The more infectious delta variant of Covid-19 (hereinafter referred to as "delta variant") not only spreads significantly faster, but can also manifest itself in part by other symptoms. Loss of taste and smell occurs slightly less frequently, often manifested as a common season cold. This can lead to an underestimation of symptoms and further spread of the disease.The more infectious delta variant is gradually expanding in most countries of the world. In Slovakia, the alpha variant of the pandemic SARS-Cov-2 virus continues to dominate. Several dozen cases of delta variant (35 cases to 12.7.2021) have already been confirmed by sampling. They were mostly people coming from abroad and their close contacts. However, the Delta variant was also identified for persons who were not abroad. Regional public health authorities immediately launched an epidemiological investigation on this matter and adopted anti-epidemic measures. The risk of this variant is its significantly higher infectivity. Symptoms may also vary partially. Experience and studies from countries where the delta variant is already widespread show that the symptoms of this variant are more similar to flu, cold or allergy. Typically, headache, sore throat, nose secretion, and increased temperature or fever. This can often cause people to believe that it is just a common cold. Loss of taste and smell may not be such a frequent manifestation. Diarrhoea may also be another symptom. The Delta variant also infects younger people more often, which may make it easier to underestimate the symptoms and spread the disease. The diagnosis of delta variant based only on symptoms in humans lacking a history of contact is not possible and the disease will rule out or confirm a RT-PCR test. For symptoms similar to common respiratory diseases, the testing certainly specifies the diagnosis. stated Chief expert of MZ SR for general medicine Adriana Šimková. As she added, in summer it is common for people to have, for example, a cold, headache caused by staying in inadequately cooled air-conditioned areas when there are heat outside. If the disease is suspected, a doctor should be contacted, isolated, and a RT-PCR test should be performed. Delta variant will distinguish between the still dominant alpha variant and subsequent sequencing. The Ministry of Health points out compliance with all anti-epidemic measures. Risks should not be forgotten during holidays, whether in Slovakia or abroad. After returning from abroad, all established procedures must be followed.

Register via eHranica form (except for exceptions) and follow possible isolation and testing. The spread of the more infectious delta variant only highlighted the importance of vaccination against COVID-19. Common Delta variant symptoms:• Headache, throat, fever increased, cough, nasal secretion, diarrhoea.