust and long-term engagement.

 

Why Digital Surveys Are Effective in India

India’s healthcare challenges include:

  • large population
     

  • limited access to preventive care
     

  • high lifestyle disease burden
     

Digital surveys overcome barriers by:

  • being accessible anywhere
     

  • requiring minimal time
     

  • enabling large-scale preventive monitoring
     

This scalability makes them highly impactful.

 

Integration with Broader Health Ecosystems

Monthly health surveys work best when integrated with:

  • medical consultations
     

  • diagnostic services
     

  • preventive checkups
     

  • digital health records
     

Integration ensures continuity of care.

 

Long-Term Impact on Healthcare Outcomes

Over time, regular health tracking leads to:

  • earlier diagnoses
     

  • reduced hospitalisations
     

  • better chronic disease control
     

  • lower healthcare costs
     

  • improved quality of life
     

Lancet studies show that continuous monitoring significantly improves preventive outcomes.

 

Who Should Use a Monthly Health Survey?

  • adults over 30
     

  • individuals with chronic conditions
     

  • people with high-stress lifestyles
     

  • those focusing on preventive health
     

  • corporate wellness participants
     

Proactive monitoring benefits all age groups.

 

Conclusion

The Monthly Health Survey via the SecondMedic App represents a modern, preventive approach to healthcare. By capturing health trends regularly rather than annually, it empowers individuals to act early, supports doctors with better insights and reduces the burden of advanced disease. In an era where prevention is the most effective medicine, monthly health surveys transform awareness into action and data into healthier lives.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Preventive Healthcare and Early Detection Report

  •  NITI Aayog – Digital Health and Preventive Care Strateg

  •  World Health Organization (WHO) – Digital Health Monitoring Guideline

  •  Lancet – Preventive Healthcare and Continuous Monitoring Studies

  • National Health Authority – Digital Health Mission Indi

  •  Statista – Digital Health App Adoption Trends India

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