Covid-19: Breakthrough Infections
October 31, 2021
By Ryan M. Thomas
Over the last several months, we’ve increased our warnings about breakthrough infections.
Three weeks ago, I became another example of a breakthrough infection.
On April 3, 2021, I received my second booster shot of the Moderna vaccine and became fully vaccinated. Despite the belief that “if you’re fully vaccinated you don’t have to wear a mask”, I continued to mask up and socially distance avoiding large groups of people and continuing to dine outdoors.
Yet, three weeks ago, I started to experience shortness of breath. I had recently been vaccinated against the flu and also updated my tetanus protection. At first, I attributed it to an intense workload and anxiety, but then the other symptoms appeared. Two nights of rolling fevers and chills, cloudiness of thought, fatigue, then the congestion and difficulty of breathing. While I never entirely lost my sense of smell and taste, they were certainly reduced.
On day 3, I went online to schedule a PCR test. Nothing was available within 20 miles for 3 days. I ordered an at home antigen test for which I promptly tested positive. After 8 days of symptoms, I finally started to plateau. Day 9 was a relief as the general feeling of “being sick” lifted, but the fatigue and cloudiness of thought continued.
My breakthrough case will never be recorded as an official case. Even if I had tested positive with an official PCR test, the Center for Disease and Control does not count breakthrough infections unless hospitalization or death occurs. Officially, I had a “mild case”, but nothing about it felt mild.
My case occurred almost exactly 6 months after receiving my second booster. Data now shows that protection against infection begins to decline after the 6th month, declining sharply in the 7th and 8th months.
A short parenthesis about the PCR test: much has been written and discussed about PCR sensitivity. Currently, there does not seem to be a standardized sensitivity across countries for which to measure a “positive” test. A new research paper out provides data that shows changes to PCR sensitivity effectively create
“false positives”, meaning that COVID-19 case numbers are being underreported.
While I was recovering, I spent a little more time watching football and enjoying seeing the Arizona Cardinals rise to the top of the standings. During the game, it was noted that the team is 100% vaccinated against COVID-19 and maintains a strict testing protocol. Yet, through the first 7 weeks of the season, 20 of the around 55 active players have already tested positive for COVID. It seems like a real life “challenge trial.”
Thankfully, after 3 weeks of ups and downs, I’m easing back into work and normal life and beginning to feel myself.
Covid-19: Breakthrough Infections
October 31, 2021
By Ryan M. Thomas
Over the last several months, we’ve increased our warnings about breakthrough infections.
Three weeks ago, I became another example of a breakthrough infection.
On April 3, 2021, I received my second booster shot of the Moderna vaccine and became fully vaccinated. Despite the belief that “if you’re fully vaccinated you don’t have to wear a mask”, I continued to mask up and socially distance avoiding large groups of people and continuing to dine outdoors.
Yet, three weeks ago, I started to experience shortness of breath. I had recently been vaccinated against the flu and also updated my tetanus protection. At first, I attributed it to an intense workload and anxiety, but then the other symptoms appeared. Two nights of rolling fevers and chills, cloudiness of thought, fatigue, then the congestion and difficulty of breathing. While I never entirely lost my sense of smell and taste, they were certainly reduced.
On day 3, I went online to schedule a PCR test. Nothing was available within 20 miles for 3 days. I ordered an at home antigen test for which I promptly tested positive. After 8 days of symptoms, I finally started to plateau. Day 9 was a relief as the general feeling of “being sick” lifted, but the fatigue and cloudiness of thought continued.
My breakthrough case will never be recorded as an official case. Even if I had tested positive with an official PCR test, the Center for Disease and Control does not count breakthrough infections unless hospitalization or death occurs. Officially, I had a “mild case”, but nothing about it felt mild.
My case occurred almost exactly 6 months after receiving my second booster. Data now shows that protection against infection begins to decline after the 6th month, declining sharply in the 7th and 8th months.
A short parenthesis about the PCR test: much has been written and discussed about PCR sensitivity. Currently, there does not seem to be a standardized sensitivity across countries for which to measure a “positive” test. A new research paper out provides data that shows changes to PCR sensitivity effectively create
“false positives”, meaning that COVID-19 case numbers are being underreported.
While I was recovering, I spent a little more time watching football and enjoying seeing the Arizona Cardinals rise to the top of the standings. During the game, it was noted that the team is 100% vaccinated against COVID-19 and maintains a strict testing protocol. Yet, through the first 7 weeks of the season, 20 of the around 55 active players have already tested positive for COVID. It seems like a real life “challenge trial.”
Thankfully, after 3 weeks of ups and downs, I’m easing back into work and normal life and beginning to feel myself.
