Is It Possible To Get Coronavirus Twice?

Image by Shafin Al Asad Protic from Pixabay

Washington: Many people who have recovered from coronavirus are asking if there is a chance of their being infected again.

Well, it did happen in Hong Kong where a person got the coronavirus a second time, months after the initial infection, reported The New Indian Express (TNIE) quoting AFP.

In the unpublished finding, scientists said the 33-year-old man had mild symptoms the first time but none the second time. This suggests his immune system may have provided some protection against serious illness even if it could not prevent reinfection, the report added.

Researchers said genetic tests revealed different strains of the virus the second time. According to the report, there have been several other cases, such as a man in the U.S. who was sicker the second time than the first.

However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says even if people can get reinfected, it likely wouldn’t happen regularly.

What health experts say

People who had COVID-19 will have some immunity against repeat infection but how much protection, or for how long is not known
If immunity wears off, it could pose a challenge for vaccines
Booster shots may also be needed
It’s also unclear whether reinfected people would be able to spread the virus to others. That’s another reason people should continue to wear masks, social distance and practice good hygiene.