What You Should Know
CDC Update on the Delta Variant
The following was passed along by the Texas Department of State Health Services from the CDC Stance on the Delta Variant as of July 2021. Source: CDC Update on COVID-19 and the CDC.gov Aug. 6, 2021 article: Delta Variant: What We Know About the Science
When a virus changes or mutates the updated virus version is called a variant. Variants are expected as long as transmission occurs. Since COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) first appeared we have seen four variants of the virus:
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Alpha – B.1.1.7
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Beta – B.1.351
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Gamma – P.1
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Delta – B.1.617.2
Source: What You Need to Know about Variants
The most recent COVID-19 variant, commonly referred to as the Delta, has rapidly become the prominent viral strain in the US. Due to it’s high rate of infection, it’s vital that everyone get to know the CDC Stance on the Delta Variant.
What You Need to Know About the Delta Variant
Please keep in mind that this is the latest information that is available on the Delta variant which is very new. As it is a new strain it is still being investigated and this information is subject to change as scientists continue to study the virus.
It’s the #1 COVID-19 Variant in the US.
At the end of July, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the delta variant of the coronavirus accounts for more than 93% of all new COVID-19 cases in the US.
It’s Widespread.
According to the WHO, the Delta variant has spread to over 135 countries.
It’s More Contagious.
According to the CDC, “The Delta variant is highly contagious, nearly twice as contagious as previous variants.” While it is well known that the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus vary from person to person, many studies are showing that this variant is revealing additional symptoms. However, neither the CDC nor the WHO has yet to release official “Delta symptoms”. Consult the WHO website for an updated list of COVID-19 common, less common, and more severe symptoms.
It Is Most Likely Stronger.
According to a recent medical publication of a study of the Delta variant, tests from a nasal swabs have shown about 1,000 times the number of viral particles (which experts call the “viral load”) in comparison to those infected with other COVID-19 strains. The CDC concurs with this possibility, “Some data suggest the Delta variant might cause more severe illness than previous strains in unvaccinated persons. In two different studies from Canada and Scotland, patients infected with the Delta variant were more likely to be hospitalized than patients infected with Alpha or the original virus strains.”
The Unvaccinated Are Most at Risk.
Some are calling this new wave, the “Pandemic of the Unvaccinated”. According to the CDC, “Virtually all hospitalizations and deaths continue to be among the unvaccinated.” The unvaccinated are being urged to wear and mask and social distance until they receive their vaccines in order to prevent more severe outcomes.
COVID-19 Vaccines Are Effective Against the Delta
The CDC states, “We continue to have good evidence that our vaccines are safe, and effective, and provide protection against the variants circulating in the United States.
- Data demonstrate that the vaccines are preventing severe illness,
hospitalization, and death, and are effective against the Delta variant. - Vaccination is the best way to protect you, your family, and your community.
- High vaccination coverage will reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.”
Source: CDC Update on COVID-19
Vaccinated People May Still Spread the Virus
While the fully vaccinated breathe a sigh of relief, with the insertion of the Delta variant it is important to keep in mind that you may still spread the virus. This is the CDC’s stand on the subject of transmission involving the fully vaccinated:
- Vaccinated individuals represent a very small amount of transmission occurring around the country. Most vaccinated people are protected from the virus – breakthrough cases occur in only a small proportion of vaccinated people and the vast majority are avoiding serious illness, hospitalization, or death.If you get vaccinated, your risk of infection is ~3.5–fold lower, your risk of getting ill from COVID is over 8–fold lower, and your risk of hospitalization or death is ~25–fold lower.
- But emerging science suggests some vaccinated people can be contagious if they get Delta.
- In areas of substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends that vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings to prevent spread and protect themselves and others.
Source: CDC Update on COVID-19
Together, We Can Stop the Spread
While mask wearing is not mandated, even fully vaccinated should keep in mind that not everyone is. As long as the virus continues to spread, it will most likely continue to mutate into other forms of variants. Some of them may be even more dangerous than the current Delta variant. If you are presently unvaccinated, please take the time to read and educate yourself on the current overcrowded hospitals with so many unvaccinated suffering from severe COVID-19 complications. Vaccines in the US are highly effective, including against the Delta variant.
“The COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States are highly effective at preventing severe disease and death, including against the Delta variant.” – Source CDC.
For those who are fully vaccinated, if you live or visit a place that is of high transmission you should consider wearing a face mask while indoors to avoid the spread. To find out the transmission rating of your county, visit the CDC’s COVID Integrated County View.
Prestige ER is Safe & Open 24/7 for All of Your Medical Emergencies
With ER’s closing in North Texas and more patients than hospital beds, it’s good to know that there is where to go during an emergency. At Prestige ER, we are the longest-standing ER in the Plano community and now have another facility available in Mesquite Texas. At Prestige ER, we care about our patients as if they were members of our family.
We adhere to strict health and safety guidelines that often exceed the recommendations of local and federal agencies.
To help keep you and your family safe, we’ve implemented a thorough sanitation protocol that includes regular cleaning of common areas and disinfecting examining rooms between patients.
Following physical distancing guidelines, we keep the number of people in our waiting area to a minimum, and none of our patients have to wait to receive care. Additionally, all our patients stay in a safe, private room while in our ER.
If you are seeking care for COVID-19, we recommend you contact us before you come into the ER to ensure everyone’s safety. Additionally, all patients are encouraged to use our Online Check-In Form so our staff can be ready for you at the door.
All employees in our emergency department wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while interactive with positive or suspected positive patients. The use of PPE significantly reduced the risk of contracting and transmitting the disease to other patients.
We accept all major private insurance plans, temporarily accept Medicare due to the pandemic, and have a personalized Cash Pay and Payment Plan Option. Update: Now that the PHE is over, we are no longer able to accept Medicare.
The best part of choosing Prestige ER is that all patients receive a free medical screening conducted by an ER Physician.
If you need emergency care, Prestige ER is here for you!
HealthCare.gov recommends that in case of an emergency, you head straight to the closest ER.
You DO NOT need to get prior approval from your health insurance company.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to attend car crash victims 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way.
Know Where to Go in the Event of an Emergency
Prestige ER is Your #1 Choice During an Emergency.
#WeStayOPEN 24/7, through weekends & all holidays!
Prestige ER is honored to serve the residents and those passing through Plano, Mesquite and surrounding cities.
Part of caring for your health is to know where to go in case of an emergency. Please keep in mind that Prestige ER is Open 24/7 every day of the year, if you need us, we are here for you.
We are available 24/7 because an accident can happen at any time. Do not risk your health! Get help from the ER experts when you need it, visit us immediately.
#1 Medical Emergency Care in Plano and Mesquite
Find the ER Specialists at prestigeer.org, We provide the Best 24 HR. Emergency Medical Services in Plano and Mesquite. Don’t Wait in Line for hours for ER Care! Don’t forget that WE STAY OPEN 24/7.
Get back on track to enjoying life, FAST! Experienced, Effective and Caring Emergency Physicians team up with the best On-Site ER care for everything from Minor to Major Injuries and Conditions.
- CT Scan, Digital X-Ray & Ultrasound
- Certified Full-Service Diagnostic Laboratory
- Specialized Pediatrics ER Care Facilities
- Extended Stay Capacity
