Coronavirus vaccine and Delta variant updates for 8-30-2021

<p>This is Vaccine 411, the latest coronavirus vaccine information for August 30th, 2021.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A UK study published in Lancet says people who get the Delta variant are more than twice as likely to be hospitalized as those infected with the alpha strain. Early studies of the Delta variant found it was 50% more transmissible than other strains. The study’s author said absent vaccination, Delta outbreaks will keep imposing a huge burden on healthcare.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If you’re an American who had plans to travel to the EU for fun, start thinking about new plans. The block of nations is expected to announce today that you are too risky to let in. The U.S. is expected to get pulled from the EU’s “safe” list for non-essential travel after being on that list less than two months. Of course, the U.S. has maintained its ban on all non-essential travel from Europe.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Stressed as healthcare workers are, many continue to refuse to set an example. An American Nurses Association survey shows 1 in 8 nurses still aren’t vaccinated and have no plans to get vaccinated. Of those who won’t take the shot, 84% said there’s not enough info about possible long-term effects. Such nurses have started being fired, adding to critical staff shortages.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If you’re not scared of COVID maybe you’re afraid of snakes. A new published medical study says getting the virus is not unlike being bitten by a poisonous rattlesnake. An enzyme has been identified in the virus that ravages the body like snake venom and causes severe inflammation. It’s hoped that targeting that enzyme will help with treatments for COVID.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Another shortage might be coming right behind the nursing shortage. School board members. Across the nation, many are deciding the position is just not worth it amidst tense, sometimes violent confrontations about masking in schools. Many are being harassed, threatened, and some have even contemplated suicide. Others are quitting over policies they disagree with.</p><p>&nb