Being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can result in reinfection, which happens when someone gets infected again after having recovered from the initial infection. This cycle can occur multiple times, although reinfections are usually mild. However, severe illness can also happen, and if you are reinfected, you can still spread the virus to others. Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and seeking treatment promptly after symptoms start can help lower the risk of severe illness.
After recovering from COVID-19, the immune system reacts in various ways. The immune response provides protection against reinfection for several months, but this protection decreases over time. Individuals with weakened immune systems may have a limited or no immune response when infected. Although protection against severe illness typically lasts longer than protection against infection, new variants of the virus can thwart existing immunity and increase the risk of reinfection.
Reinfection can happen within a few weeks of a previous infection, although this is uncommon. If you get a positive test result within 90 days after an initial infection, it may indicate a possible reinfection. The CDC has provided testing guidance to help people determine which type of test to take in different scenarios.
To prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, including those who have had COVID-19 before, the CDC recommends using fundamental prevention tactics. These strategies include wearing masks indoors and outdoors, practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or your elbow if a tissue is not available,
Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19 until they are no longer contagious.
Stay home if you feel sick or have symptoms of COVID-19.
Follow all local guidelines regarding gatherings and events.
Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or if you’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus.
By following these guidelines, you can protect yourself and others from getting sick with COVID-19.
