During the recent surge of the omicron variant, breakthrough COVID-19 infections have become much more common. The reason for this is that, due to its unique mutations, the omicron variant is far more transmissible than prior types of the COVID-19 virus.

As a result, it becomes more capable of evading the passive immunity conferred by immunizations. Our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team provides more info about COVID-19 and the omicron variant below, so keep reading!

What Are Breakthrough Cases?

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.

The CDC also stated that breakthrough infections should be expected due to the fact that no vaccine is 100% effective in preventing viral infection. The essential purpose of vaccinations, however, is to avoid serious illness and hospitalization, which the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots have been successful in protecting against.

Most Common Omicron Symptoms

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

What Can I Do to Avoid Omicron?

Despite the fact that breakthrough infections have occurred, vaccinations and booster doses remain the strongest defenses against this highly contagious variant. 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 precautions, in addition to getting vaccinated and boosted, can help prevent you from omicron infection. We’ve listed them below.

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.

Do you have further questions about COVID-19 and the omicron variant? We’re here to answer them for you! Don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team today.