5 Things You Should Know About COVID-19 Delta Variant
As many of you know, a newer strain of COVID-19 is sweeping across Oklahoma, and the United States. Right when things start to feel a little “normal,” we are reminded that this pandemic is not nearly over. Oklahoma officials say that although about 45% of Oklahomans are vaccinated, it isn’t enough to stop the spread of the delta variant. With over 530 cases per day in Oklahoma County alone, and contrary views on the seriousness of the virus, we want to get down to the facts.
5 Facts About The COVID Variant
1. It is extremely contagious
The delta variant is a highly contagious strain of COVID-19 - so contagious that the CDC has compared it’s contagion to that of chicken pox. When the delta variant is found in a region, it rapidly takes off and spreads 2x quicker than the original strain of COVID-19.
2. Data suggests the delta variant can cause more serious illness than the original COVID-19 strain
In two different studies, one from Canada and one from Scotland, patients infected with the delta variant were more likely to be hospitalized with serious illness versus those who were infected with the original strain of COVID.
3. Those vaccinated are less likely to end up in the hospital
Data from The Oklahoma State Department of Health shows a large percentage of COVID-19 patients in the hospitals across the state are not vaccinated. As of August 1st, the state’s hospitalization numbers show over 76% of patients in Oklahoma hospitals are not vaccinated. When a vaccinated person tests positive for COVID-19, most have little to no symptoms and it’s rare that a positive, vaccinated person ends up with symptoms so severe they end up in the hospital.
4. Breakthrough cases are rare, but do happen
It’s important to note that no vaccine is 100% effective. Health officials say that COVID-19 vaccines average 90% effective, which leaves about 10% of the vaccinated population able to catch and spread the virus. Breakthrough cases do happen, and we have seen it happen in Oklahoma, but it is rare. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that approximately 0.005% of those vaccinated reported breakthrough cases of COVID-19.
5. Getting tested & quarantining if infected helps contain the virus
Whether you are vaccinated or not, we urge you to get tested for COVID-19 3-5 days after exposure. As we have learned, the delta variant can range from severe illness to hardly any symptoms. COVID-19 cases are increasing among Oklahoma schools and places of work. In order to stop the spread, testing and staying away from others if infected is necessary.
With the delta variant being a major worry among many Oklahomans, we recommend you take this virus seriously and do what you can to protect yourself, your family, and those around you. With the spread of misinformation, it’s important to stay educated on what you can do to stay healthy. The team at HealthCARE Express is always here for you should you have any questions. Please note, none of our urgent cares offer vaccinations, however, we do offer COVID-19 testing at all our locations.
COVID-19 Testing at our Urgent Care, HealthCARE Express
If you come to HealthCARE Express for a COVID-19 test, you will be presented with three different options. Option one: rapid test. Option two: PCR test. Option three: Rapid Molecular PCR COVID-19 test. These are all great options for getting tested for COVID-19, however, if you are traveling and need a PCR test quickly, the Rapid Molecular PCR COVID-19 test is currently available at our Midwest City clinic and provides PCR results within 15 minutes. This type of test is not found at all clinics and is a cash-pay service only.
We love our Oklahoma Family and want to offer you the best experience possible:
- No appointment necessary (Non-symptomatic patients wishing to be tested for covid-19 are temporarily required to book an online appointment in advance.)
- Rapid and PCR COVID-19 are covered by most insurance companies, however, if you don’t have insurance, we have affordable cash prices
- We offer contactless check-in so you can reduce your wait time
- If you would like, you can schedule a virtual visit before coming in
- COVID-19 test results can be viewed by accessing our patient portal
About HealthCARE Express
Our urgent care is designed to satisfy our patients on every level. From being greeted with a warm smile to offering a cup of coffee or cold bottle of water, we want to create a great relationship, right from the beginning. Our contactless check-in, virtual visits, online portals, and more, are all designed to make visiting our center easy and convenient. If you live close to one of our Oklahoma urgent cares, we urge you to stop by and see for yourself, that our standards are above the rest.
Our Oklahoma Urgent Care Locations:
Moore Urgent Care Clinic
551 SE 4th St.
Moore, OK 73160
(405) 703-9321
Midwest City Urgent Care Clinic
1701 S Douglas Blvd
Midwest City, OK 73130
(405) 302-8999
Edmond Urgent Care Clinic
2300 E. 2ND ST.
Edmond, OK 73003
(405) 562-7532
Choctaw Urgent Care Clinic
14321 NE 23rd Street
Choctaw, OK 73020
(405) 342-0255
Visit our homepage to contact us, check-in for a service, and find more information about COVID-19 and the delta variant.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html
https://usafacts.org/visualizations/covid-vaccine-tracker-states/state/oklahoma
https://kfor.com/news/coronavirus/dept-of-health-large-majority-of-individuals-hospitalized-for-covid-19-in-oklahoma-are-not-vaccinated/
