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COVID 19 Delta Variant

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For more information, please visit the Baptist Covid 19 Information Center.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted lives for over a year and a half. There have been great strides toward ending the crisis. But, the finish line continues to be pushed back. This global pandemic continues here in the US and in Jacksonville for several reasons.

  1. New Variants of COVID-19
  2. Hesitancy to get vaccinated
  3. Fatigue with CDC Recommendations

COVID-19

What is a Variant of a Virus?

Viruses mutate over time. This allows the virus to adapt and survive. After all, viruses have a goal to multiply and spread. The CDC describes a virus as a tree that branches in many directions.  But each branch is slightly different which leads to variant forms of the virus.

The latest variant of COVID-19 (DELTA) seems to spread incredibly easily.

How Many Variants are There of COVID-19?

Currently, the CDC describes 4 variants. 

  1. Alpha – Started in the UK and was first detected in the US in December of 2020.
  2. Beta – Started In South Africa and was detected in the US in January 2021.
  3. Gamma – Detected in a Japanese Airport in Brazilian travelers and detected in the US in January 2021.
  4. Delta – Started in India and was first detected in the US in March 2021. Delta is the most prominent form of COVID-19 at this point.

Does the Vaccine Protect Against COVID 19 Delta Variant?

The quick answer is yes, if you are fully vaccinated.  That means follow all precautions with masking and distancing until at least 2 weeks after your final vaccination dose. If you receive the one-dose Johnson & Johnson Vaccine, follow precautions until 2 weeks after the dose is received.  There have been some break through cases where vaccinated people have tested positive for Covid.  However, the vast majority of cases being treated in Jacksonville are patients who are not vaccinated. 

COVID-19 Vaccination

Why Are Some People Not Vaccinated for COVID-19?

Currently, (as of 7/19/21) only about 48% of the US population is fully vaccinated for COVID-19. That is about 161 million people. But this is a long way from the numbers needed to put the Pandemic in the past. 

There are several reasons for folks opting out of the vaccine.

  • Misinformation on Social Media – Social Media Platforms are flooded with false information and conspiracy theories about vaccinations that my influence people to not receive the shots.
  • Concern about Side-effects – There are slight risks of side effects with the vaccination but the risk of an adverse reaction is substantially lower than the risks of severe health issue from contracting COVID-19.
  • Thinking the Pandemic is Over – Just because businesses are opening up and restrictions are decreasing does not mean we are out of the woods. Cases in Northeast Florida are on the rise.
  • If you have questions on whether or not you should be vaccinated, please talk with your primary care physician.

Is it Dangerous to NOT Get Vaccinated?

The quick answer is yes, but not just for you. Experts say that being unvaccinated exposes you to increased risk of contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to other vulnerable people. If you don’t work in healthcare, you may not be as aware of the risks since you probably don’t see the dangers of COVID-19 or COVID 19 Delta Variant everyday.  

If you don’t work in a hospital, you don’t see the helpless patients on ventilators to keep them alive. You don’t see that the hospitals are getting full.  But these are the realities here is Jacksonville.

The COVID 19 Delta Variant IS HERE. Jacksonville has seen a 49% change (increase) in new hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the past week. The overwhelming majority of new patients hospitalized were unvaccinated.  

Why Does JOI Still Require Masks for Staff and Patients?

The quick answer is that we want to keep you safe. We realize that not everyone is vaccinated and our goal is to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, especially with the COVID 19 Delta Variant.  Wearing a mask is for the protection of all of our patients and our staff members.  We want you to continue to be healthy and we want to be able to provide the same quality care to all of our patients in a safe manner. 

How to Protect Yourself Against the COVID 19 Delta Variant

  1. Vaccinations: COVID 19 Vaccinations are your best chance to avoid contracting and/or spreading COVID 19 and COVID 19 Delta Variant.  If you are in the small percentage that still contracts the virus, your symptoms will likely be mild and the chance of hospitalization is substantially lower. Click HERE to see CDC guidelines in full.
  2. Masks: All patients, visitors and staff members must continue to wear a mask at all times within all of the JOI Facilities. 

YOU ARE NOT FULLY VACCINATED UNTIL 2 WEEKS AFTER YOUR FINAL INJECTION.

If you are Unvaccinated:

  1. Wear a Mask. This is especially important for those who are not vaccinated.
  2. Social Distance – Keep 6 feet between you and others. This is especially important for those who are unvaccinated.
  3. Wash Your Hands – Hand hygiene is important for decreasing the spread of most illnesses.

The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute is taking all precautions to help keep you safe during the Pandemic. If you need Orthopedic care, call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below. Telemedicine visits are available.

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