Reinfections of COVID-19 Are Possible

COVID-19 Can Rarely Reinfect Again  

Already had the coronavirus? You could get it again. https://t.co/s8MvspmFU0 via @NatGeo

— Carol Duff (@CarolDuff18) December 2, 2020

Health Editor’s Note: So you have already had COVID-19 (positive testing) and now you have symptoms again, possibly worse than the first time. Yes, you could have another COVID-19 infection but it will not be exactly like the first one that you have recovered from. Typically new mutations occur in COVID-19 every 15 days and that would be a natural change that happens to any coronavirus and this change will alter the potency of the coronavirus, not make it  a new strain. So the second infection will be slightly different than the first one, but not a reinfection but nonetheless, an infection caught from another source than the first one. Mutations can be analyzed since they involved in the genetic signature of the coronavirus. 

There were four seasonal coronaviruses prior to the introduction of COVID-19 and reinfections can occur in those as quickly as 6 to 9 months after infection. Since we have been exposed to these seasonal coronaviruses before (COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus) we have adapted to them. Also, some people do not develop an adequate antibody response after the first infection. The immune system did not function to its full capacity, thus a ‘reinfection’ from the slightly altered coronavirus.  

Bottom line, continue to wear masks while in public places, physically distance yourselves from those you do not live with, do not touch your face, mouth, nose, or eyes without first thoroughly washing your hands, wash you hands all time, stay away from groups, stay away from those who are ill, stay home if you are sick, even if you think or know that you have already had COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is the definitive prevention of future bouts with COVID-19 and the initial two doses may need to be boosted yearly, exactly like the current influenza vaccines…..Carol

Carol Duff, MSN, BA, RN

Carol graduated from Riverside White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio and received her diploma as a registered nurse. She attended Bowling Green State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Literature. She attended the University of Toledo, College of Nursing, and received a Master’s of Nursing Science Degree as an Educator.

She has traveled extensively, is a photographer, and writes on medical issues. Carol has three children RJ, Katherine, and Stephen – one daughter-in-law; Katie – two granddaughters; Isabella Marianna and Zoe Olivia – and one grandson, Alexander Paul. She also shares her life with her husband Gordon Duff, many cats, and two rescues.

• Carol’s Archives 2009-2013