Breakthrough infections: Can you still get COVID after getting vaccinated?

While the three COVID-19 vaccines we have are incredibly effective, no vaccine provides 100% protection against the virus. People can still get COVID-19 after vaccination, which is known as a breakthrough infection. What can you expect if you’re one of them?

Breakthrough COVID-19 infections

The important thing to remember is that your infection will be far less severe than that experienced by unvaccinated people. For example, says Mallory Shillinger, D.O., a Piedmont primary care physician, vaccinated people often have “a fever for one or two days, along with fatigue, a sore throat and dry cough that can last three to five days. Also, a loss of taste and smell that can linger for two to three weeks.”

Not so bad, right? Now compare that with what she is seeing in unvaccinated patients: “Fevers for five days. Productive coughs with chest pain and low oxygen levels, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Fatigue can last four to six weeks.”

Most breakthrough COVID-19 infections can be managed at home without hospitalization. Dr. Shillinger recommends seeing your primary care physician to create a care plan based on your age and medical history.

Certain people can qualify for monoclonal antibody treatments, she says. Including people over the age of 65, people who are immunocompromised, and those with diabetes, heart disease and lung disease.

How to treat a COVID-19 breakthrough infection

Dr. Shillinger notes her advice isn’t all FDA-approved, but, she does tell patients to do three things. Rest and stay hydrated, use Tylenol for fever and joint pain, and take 10 deep breaths hourly.

“You should also try to lie on your stomach as much as possible,” she adds. This can help your lungs work better and get more oxygen into them more easily. 

If your cough is persistent, you can use over-the-counter cough suppressants. If you’re worried about your oxygen saturation, Dr. Shillinger recommends getting a pulse oximeter, which you can find at any pharmacy.

“Oxygen saturation should stay over 94%, and a downward trend is worrisome,” she says.

Symptoms to watch for include worsening shortness of breath, confusion, and dizziness. If you experience any of these, you should call your primary care physician or go to the closest emergency department for evaluation.

Breakthrough infections disproportionately affect higher-risk populations, particularly older adults and people who are immunocompromised. However, more cases are cropping up, in part because so many people have relaxed about masking, handwashing and social distancing. Experts stress that vaccination is the best way to prevent infection and transmission of the newest COVID-19 variants.

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