Covid-19

Don’t miss the recent presentation on the COVID-19 Delta Variant, presented by Dr. Leslie Fang. Recording expires on September 17th.

By DOCS Incisor Writing Staff

On Wednesday, September 1st, Dr. Leslie Fang presented "The Fast and The Furious: Delta Variant Update," the most recent installment of his COVID-19 webinar series.  

Dr. Fang loves to riff on popular movie titles to name his presentations, and this one was easier to name than most.

“Wherever [the Delta Variant] goes, it’s chaos and everything blows up." 

Increased Transmission Rates

The Delta Variant is tearing a deadly path through the U.S. As Dr. Fang illustrates during the webinar, research shows the Delta Variant as 300 to 1,000 times more transmissible than the original strain. With so much in the air, it weakens the effectiveness of our established safety protocols, such as social distancing and air space.

Other concerning factors include asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission, as well as an increase in children getting infected and spreading the virus. The new variant also appears to fuse with human cells faster and more effectively.

“It’s a hostile takeover of the other strains,” explains Dr. Fang.

Vaccine Breakthroughs

There have been breakthrough cases, as the vaccinated are capable of passing on the Delta variant even if they’re asymptomatic and have milder cases. As recently as July, a report showed a resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in highly vaccinated health system workforce members. 

Data from Israel (June 2020 to July 2021) shows a progressive decline in efficacy against infection after as little as five months post-vaccination. A third booster shot is necessary to get antibody numbers back up. 

He also covers whether you should aim to get the same vaccine as a booster or a different one.

Questions Galore

Throughout the program, attendees asked questions of Dr. Fang, including:

  • Does having the covid 19 virus infection protect you better than the vaccines since more of the virus was "presented" to the body?
  • What should we tell patients who have recovered from Covid and are unsure if they should be vaccinated? 
  • What is the length of their natural immunity versus what we are seeing from vaccines?
  • Will this be incorporated with possibly the flu vaccine yearly?
  • What are the side effects of the booster? Same as after the second vaccine?
  • Red Cross indicates that vaccinated people can no longer donate convalescent plasma.  Does the mRNA vaccine eliminate natural antibodies?
  • Best in office COVID test for patients and its accuracy?

These and more were answered in the webinar.

What Can Dentists Do?

He recommends continued mask use, ventilation, and vaccinations. The unknown quantity is the unvaccinated patient, so keep fogging.

"Don't challenge the Delta Variant," he concludes. 

It’s Not too Late to Watch the Webinar

Dr. Fang’s webinar was recorded and is available for DOCS Members to watch on-demand and for free until September 17th. It is worth 2 CE credits. If you’re a DOCS Member, you’ll find the course here in your Dashboard. 

If you’re not a DOCS Member, you can become a Trial Member for 60 days for just $1*. You’ll get immediate access to Dr. Fang’s webinar recording, as well as a plethora of other online courses and valuable benefits. Sign up to become a trial member here. The recording will expire on September 17th, so do not delay.

 

*Restrictions apply. Trial Membership Offer is open only to individuals who have not participated in the Trial Membership program within the past two (2) years. After 60 days, the Trial Membership will upgrade to a Standard Membership at $54.95/mo for a one-year commitment. Refer to terms of service for details. 
 

 

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