Thread by @BMore_Healthy

So what the FAQ is up with Delta?

It's new.
It's scary.
But we're here to break it down.

🧵

Delta is a Variant.

If COVID-19 spreads enough, it mutates.

Some of the mutations are more dangerous than others.

Some "Variants of Concern" (according to the @CDCgov) include
Α – Alpha
β – Beta
Γ – Gamma and
Δ – Delta

(these are Greek letters, just used to tell them apart)

"Are variants normal?"

Yep. All viruses mutate and create variants...
unless we eliminate them.

And yes, viruses can be eliminated.

The USA has eliminated 8 diseases so far.

😵 Yellow Fever, 1905
🟠 Smallpox, 1935 via vaccine
🟣 Babesiosis, 1943
🦟 Malaria, 1951
🛑 Polio, 1979 via vaccine
🟢 Measles, 2000 via vaccine
🔴 Rubella, 2004 via vaccine
🟪 Diptheria, 2012 via vaccine

"Do vaccines work against Delta?"

YES. All of them are effective against Delta.

You can sign up to get vaxxed at COVAX.BaltimoreCity.gov

"What does this mean for Baltimore?"

Unvaxxed communities are especially vulnerable.

Delta is 200% more transmissible than the original COVID-19.

"What is the Health Department doing about it?"

We are deploying even more mobile clinics in the least vaccinated areas of Baltimore.

"How do variants happen?"

If COVID-19 spreads enough, it mutates.
Some of those mutations are more dangerous than others.

The best way to stop variants is to stop spread.

The best way to stop spread is vaccination.

"Can vaccinated people spread Delta?"

YES.

Even if a vaccinated person might not show symptoms or get sick, they can still spread Delta.

SO WEAR YOUR MASK.

"So there's no point in getting the vax!"

NO!

Getting vaxxed drastically reduces your chances of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Get vaxxed: COVAX.BaltimoreCity.gov