Will I get sick again after getting the Covid vaccine? Let's talk about 'Breakthrough COVID-19'

We all took a deep breath after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, didn't we? We know that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from the virus. But you may have heard that even those who have taken all the vaccines have developed COVID-19 again. Maybe it happened to one of your own friends or relatives. So a small question comes to mind, "So there's no point in getting the vaccine?" That's what we're talking about today to find the answer to this question. In medicine, this situation is called 'Breakthrough COVID-19' . Let's see what this really is.

What exactly does 'Breakthrough COVID-19' mean?

Simply put, 'Breakthrough COVID-19' means that you get infected with the COVID-19 virus again two weeks after you have completed all the doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Think of it this way. The COVID-19 vaccine is like training for our body. It teaches our immune system how to fight this virus. Because of this training, when the virus actually enters the body, our body will be able to cope with it successfully. However, what you need to know is that no vaccine in the world is 100% effective . That means that a very small number of people can get infected even if they get the vaccine. But the most important thing is that even if you do get infected, the disease you get from the vaccine will not be serious . The chances of hospitalization and serious complications are very low. Some people can get this infection and recover without any symptoms.

Why are 'breakthrough' infections so common?

You may remember that there were different variants of the COVID-19 virus. Especially after the 'Omicron' variant came, there was an increase in the number of 'Breakthrough' infections. The reason for this is that this Omicron variant has mutated in a way that it spreads very quickly and can sneak up on the immunity we have received from our vaccines to some extent. Imagine it like a thief using different tricks to break into a house. The virus also finds new 'tricks' like that. But as a solution to that, new booster vaccines like the 'Bivalent booster' were later introduced. They also provide good protection against these new variants.

What are the causes of a 'breakthrough' infection?

There are several main reasons why someone might develop a 'breakthrough' infection:

• If your immune system is weak: Some people are born with a weakened immune system. Also, treatments like chemotherapy for cancer , conditions like HIV , or other chronic illnesses can make it harder for you to fight off infections.This can also weaken the immune system, putting people at greater risk of developing infections.
• If you are infected with a new strain of the virus : As we discussed earlier, some strains are somewhat resistant to vaccines. But that doesn't mean the vaccine is useless. Getting the vaccine and a booster dose can protect you from the serious conditions that can be caused by these strains.

If someone who has been vaccinated gets sick, can they infect someone else?

Yes, it is definitely possible. Variants like Omicron are highly contagious. So even if you have been fully vaccinated, if you develop a 'breakthrough' infection, you could still pass the virus on to someone else. But don't forget, the best and most powerful weapon we currently have to prevent severe illness and reduce the spread of the virus is the COVID-19 vaccine itself.

Can a 'breakthrough' infection lead to 'Long COVID'?

First, let's look at what this 'Long COVID' is. Typically, symptoms of COVID-19 last about two weeks. However, for some people, some symptoms persist for months after the infection has cleared. For example,

• Persistent cough
• Frequent fatigue and weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of smell
• Muscle pain

These symptoms persist for 6 weeks or more and are called 'Long COVID' (medically known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) ). The question now is whether this condition can occur with a 'Breakthrough' infection. The answer is yes, but it is very rare. According to reports, only a very small number of 'Breakthrough' infections have developed into 'Long COVID', about 10%. Getting vaccinated also significantly reduces the risk of 'Long COVID'.

Is it important to get a COVID-19 booster dose?

Yes, absolutely. A booster dose is like a 'reminder' to our immune system. Over time, the protection provided by the vaccine may decrease slightly. The booster is intended to bring that protection back to a higher level. It also prepares the body to fight against new strains of the virus. According to the recommendations given by the health authorities in Sri Lanka, it is very important to get the booster dose that is right for you. The table below shows some international recommendations. Always follow the advice of the health authorities in your area.

What if I have 'Breakthrough COVID-19'?

If you have received all your vaccinations, but you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not panic and do these things. 1. Get tested immediately: Get a Rapid Antigen or PCR test as soon as possible. Stay home and away from others until you get the test and the results. 2. Call your doctor: If your test result is 'Positive', meaning you have been infected with the virus, call your family doctor immediately.. He will give you the necessary advice and treatment. 3. Stay away from others: Ask your doctor how long you need to stay away from others. Follow his advice exactly. 4. Wear a face mask: Be sure to wear a face mask when you are with other people in your home (especially during isolation). This can help prevent the spread of the disease to your family. Breakthrough COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine, Covid booster, Long COVID, COVID-19 infection, Covid symptoms, COVID-19 Sri Lanka