MANILA – Due to their identical common flu-like symptoms, it is impossible to identify Delta variant cases from usual Covid-19 infections based on symptoms.
The Department of Health (DOH) issued a new public advisory on Sunday, noting that the variant first discovered in India has the same symptoms: headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever.
However, the mutated Delta variant is more transmissible, evades immunization, and has a lower antibody neutralization rate.
“Viruses naturally undergo mutations as they reproduce. Some mutations might not have significant effects, but other mutations may make the virus more transmissible,” the DOH stated.
The DOH stated that a Delta variant case can infect up to eight people, which has contributed to an increase in cases nationwide, along with the Alpha variant, which can only infect three people, and the Beta variant, which can infect four to five people.
Infection can be avoided by strictly adhering to basic public health regulations such as the use of masks and face shields, frequent handwashing and sanitizing, at least one meter of physical distancing, and sufficient ventilation.
The DOH recommended the public to isolate themselves if they are having symptoms and seek medical help as soon as possible.
“Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and complete the required doses,” the agency advised.
While more research is needed to determine vaccine efficacy against the Delta variant, the DOH stressed that data shows that fully vaccinated people are protected from the severe symptoms of Covid-19, which can lead to hospitalization or death.
As of now, the government has confirmed 450 Delta variant cases, with at least one case in each of Metro Manila’s 17 cities and towns.
