Breakthrough COVID infection: All your questions answered

The United States has been reporting a surge in COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks due to more contagious Delta variant. Many of those infected are fully vaccinated against coronavirus giving room to the discussion about a new phenomenon ‘breakthrough infections.’

While this so-called breakthrough infection remains rare, many well-known names like members of the New York Yankees, US Olympic gymnast Kara Eaker and UK health secretary Sajid Javid are some of those diagnosed with it. 

Also Read: CDC’s mask mandate based on data from India, alleges Republican leader

Now, with many such COVID-related terms, people tend to confuse and panic due to the abundance of information available to them. Thus, it is important to process such data rationally. Here is all you need to know about the breakthrough infection.

What is a breakthrough infection

A breakthrough infection is defined as an instance when someone who tested positive for the coronavirus or COVID-19 at least 14 days within being fully vaccinated with either one dose of Johnson & Johnson or two doses of Pfizer and Moderna, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

Also Read: Third dose of COVID vaccine boosts immunity against Delta variant: Pfizer

How common is COVID-19 in the fully vaccinated people

Breakthrough infections are a little more frequent than previously expected and are probably increasing because of growing dominance of the Delta variant. But infections in vaccinated people are still very rare and usually cause mild or no symptoms.

46 US states and territories voluntarily reported 10,262 breakthrough infections to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between Jan 1 and April 30, 2021.

Is COVID-19 breakthrough infection serious?

According to PTI, 27% of breakthrough cases reported to the CDC were asymptomatic and only 10% of the breakthrough-infected people were known to be hospitalised (some for reasons other than COVID-19), and 2% died. For comparison, during the spring of 2020 when vaccines were not yet available, over 6% of confirmed infections were fatal.

In a study at US military treatment facilities, none of the breakthrough infections led to hospitalisation.

What makes a breakthrough infection more likely

The likelihood of a breakthrough COVID infection is greater in situations of close contact, such as in a cramped working space, party, restaurant, or stadium.

Breakthrough infections are also more likely among health care workers and individuals who are in frequent contact with infected patients.

Is breakthrough more common in women

Yes. While the reason is unclear and being investigated but  CDC data found that women account for 63% of breakthrough infections. Some smaller studies identified women as the majority of breakthrough cases as well.