COVID-19 vaccines elicited a collective sigh of relief throughout the country. Even if you have children who are too young for the vaccine, getting vaccinated likely made you feel more confident about returning to some level of normal activity and life.
However, a new wave of COVID-19 infections caused by the Delta variant has resulted in some fully vaccinated individuals testing positive for COVID-19, which is termed as a “breakthrough” infection. Many parents have been left wondering how to keep their children safe from the recent wave of new infections.
What Is A Breakthrough Infection?
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In this article, we will discuss what a breakthrough infection is and what parents should know about this. So, keep reading.
A breakthrough infection occurs when a person becomes infected with a virus despite having been fully vaccinated against it. He or she either remains asymptomatic or gets mild to moderate symptoms. In some cases, the individual may succumb to the virus; however, this is a rare occurrence.
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says that there have been instances of breakthrough infections. However, it is very rare and infected people are less likely to be sick. Given that the new Delta variant is more transmissible than its older strains. Moreover, it is said to have the ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity.
Are Breakthrough Infections Common?
COVID-19 cases among fully vaccinated people were previously thought to be extremely rare. According to the CDC, breakthrough infections are extremely rare. People who have received both doses of the vaccine are less likely to be hospitalized or die due to this infection than people who have not been vaccinated. However, since the occurrence of the Delta variant, COVID-19 has become common not only among the unvaccinated but also among the fully vaccinated.
Furthermore, it is unclear how common or rare breakthrough infections are and who is more likely to become infected after vaccination.
Symptoms Of COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection
COVID-19 symptoms can vary in terms of ailment, severity, and duration. While some people remain asymptomatic but active carriers, others develop mild to moderate to severe illnesses.
Experts believe that symptoms may vary in fully vaccinated individuals. Most symptoms remain mild, and only a few people require medical attention or hospitalization. The following are some of the symptoms of breakthrough infection.
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Loss of smell
Vaccinated People Can Get COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection, But The Risk Is Lower
Vaccinated people are 8x less likely to get COVID-19, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, no vaccine provides complete disease protection.
Remember, vaccines are the first layer of defense. Other factors providing additional layers of protection to reduce your risk for COVID‑19 Breakthrough after vaccination include :
- A strong immune system
- Lower rate of infection in your community
- Limited exposure to unvaccinated people who could have infected
- Using precautions, like wearing masks
Your risk for breakthrough COVID‑19 infection can vary depending on the precautions you take.
Vaccinated People With COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection Usually Don’t Get Sick
Despite the fact that vaccinated people can develop COVID-19, the COVID vaccines are still highly effective in protecting individuals from illness. COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to:
- Reduce the risk of severe sickness
- Reduce severe symptoms
- Reduce the risk of hospitalization and death
CDC data supports the benefits of vaccination even with more contagious strains of COVID-19, such as the Delta variant. According to some studies, vaccinated people are 25 times less likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19.
Breakthrough COVID-19 Infection Patients Can Be Contagious
Experts have discovered that people who have been fully vaccinated and have COVID-19 breakthrough infections can spread the virus to others. However, the CDC states that if you are immunized, you may be contagious for a shorter period of time.
Protect Your Unvaccinated Family Members
Vaccination is the most effective way to build protection against COVID-19. Ensure that everyone in your household who is eligible is immunized. You can also add additional layers of security, such as :
👉Wear Mask – Wear a mask if you know you will be in close proximity to large groups of people, especially if those people are likely to be unvaccinated or if you will be indoors.
👉Select Safer Family Activities – Stay away from crowded indoor activities. When possible, go outside or to well-ventilated areas.
👉Rebuild Your Healthy Habits – If your family’s hand washing and social distancing habits have slipped as a result of vaccine protection, step up your game to help protect everyone.
Should People Doubt The Effectiveness Of COVID-19 Vaccines?
People have become more skeptical of COVID vaccines as the number of breakthrough infections has increased significantly. Vaccine hesitancy is one of the most difficult challenges in combating COVID-19, and with even fully vaccinated people catching the virus, concerns have only grown.
On the other hand, experts are still urging people to get their COVID vaccines as soon as possible and at any cost. While it has been stated that breakthrough infections are possible, the severity rate is much lower in fully vaccinated individuals. According to health officials, all COVID vaccines approved in and around the world have been effective in combating the COVID crisis. However, if people don’t get vaccinated, the challenges will only worsen over time.
Final Thoughts
If you are fully vaccinated and come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, get tested after three to five days of the exposure. And, if the result is positive for COVID-19, you should stay at home for at least 10 days, even if you are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms.
Furthermore, if your child is exposed to COVID-19, get in touch with a doctor immediately.
You May Also Read More: Covid 19 And People With Disabilities: Know The Facts
Lacey Arlo is a wellness expert and a nutritionist who aims to help members with health and diet queries. Lacey Arlo has worked with junior, national, and Olympic-level athletes by providing them with customizing programmers, supplement strategies, and support during their travel and competition. From weight management, PCOD, thyroid-related weight loss, and nutrition for children to diets for pregnant and diets for senior citizens, She offers nutrition-aided solutions for different age groups with consideration for each person’s unique health demands.