Why are COVID reinfections alarming?

When someone is infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the body is able to retain the memory of the pathogens and create antibodies to fight the microbes if infected with them again, like in the case of measles, and chickenpox. This phenomenon is especially important when it comes to creating vaccines against the illness.

Who is at the risk of getting reinfected with coronavirus?

According to Dr Swapneil Parikh, Internal Medicine specialist, and author of the book, The Coronavirus: What You Need To Know About The Global Pandemic , individuals who may not have an immune response as long-lasting as others, or those people who may not have been able to develop a robust immune response to the COVID virus are at a higher risk of getting reinfected. A recent study published by the Lancet found that although reinfections are rare, those over the age of 65 are at a far higher risk.

Are reinfections more severe?

Dr Swapneil Parikh who was part of a case series study — the first in the world to show that reinfections are likely to be less severe — explains:

Can vaccination help?

Although vaccines are proven to effectively reduce the severity and even prevent infection, there is no definite data when it comes to the longevity of the protection rendered by the vaccine. Though rare, there have also been cases of people catching COVID even after taking the vaccine. Vaccination and natural infections are thought to protect a person from the infection for at least a few months, with Pfizer-BioNTech even releasing a statement saying their COVID vaccine provided protection for up to 6 months. But once again, how long an individual is protected will depend on some variables, including their body's own immune response.

How can I prevent reinfections?

The answer to this question is pretty much the same as the prevention of the infection itself.

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FAQ: Can You Catch COVID Twice? Are Reinfections Severe?

Who is at risk? How long does antibody protection last? We break down the most-asked questions for you.

Anoushka Rajesh

Updated: 05 Apr 2021, 7:33 PM IST

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As India was still grappling with the first wave, trying to prevent and fight off this new infection, reinfections of novel coronavirus were perhaps not the most urgent of our worries.

But as wave after wave continues to wash across the world, and with India reporting record-high numbers by the day, questions that previously occupied the back burner, have now become more urgent. One of these questions being that of reinfections.

A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the first of its kind to shed some light on this phenomenon in India.

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from coronavirus and faq

Topics: COVID-19 FAQ coronavirus FAQ

Published: 05 Apr 2021, 3:24 PM IST