Call / Whatsapp
+918447748545

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

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

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.

Read Blog

Stroke Warning Signs for Indians Over 40: Early Detection Can Save Lives

Introduction

Stroke is a major health issue in India — both as a cause of death and lifelong disability. For people over 40, the risk climbs sharply. The earlier a stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances of recovery. In this post, we’ll look at the warning signs of stroke especially relevant in Indians over 40, backed by real survey data, the risk factors common in India, what to do, and how to act fast. Understanding these can help you or your loved ones catch a stroke early and reduce damage.

How Big Is the Problem in India, Especially After 40

According to a 2024 study using Global Burden of Disease data, stroke incidence in India has increased from 76 per 100,000 people in 1990 to ??88 per 100,000 in 2021 for all ages.
Stroke incidence and burden are especially high among people aged 50-69 and over 70.
Another study in North India showed that a large number of adults over 45 lacked awareness about warning signs of stroke: nearly 46% didn’t know warning signs.
Among hypertensive patients (~mean age 54) from Western Rajasthan, about 75% recognized at least one stroke symptom like slurred speech or body-weakness, but 25-30% still lacked awareness.

These figures show that though awareness is improving, there is a significant gap in recognition of warning signs among people over 40 — a high-risk group.

Warning Signs of Stroke (What to Look Out For)

In Indians over 40, common symptoms are similar globally, but here are those particularly reported in Indian surveys:

Sudden Weakness or Numbness on One Side
Many people identified “paralysis of one side of the body” or weakness in an arm or leg. In a Tamil Nadu hospital-based survey, 56% of respondents recognized this symptom.
Facial Droop or Deviation
One side of face droops or mouth slants. In the same survey, ~20% noted deviation of the mouth.
Speech Problems
Slurring, garbled speech, or trouble understanding what others are saying. ~16% in that survey recognized speech impairment.
Vision Disturbance
Sudden trouble with sight in one or both eyes (blurring, loss of vision). Awareness of this is lower: about 53% recognized vision disturbances in a Kerala survey.
Loss of Balance, Dizziness, Severe Headache
Sudden loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, confusion, or sudden, severe headache are also warning signs. Surveys show these are less well recognized compared to motor or speech symptoms but still important.

Risk Factors: What Makes Stroke More Likely After Age 40

Understanding risk helps prevention:

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) — arguably the biggest factor. Many over-40 Indians have undiagnosed or uncontrolled high BP.
Diabetes Mellitus — often co-exists; increases damage to blood vessels.
Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol / Lipids)
Smoking & Tobacco Use — cigarettes, chewing tobacco.
Alcohol Use
Obesity / Sedentary Lifestyle
Dietary Risks — high sodium, low fruits/vegetables.
Heart Conditions — atrial fibrillation, prior heart disease.
Other — age itself, stress, sometimes air pollution.

Awareness & Knowledge: What Indian Surveys Reveal

In the Rajasthan survey among hypertensive patients (mean age ~54), around 75-80% knew at least one major warning sign (one?side weakness, speech or vision issues), but 25-30% were unaware.
In a community survey in Kerala, 94.2% identified facial weakness, 86.6% speech disturbances, 84.5% limb weakness. But only ~53% recognized vision issues as a symptom.
In a North Indian telephone survey, nearly half the participants (?46%) did not know warning signs.

So even in literate, more urban or health-aware areas, a non-trivial proportion of people over 40 are not fully aware.

Why Early Recognition Matters

Treatments like thrombolysis (clot-busting medications) are time sensitive — often must be given within a few hours (“golden hour”). Delays drastically reduce benefit.
Early hospital arrival, correct diagnosis, and starting therapy quickly can reduce severity, prevent permanent disability, reduce mortality.
Preventing recurrence: once someone has had a stroke (or mini-stroke), risk of further strokes increases. Early intervention (lifestyle, medicines) matters.

What to Do If You or Someone Over 40 Notices These Signs

Don’t Delay — If sudden facial droop, weakness on one side, speech issues, vision trouble, or sudden severe headache occurs, seek emergency medical help immediately (call ambulance / go to hospital).
Note the Time — When symptoms started. Critical for treatment options.
Diagnostic Tests may include CT/MRI brain, ECG, carotid imaging, labs (blood sugar, lipids etc.).
Medical Management — Control high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol; anticoagulants if needed; lifestyle changes.
Rehabilitation — Speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy if deficits remain.

Real Numbers: What Are the Outcomes / Burden

Adjusted stroke prevalence in India is estimated between 84 and 262 strokes per 100,000 in rural areas, and 334-424 per 100,000 in urban areas depending on the region.
Among those aged 55+, stroke rates jump — e.g., in Trivandrum, rate is ~7.1 per 1,000 people per year for 55+, rising to 13.3 per 1,000 for those aged 75+.
The chance of having a stroke after 55 is roughly 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 6 for men in certain studies, though this includes all adults over 55.

Challenges in India

Delays in recognising signs and reaching hospital. Many people don’t know less obvious symptoms.
Low awareness of treatments and golden period for therapy. Surveys show only a small fraction know about clot lysis or emergency window.
Access issues: hospitals with stroke care, imaging etc. may be far. Costs, transport, awareness all barriers.
Comorbidities often unmanaged (hypertension, diabetes).

Prevention: What Indians Over 40 Can Do Now

Regular health checkups: Monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol.
Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet (low salt, more fruits/veg), active lifestyle, avoid tobacco, limit alcohol.
Stay alert to symptoms: Educate self / family about warning signs.
Emergency planning: Know nearest hospital that handles stroke, keep travel / transport options ready.
Medication adherence: If prescribed (for BP, diabetes, heart conditions), don’t skip.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Stroke warning signs for Indians over 40 are often clear—but awareness is still incomplete. Because stroke risk increases with age, recognizing the early warning signs like sudden weakness, facial droop, speech trouble, vision disturbance, and balance issues can make all the difference.

If you or someone over 40 feels any of these, act fast. Time matters. Go to the hospital immediately.

CTA: If you’re over 40, schedule a stroke risk assessment today — check your blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and get informed about warning signs. A simple health check can save your life or someone you care about.

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.