This is a good question. Previous COVID-19 variants didn’t cause lots of “breakthrough” infections, so what’s the deal with the omicron variant?

In short, it’s much better at evading the passive immunity provided by initial COVID-19 vaccines, but our AFC Urgent Care Southcenter team provides further answers below. Keep reading!

What Exactly Are Breakthrough Infections?

COVID-19 breakthrough infections happen when a person tests positive for the virus even after he or she has been fully vaccinated and boosted.

Like we said before, breakthrough infections weren’t common with previous variants, but the CDC said to expect them during the reign of the omicron variant. The reason for this is because, due to omicron’s specific mutations, it was better at evading vaccine immunity. Plus, it came during a time when immunity was waning a bit, as many were due for their COVID-19 booster shots. Even though omicron was more contagious, it didn’t cause as many serious illnesses as previous COVID-19 variants.

Common Omicron Symptoms

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

Do Vaccines and Booster Shots Work?

Yes, even though breakthrough infections happen, the vaccines and booster shots are still doing their jobs. In fact, according to the CDC, booster shots are 90% effective at preventing serious illnesses and hospitalizations.

If it has been five months since your last Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months since your last Johnson & Johnson vaccine, get boosted! This is the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19, even as rates are continuing to go down.

Additional Ways to Protect From COVID-19

• 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.

Our AFC Urgent Care Southcenter team is here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to visit us today.