Break Through COVID – What Is It?

The COVID-19 virus is a virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold. The virus affects your upper respiratory tract as well as lower respiratory tracts. The parts of the respiratory system affected are the nose, sinuses, throat, windpipe and lungs. It spreads mainly by an infecting person spreading out droplets containing coronavirus and another person near to them inhaling it or the droplets simply landing on the eyes, nose or mouth of the nearby persons. The main signs and symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, loss of smell and taste.

Vaccines against coronavirus disease offer the best chance to end this pandemic. Various kinds of vaccines have been manufactured around the globe.

What is break through COVID?

A break through COVID infection is when you develop a COVID infection despite being vaccinated against the virus.

Breakthrough infections can occur with any vaccine as they are not always 100% effective.

The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing severe complications and death from COVID. However, breakthrough infections are occurring and seem to be more common with new variants which may be more virulent than the other forms of the virus.

How do you get a breakthrough COVID infection?

Breakthrough COVID infections occur when fully vaccinated individuals contract the virus despite having received all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. There are several factors that can contribute to breakthrough infections:

1. Vaccine Effectiveness: No vaccine provides 100% protection against illness. While COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, a small percentage of vaccinated individuals may still become infected.

2. Variants of Concern: Some variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, such as the Delta variant, may be more adept at evading vaccine-induced immunity or causing breakthrough infections compared to earlier strains.

3. Waning Immunity: Over time, the immune response generated by vaccination may decrease, leading to reduced protection against infection. Booster doses are recommended to help bolster immunity, especially against emerging variants.

4. Individual Factors: Factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and immune status can affect an individual’s immune response to vaccination and their susceptibility to breakthrough infections.

5. Exposure: Breakthrough infections can occur when vaccinated individuals are exposed to high levels of the virus, particularly in areas with high community transmission or among close contacts who are infected.

While breakthrough infections can occur, COVID-19 vaccines remain an essential tool in controlling the spread of the virus and preventing severe illness and death. It’s important for vaccinated individuals to continue following public health guidelines, such as wearing masks in high-risk settings and practicing good hand hygiene, to reduce the risk of infection and transmission.

Is break through COVID dangerous?

Breakthrough COVID-19 cases, where vaccinated individuals contract the virus, are generally less severe compared to infections in unvaccinated individuals. The vaccines have proven highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, even against variants of concern.

While breakthrough infections can occur, the symptoms are often milder, and the risk of severe outcomes is significantly reduced. Vaccinated individuals who experience breakthrough infections are less likely to require hospitalization or intensive care compared to unvaccinated individuals.

However, the severity of breakthrough cases can vary depending on factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and the individual’s immune response to vaccination. In rare cases, particularly among those with weakened immune systems, breakthrough infections can lead to more severe illness. This underscores the importance of vaccination and additional precautions for vulnerable populations.

Overall, while breakthrough COVID-19 cases are not entirely risk-free, the vaccines continue to play a crucial role in reducing the spread of the virus and protecting individuals from severe illness and death.

What are the symptoms of break through COVID?

The symptoms of breakthrough COVID are essentially identical to a standard COVID infection:

• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Aches and pains
• Fever and chills
• Night sweats
• Blocked or runny nose
• Cough
• Potential shortness of breath
• Loss of taste and smell

If you develop any of these symptoms, despite your COVID vaccination status, you should isolate and get a COVID test as soon as possible.

Generally, break through COVID should be milder than an infection for an unvaccinated person. However, you should seek medical advice from your general practitioner.

Red Flags needing urgent attention from a health care professional:

• Worsening shortness of breath.
• Chest pain or racing heartbeat.
• Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
• Weakness in your face, arm or leg especially on one side of your body.
• Worsening mood or anxiety or thoughts of harming yourself.

A COVID test is a swab from the throat and nose.

How do you get tested for break through COVID?

It is advisable to self-isolate and undertake a self collect RAT or PCR based test with a local laboratory as soon as possible. This is done by taking a swab of your throat and nose. Results are usually texted to your mobile phone within 24-72 hrs.

You should remain isolated until you have received your results.

How do you treat break through COVID?

Treating breakthrough COVID-19 cases typically involves managing symptoms and providing supportive care. Here are some general approaches to treatment:

1. Symptom Management: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate pain or discomfort. Cough suppressants or expectorants may be recommended for respiratory symptoms.

2. Hydration and Rest: Adequate hydration and rest are essential for supporting the body’s immune response and helping individuals recover from illness. Encouraging the consumption of fluids and getting plenty of rest can aid in symptom relief and recovery.

3. Monitoring: It’s important for individuals with breakthrough COVID-19 to monitor their symptoms closely, especially for signs of respiratory distress or worsening illness. Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms worsen or if there are concerns about severe illness.

4. Medical Evaluation: Some individuals with breakthrough infections, particularly those with underlying health conditions or risk factors for severe COVID-19, may benefit from medical evaluation by a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on managing symptoms and determine if additional medical interventions are necessary.

5. Isolation and Quarantine: Individuals with breakthrough COVID-19 should follow public health guidelines for isolation and quarantine to prevent further spread of the virus to others. This typically involves staying home and avoiding close contact with others until they are no longer infectious.

It’s important to note that specific treatments for COVID-19, such as antiviral medications or monoclonal antibodies, may be recommended in certain cases based on individual risk factors and the severity of illness. Healthcare professionals will assess each case individually and recommend appropriate treatment based on current guidelines and evidence-based practices.

The latest on Covid-19 Vaccination Advice in Australia

Reproduced from ATAGI STATEMENT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF COVID-19 VACCINES IN 2024

• Vaccination remains the most important measure to protect those at risk of severe disease from COVID-19.
• COVID-19 vaccines are recommended every 6 to 12 months for older adults and adults with severe immunocompromise due to their ongoing risk of severe COVID-19.
• Recommendations for people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine (a ‘primary course’) have been updated. Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook COVID-19 chapter for further details.
• 1.5-containing vaccines are preferred over other COVID-19 vaccines.
• An XBB.1.5-containing vaccine is not currently available for children aged 6 months—<5 years, however a formulation has been approved for use and supply is anticipated in 2024.
• COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with any other vaccine for people aged ≥5 years.
• COVID-19 vaccines remain funded for eligible individuals.
• All vaccinations must be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

ATAGI recommendations

A summary of the updated advice is presented in Table 1. Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook COVID-19 chapter for further details. These recommendations will be reviewed annually (or earlier if new evidence emerges or epidemiology changes).

ATAGI recommends a dose of COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged ≥75 years every 6 months.

ATAGI recommends the following groups receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, and can consider a dose every 6 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment:

• Adults aged 65—74 years
• Adults aged 18—64 years with severe immunocompromise

The following groups can consider a COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment:

• All other adults aged 18—64 years
• Children and adolescents aged 5—<18 years with severe immunocompromise

Table 1: Timing of further COVID-19 vaccine doses by age group and risk status

^#See the Australian Immunisation Handbook for definitions and examples of severe immunocompromise