There are a few factors at play. The first is the rise of the highly contagious Omicron variant. Omicron is more likely than other viruses to infect people even though it doesn’t make them very sick. Its surge coincided with the holiday travel season in many countries.
Although people may mistakenly believe that the Covid-19 shots will totally block infection, Louis Mansky, a University of Minnesota virus researcher, said that the shots are designed primarily to prevent severe illness.
The vaccines are still working their magic, especially for those who have had boosters.
Strong protection against severe illness from omicron can be achieved with two doses of either the Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. One dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will also work. Although the initial doses don’t block omicron infection well, boosters — especially with the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines — can increase the levels of antibodies to help fight infection.
Omicron seems to reproduce more efficiently than other variants. If infected individuals have high levels of virus load, it’s more likely that they will pass it on to others, particularly the unvaccinated. People who have been vaccinated for the virus are more likely not to experience any symptoms. This is because the shots activate multiple immune systems, making it more difficult for the omicron to get past them all.
The advice for staying safe has not changed. Doctors advise wearing masks indoors, avoiding crowds, and getting vaccinated. Although shots will not always prevent you from getting the virus, they will make it more likely that you stay healthy and out of the hospital.
