What's Going On With The Breakthrough Infections

Right now, the big buzzword is "Breakthrough Infections" and what it could be doing to the population. People who received the vaccine worry about still catching the virus because of these breakthrough infections.

But take a look at what that really is and what you have to worry about.

What Is A Breakthrough Infection?

According to the CDC, a breakthrough infection is a case where somebody who was fully vaccinated develops the illness they were vaccinated for.

In the case of COVID, that means you received the full dosage of the vaccine, which would be the two shots, and developed the infection more than two weeks after the final shot.

What's going on? One point that is being made right now about the vaccine is that it is most protective against severe cases and much less effective against mild ones. It's not stopping the virus.

Many people believed getting the vaccine would completely stop getting COVID altogether. But, not only can the fully vaccinated carry the COVID virus and spread it, but they can also get sick from it. This is especially true with the new variant.

Just like with the flu and common cold, there are multiple strains of the virus that exist at the same time. In fact, COVID comes from a group of viruses called the corona series, and they've been around for a long time.

One of the biggest issues with vaccines for newly emerging strains of bacteria and viruses is the unpredictability of the mutations. Viruses such as measles and smallpox stabilized and don't change much. That's why those vaccines are more effective.

The COVID vaccines are unpredictable and failing because they focused on one very specific aspect of the virus and the new mutation found a way around it.

Does A Vaccine STOP a virus?

It doesn't.

Like with all of the other viruses, such as chickenpox, smallpox, measles, and the flu, you could still carry the virus and get sick from the virus. Breakthrough infections happen all the time.

Because the fully vaccinated can still catch the virus, have it spread within them, and pass it along, there truly is no way to stop the virus.

However, natural immunity can be a very effective way to keep it under control.

Are The Unvaccinated To Blame?

No. The delta variant was discovered just as the vaccines were first deployed. So that means it had already developed before the vaccines.

Variants emerge all the time, being driven by evolution. The ones that are the strongest and the best able to replicate themselves are the ones that survive.

The delta variant is proving itself to be strong, fast, and able to get around the vaccine.

But, non-vaccinated are not to blame. They may be getting sicker more often from the delta variant, but the vaccinated people are spreading the virus as much as the unvaccinated. In fact, vaccinated people could be spreading it more often, being unaware they are even carrying it.

What Should You Be Doing?

This is the challenge. First, knowing the truth means you are better prepared.

• Vaccination doesn't mean you won't get the virus or avoid getting sick
• You can spread the virus and contribute to making it worse, even when vaccinated
• COVID is not going away, just like the flu, common cold, and chickenpox

What you can do right now to start protecting yourself is several basic everyday habits that help protect you from all viruses and bacteria, not just COVID.

• Wash your hands regularly
• Use a mask if you're sick to slow the spread
• Use a mask if you're in a crowded situation

Then, you can start taking supplements and creating habits that greatly improve your immune system's chance of successfully fighting off bacteria and viruses.

• Spend time in the sun
• Get a good night sleep every night
• Exercise regularly
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
• Use supplements that help your immune system be ready, but avoid the ones that artificially boost your immune system to avoid overreacting

The great thing about these tips is that it helps your immune system be strong and robust. And, it enables you to be healthy overall. The basis of all diets to reduce heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and all other lifestyle diseases starts with healthy fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and getting good exercise.

Taking care of yourself gives you the best chance of staying healthy and successfully fighting off the virus. Some of these things are not easy if you're not used to it, like getting exercise everyday, but it's much better than catching the virus.