August 16, 2021

Get the Facts and Get Vaccinated

 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) announced earlier this month that the delta variant is the dominant version of COVID-19 in Idaho. Dr. Christopher Ball, bureau chief of the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories, which administers the state's surveillance sequencing, expanded on this by saying, "we can certainly say that the delta variant is widely circulating in Idaho right now."

What is the Delta variant? 

The Delta variant of COVID-19 was first identified in India and is known as B.167.2. Delta is causing a spike in COVID-19 infections among unvaccinated people in Boise. The Delta variant has become the dominant variant of the new coronavirus. There has been a recent spike in COVID infections in the state, and this uptick in cases has slowed down our return to normal life.

Is the Delta variant severe? 

The Delta variant replicates faster, spreads more easily, and evades the body's immunity mechanism. It causes more serious diseases in many people. According to World Health Organization, "it is the "fastest and fittest" variant yet. The Delta variant is twice as transmissible as the original strain of COVID-19". 

You are at a much higher risk for illness and death if you are unvaccinated. Those who are unvaccinated are:

  • At the risk of Covid-19 illness 
  • At the risk of giving Covid to family, friends, and co-workers
  • At the risk of Long Covid 
  • At the risk of hospitalization from Covid 
  • At the risk of death or spreading Covid and causing death

If you are not vaccinated, and your family is not vaccinated, we recommend you get vaccinated ASAP. All persons 12 and older in the USA can now be vaccinated. 

For more information about the Delta Variant, please click to read these recent news articles related to local COVID-19 Cases:

What we know about COVID-19 delta variant in Idaho

COVID-19 delta surge in Idaho, state adds over 2,000 cases

With delta variant, COVID-19 case rates, hospitalizations soar ...

We know that healthcare can sometimes be confusing, and caring for a family member can be challenging. Our Director of Nursing oversees all care at every level, whether personal or skilled. Our RNs give our patients, and their family members access to insight regarding COVID-19 transmission, testing, and vaccination. If you have questions about the vaccines or any follow-up questions, feel free to ask us, and we will offer expert advice. 

BrightStar Care of Boise provides award-winning 24/7 to hourly Private Duty Health Care and Medical Staffing services, including 24-hour care and support in independent and assisted living communities. We provide all levels of care, from companion services to skilled nursing and medical care, including COVID-19 care and screening. We proudly serve families and businesses in Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Garden City, and Star areas.

For more information about how BrightStar Care supports Idaho's fight against COVID-19 and to learn more about our care homes, local team of caregivers, skilled healthcare professionals, and home health care support for local families and businesses, please Click Here.