Last Updated: 24th July, 2022

COVID-19 Reinfection: What could be the chances of reinfection after the person who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Gets Recovered? This question garnered attention after some reports which surfaced on the internet stated that people who have recovered from COVID-19 infection have later tested positive for the virus again, doubting if the recovery from the virus is barely possible or not.

Furthermore, if a person is reinfected with the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 again, how severe is it? Let’s have a look at what we know about the concept of COVID-19 Reinfection as yet.

Can You Recover From COVID-19?

Catching the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 does not mean you will retain it for life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most of the people who acquire COVID-19 infection can recover. This means you can eliminate the virus from your body once you get completely recovered from the infection.

Can Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Reinfection Happen?

As per the data of other viruses and strains of Coronaviruses, a person tends to develop antibodies in around 7-10 days after getting infected. Therefore, depending upon the type of the virus, these antibodies can offer protection against COVID-19 Reinfection after recovery.

However, you must know that the antibodies offer protection only to a specific strain of the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 that a person was infected with and not against all the strains of the Novel COVID-19.

Pulmonologists and Lung Specialists states “If a person has Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 and recovered, the body certainly develops defensive antibodies to protect against the possible coming back of the infection. But, for how long a person might remain immune to the COVID-19 is not known.”

Does Being Infected With Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Make You Immune?

While it is certain that a person who has been infected with COVID-19 once, attains a defense system through certain antibodies, it is too early to say this protection will last throughout the lifetime as yet.

Moreover, it depends on various factors such as how a person’s immune system might respond post an infection, how long the immunity will be sustained and how effective it will be to offer lifelong protection.

There is nevertheless a lot more to learn and know about immunity post COVID-19 infection. As per data, present as of now, it is barely likely that Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 reinfection to an individual in a brief span of time.

What Could Constitute The Possible Reasons For Testing COVID-19 Reinfection Positive Within Weeks After Recovery?

A positive test after recovery could be identifying the leftover virus that can still be present but is not able to cause infection. A second case may be that the infection was persisting in their bodies at lower levels and then re-emerged.

Or it could also mean that the swab could not capture viral particles during the prior testing process and the tests were false negatives.

What’s The Way Out For Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Reinfection?

As far as immunity with antibodies is concerned, it was revealed recently that Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Kerala is planning to start off with antibody passive immunization as a treatment option for COVID-19 Reinfection.

This treatment aims at utilizing the plasma from recovered Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 patients as it is rich in antibodies. The Indian Council Of Medical Research (ICMR) is finalizing a protocol on Convalescent Plasma Therapy, which will be then submitted to the Drug Controller General of India for prior approval.

Any Notable Tips For A Person To Prevent Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Reinfection?

The set of rules and guidelines for a person who has recovered from Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 remains the same as that for any fit individual. These include:

• Follow social distancing, proper cough etiquette, use face masks and wash your hands regularly to prevent infection.
• Self-quarantine (stay indoor strictly) if anyone in your family or community is tested positive for COVID-19 to lower your chances of getting COVID-19 Reinfection.
• If a person experiences symptom such as cough, fever or difficulty in breathing, it is important to seek urgent medical care. Consult your doctor either on the phone or through online because the chances of recovery are higher if you get access to proper treatment and supportive care.

A Word Of Caution!
Please DO NOT GET OUT OF HOME! DO NOT self-medicate! Consult any doctor if you face any discomfort or symptoms.