Just last month an ICMR study claimed that 4.5% of the current COVID-19 cases in India are reinfections. Now, just for reference that is 4,500 infections per 1,00,000 cases. And while your odds of catching reinfection might be few, this is a chance that you don’t wanna take. And 4,500/1,00,000 is a pretty inundating figure for someone like me who saw her family terribly struggling in the first bout of COVID-19.
Not gonna lie, I have been having sleepless nights thinking about how a second infection might unfold for us. Yes, I know that is quite an ominous thought. But then again, we are living in ominous times and it is best to stay prepared than wait for the coronavirus to catch on us unaware. Well, that’s exactly why I recently reached out to Dr. Jinendra Jain, Consultant Physician, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai to understand COVID-19 re-infections.
Here Is Everything That You Need To Know About Reinfections
Think that you are COVID-19 proof just ‘coz you already got infected once? Well, that’s not true. While rarely reported, COVID-19 reinfections have been happening. Thus, it would be best if you stay safe and stay informed so as to dodge a second reinfection. Here is everything that you need to know:
Defining COVID-19 Reinfections
The aforementioned ICMR study defines an instance of reinfection as any individual who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on two separate occasions at an interval of at least 102 days with one negative test in between.
Who Is More Likely To Get Reinfected?
Elderly and those people who have comorbidities fall into the high-risk category of getting reinfected and getting severe COVID-19.
Is A COVID-19 Reinfection Going To Be More Severe Than The First One?
If you get infected with COVID-19 for the second time then the infection should be mild. As Dr. Jain explains, “Most people will have protection from the virus. But, in the end, it may vary from person to person.”
COVID-19 Reinfection & Vaccination
Chances are that you might have heard these specific rumours about how those who have already been infected once, don’t need to go for two doses of vaccine and that just one would suffice. However, the claims don’t have much weight as per Dr. Jain. He says, “Single dose of vaccine may offer significantly enhanced protection to those people who already had COVID-19 once. But, to ensure full protection, you will have to take two doses as recommended by the doctor to develop antibodies and get fully immune.”
What About Immunity?
Okay, so you do get some level of immunity after your first COVID-19 infection. However, how long it is going to last depends from person to person. As Dr. Jain shares, “According to studies of those who recover from COVID-19, their immunity to the virus can last at least 8 months or maybe more than that.” However, how long the immunity will last after getting re-infected with COVID-19 is not known yet.
How To Avoid COVID-19 Reinfections
In case you want to avoid a COVID-19 reinfection, there is just one thumb rule that you need to keep in mind–don’t act like the pandemic is over until it actually gets over! For a quick revision, here are some things that you should follow:
-Get vaccinated!
-Wear your mask, sans any expectations.
-Maintain social distancing
-Maintain hygiene
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