If you’ve caught Covid once, does that mean you’re out of the woods? Unfortunately not. As the coronavirus pandemic continues, reinfection rates have increased. Research hasn’t yet determined how long you are immune to Covid for after infection, but here’s what we know so far about reinfections.
Coronavirus cases across the UK are steadily declining, but plenty of Brits will still get struck by the Omicron variant.
Some people may think that after getting Covid, they can enjoy a period of immunity to getting it again.
But, this is not actually the case.
A study from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Imperial College London showed although Omicron tended to have milder symptoms, reinfection was far more likely than with other variants.
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So, if you’ve recently recovered from Covid and you start experiencing symptoms, you should not rule out reinfection.
Studies have suggested immunity after having Covid once could last anywhere from three months to several years.
What’s important to remember is unlike other illnesses, catching Covid once definitely does not mean you can’t get it again.
Testing regularly using lateral flow tests is one way to keep checking your Covid status, and you should keep testing yourself if you’re going to work or events.
According to the ZOE Covid study, the five most common coronavirus symptoms are:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Persistent cough
Even after a person starts testing negative for coronavirus and is no longer infected, symptoms can last longer.
Some people experience long Covid, where symptoms linger for months after having coronavirus.
The best way to avoid unpleasant Covid symptoms is to get all your vaccinations.
Taking measures, such as wearing face masks, in public places and socialising in well-ventilated places can reduce your risk of catching coronavirus.
