Coronavirus Breakthrough vs. natural COVID infection: Difference, symptoms and other things to know

The new variant of coronavirus first detected in South Africa is causing havoc worldwide, including India. Even though a majority of the population has been vaccinated, the cases seem to be rising every passing day. It has time and again raised questions on the effectiveness of the vaccine and has led to the introduction of a new term known as breakthrough infection. Here is what breakthrough infection means and how it is different from natural infection.

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Breakthrough infection refers to the cases where a fully vaccinated person is infected with COVID-19 and develops symptoms. While natural infection refers to cases where a person who is not fully vaccinated has caught the highly contagious disease. Though in the first wave of the coronavirus, all cases of COVID-19 were referred to as natural infections, in the second and third waves most of them were breakthrough infections.

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A breakthrough infection does not mean that the vaccination being administered is ineffective. One can be re-infected with the virus due to several reasons. It has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the vaccination. None of the vaccines being administered across the globe guarantee 100 per cent protection against the virus. That means there is no surety that after getting the jab one gains life-long immunity against the virus, they just cut down the severity of the infection. Even after the jab, one needs to follow all the COVID norms to stay safe. Additionally, with time the immunity provided by the vaccination starts to wane and our body finds it hard to fight against the virus. Coming into contact with the virus at this time may also increase your risk of getting an infection. Lastly, the virus keeps mutating with time and the vaccination may not be effective on the new mutant variant, which is why a booster shot is recommended from time to time.

The recent cases of breakthrough infections in the European and North American countries prove that the symptoms of breakthrough infections are comparatively milder than natural infections. As per a UK based study, vaccinated people who were infected in the third wave developed less severe symptoms more like a common cold. The most prominent symptoms in the third wave, where most cases were breakthrough infections are a runny nose, followed by headache, fatigue and sneezing. The risk of severe infection and hospitalization were common in natural infections.

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To reduce the risk of infection, first of all, get yourself vaccinated. Vaccination might not provide 100 per cent protection, but it reduces the risk of severe infection and hospitalization. In addition to that, follow all the COVID norms. Wear a mask at all times, follow proper hygiene norms and avoid crowded places. As soon as a booster shot is made available, enroll yourself for it.