👉 The delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the current wave of COVID-19 infections, is characterized by its increased transmissibility and, in some cases, higher severity compared to earlier variants like alpha and omicron. The "delta infection" refers to an individual who has contracted or is infected with this variant. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, similar to those seen in other COVID-19 infections, but the delta variant tends to spread more easily, leading to faster community transmission. This increased transmissibility is partly due to mutations that enhance the virus's ability to bind to host cells and evade immune responses. Consequently, public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and vaccination remain crucial in controlling the spread of delta infections.
