When the COVID-19 vaccines first became widespread, breakthrough infection cases were quite rare. Since omicron has entered the picture, however, breakthrough cases are rare no longer. Why, though?

Our AFC Urgent Care Fountain City team explains below, so keep reading!

What Are Breakthrough Infections?

The CDC has deemed “breakthrough” infections as when a person tests positive for COVID-19 at least two weeks after becoming fully vaccinated, including receiving a booster shot when eligible.

Unfortunately, the CDC has also warned that breakthrough infections due to the omicron variant are likely, since the initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine aren’t as good at preventing symptomatic disease caused by omicron when compared to other strains. Additionally, the omicron variant arrived at an inopportune time, when vaccine-related immunity was starting to wane for people who had gotten their shots early in the year and hadn’t yet been boosted. Still, the goal of COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are to prevent serious illness and hospitalization, which they have been successful in doing.

Most Common Omicron Symptoms

• Cough
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Congestion and runny nose
• Sore throat
• Headache

Do Booster Shots Work?

Yes, they do. Studies state that booster shots have been shown to be 90% effective at avoiding hospitalizations due to omicron in recent trials conducted by the CDC.

While COVID-19 vaccines and booster efficacy has waned in regard to preventing initial infection, preventing hospitalization and serious illness will be what gets us through the pandemic. So, get your vaccine if you haven’t yet or booster shot when you’re eligible! Below, we’ve listed a few extra ways to lower your risk of getting the coronavirus.

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 less than your best? We’re here for you seven days a week! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Fountain City center today.