Hopes that completely corona-vaccinated people are completely immune to the viruses were quickly dashed. Now the question arises for many Upper Austrians whether they should continue to be tested despite being vaccinated.
Contagious despite vaccination
Primary Bernd Lamprecht, Director of the Clinic for Lung Medicine at the Kepler University Hospital Linz, has the answer: “In principle, vaccination frees you from regular testing. For vaccinated people, however, it makes sense to stay in contact with an infected person for three to five days after contact without a mask to monitor his state of health closely. Even if there are no symptoms, a test must then be carried out. Contacts that are not absolutely necessary should be avoided, and otherwise mask and hygiene measures must be observed. ” Because infection is less likely in a vaccinated person, it cannot be ruled out: transmission by vaccinated people is reduced by around 50 percent compared to unvaccinated people. Even those who deal with risk groups such as the elderly or patients with immunosuppressive therapy can minimize their risk of infection after vaccination through tests.
Primary Rainer Gattringer from Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen dispels the fear that antigen tests will not work with the currently most widespread Delta variant: “The antigen test is actually intended for people who already have symptoms. It is, so to speak the Regionalliga, while the much more sensitive PCR test can be compared to the Champions League. ” The time window in which antigen tests work is also smaller. “It is important that all close contact persons of risk patients are vaccinated,” says the doctor.
Questionable antibody tests
According to the infectiologist, it is not very meaningful to determine the number of antibodies in the blood. Only if the number of antibodies in high-risk patients is very low or nonexistent can negative conclusions be drawn.
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
