How are vaccinated people likely to spread COVID-19? Here's what research tells us
How can vaccinated people spread COVID-19
As coronavirus infection continues to impact our lives, authorities all around the globe have urged its people to prioritize vaccination. However, given the emergence of new and more deadly variants, breakthrough infections have become a source of major concern. Given that fully vaccinated people can also contract the SARs-COV-2 virus, there's a rare but a possible chance of transmission from one person to another. That said, while vaccines are our best shot against the virus, it in no way makes us immune against it.
Can fully vaccinated people contract COVID-19?
Amid growing risks of emerging variants, taking your COVID shot is extremely important. But many cases of breakthrough infections have appeared in recent times. This only highlights that although COVID vaccines minimize the risk of hospitalisation and severe infections, it cannot prevent a person from contracting the virus.
That said, a breakthrough infection takes place when a person contracts COVID-19 even after receiving both vaccine doses. He or she either remains asymptomatic or develops mild to moderate infections. In certain cases the individual can even succumb to the virus too. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), although there have been instances of breakthrough infections, it is rare and infected people are less likely to be sick.
Why are breakthrough infections concerning?
Since COVID vaccines are the only medium of protection against the deadly virus, breakthrough infections only make it more difficult for people to trust its efficacy, making vaccine hesitancy more prevalent.
Given that fully vaccinated people continue to be susceptible to the virus, it raises more doubts in the minds of the people. However, what needs to be noted is that getting yourself vaccinated is of utmost importance currently.
Breakthrough infections, although concerning, does not mean that the vaccines are not effective. Studies have suggested that COVID vaccines have worked very well in minimizing the risk of severe infections and hospitalisation, which is why the number of survivors is much more than those who have succumbed to the virus.
Vaccinated people can spread COVID too; How can they do it?
Although rare, fully vaccinated people can contract the virus and they can also be spreaders.
With the delta variant on the rise, there is a high possibility that fully vaccinated individuals contract the virus and unknowingly transmit it to other people. While studies have shown that COVID vaccines reduce the viral load in a person's body, it is less likely that fully vaccinated individuals can spread the virus too. A viral load is the amount of viral particles in the body, which determine whether or not a person is likely to spread the virus.
However, breakthrough infections have raised alarms among leading scientists and health bodies.
The latest research provided by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention stresses on the dangers of the Delta variant, referring to it as the most dominant virus strain.
It is believed that fully vaccinated individuals can still spread COVID infections. Whether while sneezing or coughing, the viral particles can latch on to other people and increase the risk of transmission.
In terms of breakthrough infections, researchers found a significant concentration of coronavirus in the noses and throats of vaccinated people. This means that vaccinated people infected with the virus can transmit the disease as though they have not developed any immunity at all. Although the findings are yet to be published, it has triggered the US CDC to update its COVID guidelines for masking.
How to minimize the risk of transmission?
Given the rise of Delta variant cases and an increase in breakthrough infections, CDC has asked people to wear masks even if they're fully vaccinated. As of now, the officials believe that it is the only "temporary measure".
Besides, social distancing and maintaining hand hygiene is of utmost importance. Vaccination should still be prioritized and people should not be discouraged to take the vaccines. The COVID vaccines are still very effective in reducing severe COVID infections.
Those who have a weak immune system should continue taking all precautionary measures even if you're vaccinated.