In 2020, COVID-19 spread rapidly throughout the world. Today, COVID-19 is no longer considered a global pandemic. However, health officials have said that COVID-19 is here to stay. If you have never contracted COVID-19 you may be wondering whether it is possible to be immune to COVID-19. COVID-19 continues to mutate annually which can lead to COVID-19 showing different symptoms than the virus did in 2020. Learn about what COVID-19 looks like in 2024 and whether you can be immune to it. Visit AFC Urgent Care Edgewater for same-day illness care and COVID-19 testing services available without an appointment.
Can You Be Immune To COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by a viral infection. Although the virus is not as lethal as it was during the 2020 pandemic, COVID-19 cases have remained relatively common since. Like many viruses, COVID-19 is extremely contagious from person to person. It can spread through airborne droplets, direct contact with a sick person and indirect transmission by touching surfaces like doorknobs after someone who is infected.
In short, you cannot be immune to COVID-19. However, the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster vaccines can make you temporarily immune to the virus. However, information from the World Health Organization explains that vaccination doesn’t guarantee 100 percent immunity long-term. Therefore, it is still possible to get infected with the virus even after being vaccinated. However, it is better to get vaccinated as this reduces one's chances of getting infected.
How Does COVID-19 Booster Work?
When you are vaccinated against a virus, your body is exposed directly to an inactive version of the virus. Due to this exposure, your immune system is stimulated to produce virus-specific antibodies and memory cells which prepares your body to defend itself against the virus if you were to contract it later. Booster vaccines trigger an immune response by reintroducing viral antigens that generate additional antibodies and activate memory T cells. Viral infections often mutate as time passes. The COVID-19 virus has been shown to have mutated multiple times since 2020. Getting the booster vaccines ensures that your body has continued protection against the new strains of the virus.
Vaccination against COVID-19 has numerous essential benefits. Boosters benefit those with weaker immune systems or are more vulnerable to severe disease by boosting their immune system. Moreover, they offer protection against infection and newly emerged viral strains. Boosters also provide immunization to people. Hence, with the COVID-19 Boosters, people can return to their everyday lives without fearing the coronavirus.
Can Anyone Get the COVID-19 Booster Vaccine?
Factors like age, job, immunization status, and pre-existing health issues can affect your eligibility for the COVID-19 booster vaccines. You must have gotten the original COVID-19 vaccine to get the booster. Although the booster shots only used to be available to those who are at an especially high risk for developing severe illness caused by COVID-19, it is now recommended that everyone get the booster vaccine to create better herd immunity. You can still get COVID-19 if you have the vaccine or the booster vaccines. However, having the most recent booster vaccine will reduce the chances of you getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
Because COVID-19 is so contagious, people suffering from illness symptoms should seek COVID-19 testing. Although symptoms are milder now than in 2020, COVID-19 can still cause serious illness for anyone who is immunocompromised. COVID-19 tests are painless and readily available.
Visit AFC Urgent Care for Rapid COVID-19 Testing and Illness Care
If you’re suffering from illness symptoms, it is important that you seek medical care for diagnosis and treatment. COVID-19 is highly contagious still and can cause serious illness for anyone with a weakened immune system. Getting the latest COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you from becoming seriously ill, but won’t make you completely immune to contracting COVID-19. Luckily, AFC Urgent Care Edgewater provides rapid COVID-19 testing in addition to illness diagnosis and treatment services on a walk-in basis.
If you’re in need of illness care, visit AFC Urgent Care Edgewater. Our clinic is equipped with a lab on-site, allowing us to quickly and accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms and provide the appropriate treatment. We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. We maintain short wait times and accept most major medical insurance plans.
