New ‘Hybrid Immunity’ Brings Shift In Psychological Thinking
Vaccinated individuals recovering from breakthrough vaccinations are experiencing a psychological shift with “hybrid” immunity now being developed. However, health experts still encourage precautions even if “superhero” individuals are feeling relief and a short-term immune boost.
Relief is now the predominant symptom for those who were vaccinated, received the booster shot, became infected again, and overcame the COVID breakthrough infection. With this sense of relief now felt, and letting go of the fear held during the pandemic, mental health has been boosted.
However, guided by this new mental shift, living pre-COVID ways is a cause for concern, even with this newly developed ‘hybrid immunity’.
News Reveals Concerning Actions Of ‘Superheros’ In COVID Times
Those among the vaccinated and boosted population experiencing a psychological shift due to a new ‘superhero-like’ short-term natural boost to their immune system could result in severe outcomes.
An online news article revealed the shocking story of a woman experiencing a ‘superhero’ mentality. In the article, it is revealed that the woman, now feeling relief after her breakthrough infection, swapped drinking straws with a friend who had also recently recovered from Covid. “We all feel like superheroes. We all feel like we can do anything,” reports the article.
Although many U.S citizens are quickly recovering from Omicron and are now feeling relief and a ‘hybrid immunity’, this reckless act as seen in the news article should be avoided at all costs.
Risky behavior could potentially foresee a sharp increase in the Omicron variant and further spreading of COVID in the U.S and beyond.
The Hybrid Immunity Explained
According to a recent academic study, catching COVID after vaccination may supercharge the immune system, making it better able to fight off new variants. The study hints that, in general, those who catch COVID post-vaccination may have an edge in fighting off COVID, even exposed to a new coronavirus variant and even when recovering from breakthrough infections.
According to the study, antibody responses against COVID were boosted with protection is 99% more potent against the Delta variant and 36% more effective against the non-Delta variant. virus. With the combination of vaccination and a breakthrough infection, a more potent immune response is triggered. It’s an exceptional combination of vaccination plus infection.
This creates the ‘hybrid immunity’. In simpler terms, this hybrid immunity comes from the combined protection of pre-existing vaccine antibodies and natural antibodies from a breakthrough infection.
However, while a potential silver lining exists to catching a breakthrough infection, contracting COVID-19 after vaccination still carries risks. Breakthrough infections can still lead to long COVID, a syndrome where people experience various symptoms for many months after their initial COVID-19 infection subsides.
Therefore, it is strongly advised to continue to not sink into risky behavior but rather a continued commitment to following the health and safety measures set out by health experts, the government authorities, the Centers for Disease and Preventions (CDC), and the World Health Organization.
While This Could Be Bad For Physical Health, It Could Boost Mental Health
With rising levels of poor mental health experienced by U.S. citizens during December, the recent psychological shift and ‘superhero’ trend may spell a fruitful combating of poor mental health.
According to recent data released by Mental Health America (MHA), pre-COVID-19 (2019) saw roughly 50 million Americans suffering from mental illness. Poor mental health has risen among the USA-based youth, ethnic groups, and the elderly, with all age gaps now affected and at high risk, and these numbers skyrocketed In December, with this continuing into this month.
Fortunately for those seeking solutions to mental woes, this mental shift and hybrid immunity may shift high numbers of poor mental health, anxiety, and depression. With this, we may see a boost in immune systems too.
While There Is Hope, Is This Wise Thinking For Those With ‘Superhero’ Mentality?
Boosted mental health, an alleged ‘hybrid immunity’, the bringing in of hope once again, and lessening of fear contributes to a stronger immune system, better thinking and thought process, and the bringing of 2019 life ‘feels’.
But, as one source states, breakthrough cases can still lead to long COVID. Now, with this, the question becomes, is this ‘superhero’ thinking in the face of the fastest spreading strain, Omicron, wise? Is this feeling of immunity now setting up the U.S. population for further health afflictions?
It’s Imperative To Still Focus On Good Mental Health But Remain Vigilant
While U.S. citizens are encouraged to boost mental health, health and safety measures set out by relevant parties and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization, should not be relaxed. Together with the measures and a newly boosted mental health, a new almost ‘back-to-normal’ life can be enjoyed without the risk of worsening the pandemic for all.