Coronavirus prevention: What can you do to prevent catching COVID-19 after vaccination?

As the number of coronavirus cases go down slowly and more and more people getting vaccinated at least with a single jab of the COVID-19 vaccine shot, there's a certain level of reassurance about stepping out outside or carrying on with our activities and be a tad bit safer. However, even with the strongest protective odds offered by vaccines, not only is coronavirus an active threat but still a risk of catching COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated.

Termed breakthrough infections, or the case wherein a person contracts or develops COVID-19 after vaccination is now a real problem across the world. While there are still not that common amongst those who have been vaccinated, the rise in cases especially in places with high precedence of Delta variant of the virus is a new cause of worry.

Experts have suggested that while breakthrough infections are 'uncommon', there can be a rise in reporting of such cases as we continue to witness higher vaccination numbers, and we'll only be able to gather more data on their severity and risks in the coming months, when we know how truly effective and protective vaccines are.

Now, while it has been certainly established that vaccines aren't a complete 100% preventive of COVID-19, the protection guaranteed by the vaccines leave people who do get breakthrough COVID-19 to only develop 'milder' infections and have less than average risk of being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19, which is why the pros of getting vaccinated weigh over catching the infection by being unvaccinated.

Apart from this, while the medical community continues to study the occurrence of these rare infections, there are certain risk-factors, and measures that can expose someone to getting COVID-19, even after being fully vaccinated. For example, breakthrough infections could be more common amongst those at the frontlines (facing high exposure risks) or those with severe comorbidities (which could leave their immunity weaker and more susceptible to ills). Non-compliance of measures, too, can prove to be costly.

As we mitigate the risks of a potential third wave, we discuss some of the primary preventive measures and safety tips to lessen down the chances of breakthrough infections, if you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19:

The rise in post-vaccination cases and the emergence of the Delta variant have brought along a stronger emphasis on the use of masks. While vaccines safeguard you from the severity of disease, good masking hygiene and diligence are some of the ways to actually prevent catching the infection in the first place. Masks should not be stopped, even if you have been fully vaccinated when you are outside since there's still a long way before vaccines reach everyone and no actual way to tell who is vaccinated, and who isn't. Hence, mask hygiene shall be needed to be maintained for a foreseeable future, till the time COVID-19 continues to be an active threat, and guidelines aren't lifted.

As for the type of mask you should be using, the most protective and infection-minimizing ones would be a well-fitted mask (three-layered cloth, surgical or N95) that covers your nose, mouth and under-the-chin area. The mask strings should fit snugly and not facilitate the entry of pathogens. If you use a mask, make sure you disinfect and swap them out frequently.

In the post-vaccination world, it's important to pay attention to trivial details regarding the place you are planning to visit and the purpose of your visit. For example, some places might be relatively safer to visit than others, considering COVID-19 risk scenarios. Outside spaces, in comparison to indoor places, are deemed to be less contagious, and there's a lower risk of virus exposure there (since airborne particles cannot linger in empty, open spaces) for long. If you are meeting indoors, it's important to keep a tab on the risk of crowding, space and following of protocols (masks, distancing etc. if there's a mingling of vaccinated and unvaccinated people).

If you are travelling or going for longer distances, it's again relatively important to factor in the case history and possible threat of the virus in a certain place before going there.

Something that has been emphasized since the pandemic first started to spread, disinfection is the strongest way to avoid the SARS-COV-2 virus (and other contagious germs) from spreading infections. It's important to disinfect and wash hands after every time you have come in contact with someone, or accessed frequently touched surfaces. If you are outside, carry a sanitiser with you and clean your hands when you can.

Even if you have lower odds of catching the infection, do keep in mind that airborne coronavirus transmission is a big risk factor that can spread COVID-19, and transmit contagious respiratory particles to longer distances. Therefore, this is a risk to keep in mind and there's a strong need to avoid direct contact, and fuel the spread. If you are indoors, make sure the spaces are well-ventilated and there's no space for the virus to collect or linger. Adequate ventilation, good-fitted masks and avoiding crowding are some of the ways you can keep the risk at bay, especially if you do belong to a vulnerable group.

As more vaccines become available to us and the pace of vaccination rises, it's important to note that different vaccines work to offer protection to a different degree, and some vaccines could be safer for use than others if you are at risk. Therefore, if you do have the option to pick and choose (if you are still yet to be vaccinated), do your research well and opt for a more protective vaccine. Newer studies have also highlighted how different vaccines perform in cutting the risks of breakthrough infections as well. In the future, booster shots may also be made available for people at risk, or who may be immunocompromised.