**Delta variant fuels COVID-19 surge, prompts renewed calls for vaccinations**
The highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus is fueling a surge in COVID-19 cases across the United States, prompting renewed calls for vaccinations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Delta variant now accounts for more than 80% of new COVID-19 cases in the US. The variant is more transmissible than previous strains of the virus, and it can cause more severe illness.
The surge in cases is putting a strain on hospitals, which are once again seeing an influx of COVID-19 patients. In some states, hospitals are reporting that they are running out of beds and staff.
The Delta variant is also causing a rise in breakthrough infections, which are cases of COVID-19 that occur in people who are fully vaccinated. While breakthrough infections are typically less severe than cases in unvaccinated people, they can still occur and can spread the virus to others.
In response to the surge in cases, health officials are urging people to get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, including the Delta variant.
**How to protect yourself from the Delta variant**
The best way to protect yourself from the Delta variant is to get vaccinated. Vaccination is safe and effective, and it is the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
In addition to vaccination, there are other things you can do to protect yourself from the Delta variant, including:
* Wearing a mask in public places
* Social distancing
* Avoiding large gatherings
* Washing your hands frequently
* Staying home if you are sick
By taking these precautions, you can help to slow the spread of the Delta variant and protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
**Here are some additional resources for more information on the Delta variant:**
* [CDC: Delta Variant](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html)
* [WHO: Delta Variant](https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/)
* [National Institute of Health: Delta Variant](https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-funded-study-finds-delta-variant-more-infectious-causes-more-severe-disease).
