While an actual percentage of breakthrough omicron cases hasn’t been given yet, many people have become infected with the omicron variant, even if they’ve been fully vaccinated. So, does this mean that COVID-19 vaccines don’t work?
It doesn’t. The COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are extremely effective in preventing against serious illness, which is the most important thing. However, it’s also important to learn why breakthrough infections have become more common during the surge of the omicron variant.
Our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team provides some helpful info below, so keep reading!
What Are Breakthrough Infections?
A “breakthrough” case, according to the CDC, occurs when a person tests positive for COVID-19 at least two weeks after becoming fully vaccinated, including receiving a booster dose when eligible.
Breakthrough infections should be expected, according to the CDC, because no vaccine is 100% effective in preventing viral infection. Additionally, omicron has a lot of mutations that make it more transmissible and able to evade the passive immunity acquired from vaccination. Like we said earlier, though, the main purpose of vaccines is to avoid serious illness, which the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots been effective at preventing.
Most Common Omicron Symptoms
- Cough
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Congestion and runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
How Can I Prevent Omicron?
Vaccines and booster doses remain the strongest defenses against this highly contagious variant, despite the fact that breakthrough infections have occurred. In fact, booster shots have been shown to be 90% effective at avoiding hospitalizations due to omicron in recent trials conducted by the CDC.
Other health practices, which we’ve listed below, can reduce your risk of testing positive for omicron even further.
Ways to Prevent Omicron Infection
- Wear a well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask. These offer the highest level of protection, according to the CDC.
- Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often. Make sure to wash for at least 20 seconds each time to properly rid of lingering bacterial and viral particles.
- Be smart with where you go and the events you attend. Even though physical distancing is still recommended by the CDC, not many adhere to it anymore. If you are immunocompromised, live with someone who is at high risk of becoming seriously ill or you have young children at home, you may want to be more cautious and keep your distance in public.
Feeling rough? Our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team is here for you! Don’t hesitate to stop by today.
