COVID-19 reinfection means that those who recovered from initial infection got infected again. Everybody can be at risk of COVID-19 reinfections, though some individuals have more protection against it than others.
Viruses, such as the one that causes COVID-19, have been constantly evolving. Novel viruses may evolve as a result of these alterations, increasing the chance of reinfection. More information regarding these reinfections is currently being gathered.
COVID-19 research is now underway, and it is assisting us in understanding these further questions on how frequently do COVID-19 reinfections appear? Should we worry about these virus reinfections? Below are informations you need to know about COVID-19 reinfection:
Is the Condition Caused by Reinfection More Serious?
Researchers have determined since the 1960s that when certain people are infected by a virus for the second time, antibodies generated to fight the sickness the first time might unintentionally increase its effectiveness on reinfection—a phenomenon known as ADE or antibody dependent enhancement.
The majority of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections documented have so far been milder than the first outbreaks, however some were more serious—two individuals have died at hands.
“Immunity from a simple infection certainly does not survive as long,” added Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia. “However, due to immunological memory and T cell mediation, many second infections will be significantly less severe.”
However, according to Joël Mossong, the head of epidemiology and microbial genomics at the Luxembourg National Health Authority in his experience with coronaviruses, people who had the least severe symptoms during their initial infection are more likely to be reinfected. Maybe because they did not establish an immune system response the very first time. Same is through with those who have been immunosuppressed, and therefore wouldn’t have developed an immune response with the first viral infection.
However, Mossong believes whatever these people are facing is more likely a reactivation of pre-existing COVID-19 inside the body than a reinfection. That’s a bit more hard to figure out.
Do We Need to Worry About COVID-19 Reinfection?
Could it be viable to get COVID-19 multiple times in a small amount of time? Two new findings, one from Hong Kong and the other from a patient in Reno, Nv, have several people puzzling and unsure whether the instances signal the pandemic’s prospects.
Whereas the cases are intriguing, Adam Lauring, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of microbiology and immunology and infectious diseases at Michigan Medicine, believes they aren’t worrying.
“That because it occurs does not mean it will occur frequently,” he explains. In addition, he argues, this may happen with some other infections without anybody knowing since these viruses aren’t presently under the same amount of global attention as SARS-CoV-2, the virus which caused COVID-19.
According to Lauring, a reinfection is a result of the body’s immunological response as well as the virus’ mutation. Various patients may be prone to re-infection if their primary immune responses during their first infection weren’t strong enough.
If you’re vaccinated and have fairly good immunity, you don’t have to worry too much about the severity of the COVID-19 infection. While the vaccines won’t lessen the risk of reinfection, it lowers the chances of hospitalization and serious infection caused by the virus.
But if you’re immunocompromised and take certain prescription medications, you might want to include immunity-building vitamins and supplements to your daily intake. Doing so can help strengthen your immunity in case you get infected by the virus. If cost is a problem, consider using coupons or cards, such as Buzzrx Discount Savings Card to save money on all your prescriptions.
Certain Variations Could Hinder Vaccine Efficacy
The tendency from specific variants to defy immunity is a problem not only for persons who’ve had COVID-19, but also for COVID-19 vaccines’ capability to defend individuals who’ve never had COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines protect people because they prepare the immune system to combat a SARS-CoV-2 virus without developing COVID-19.
Those who have been immunized may develop adverse effects that are not signs and symptoms of the disease. However, they’re indicating that the immune system is picking up on the coronavirus and trying to combat it.
Theodora Hatziioannou, a Greek-American virologist, along with her research colleagues, conducted lab studies that showed how specific SARS-CoV-2 mutations within spike protein might enable variants to evade the COVID-19 vaccines’ effectiveness.
Additional Information
Patients who recovered with COVID-19 were generally assumed to have generated a robust immune response that allowed the virus to be eliminated. Yet, it’s still to be determined whether the initial infection gives a resistance mechanism to secondary infection.
New evidence shows that, somehow, a positive COVID-19 antibody out from primary infection could provide prevention against reinfection within most of the study participants. And despite the presence of antibodies, reinfection with several other biological coronaviruses is common. The existing case sequence implies that COVID-19 reinfection is possible, and the 2nd infection could lead to worse diagnoses in nearly 20 percent of the patient populations.
Given the recent discovery of spike deletion variations within the United Kingdom and South Africa, researchers are investigating if second infections may happen in people who contracted COVID-19 during the ‘first wave’ even before variants emerged widespread.
What Should You Do?
As early as possible, get a COVID-19 immunization. Use a well-fitting mask which covers both mouth and nose every time you go outside to lessen the risk of catching the virus from an infected person
Moreover, keep a distance of 6 feet between you and other people. Avoid the crowds and indoor locations that aren’t well ventilated. Lastly, always practice proper hygiene and sanitize your hands from time to time.