Can You Get COVID-19 More Than Once?

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to impact families across the globe, many questions still remain: How did the novel coronavirus start? Will there ever be a cure? And—perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions of all—can you get COVID-19 more than once?

The scientific and medical communities have come a long way since March 2020 when it comes to understanding COVID-19—the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2—and the likelihood of reinfection. Currently, the general consensus is that COVID-19 reinfection is uncommon, but entirely possible. Here’s why:

• Immunity diminishes as time goes on – Immunity produced by an initial infection weakens over time. This means people who caught COVID-19 around the beginning of the pandemic may now be at risk of reinfection.
• New variants of SARS-CoV-2 are particularly contagious – Variants of SARS-CoV-2 have shown to be significantly more contagious and able to overcome a person’s existing immunity.
• COVID-19 restrictions are loosening – Reduced social distancing measures and a smaller focus on masking and handwashing have opened the door for an increase in cases.
• Immunity provided by vaccines lessens over time – Vaccine immunity is an ongoing area of research, but many scientists believe immunity may begin to wane for some vaccinated individuals around the one-year mark.

There is still much to learn about COVID-19 reinfection, what factors are to blame, and how to prevent getting sick again. Current research shows that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have the lowest risk of reinfection. Conversely, unvaccinated people have the highest risk of reinfection, along with immunocompromised individuals. COVID-19 vaccine boosters are now available and recommended for certain individuals who have weakened immune systems.

PhysicanOne Urgent Care’s Approach to COVID-19

Living through a pandemic is stressful (to say the least), and concrete answers to many questions surrounding COVID-19 may not be provided for years to come. Still, one thing is for certain: PhysicianOne Urgent Care is here to help you navigate today’s health challenges with convenient, easily accessible medical services, including but not limited to:

• COVID-19 testing
• Virtual visits (telemedicine)

You can be assured that PhysicianOne Urgent Care is staying abreast of the latest COVID-19 developments and will continue to follow the most up-to-date treatment and infection control guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our team is here to help you achieve your best health and protect the well-being of those around you.

We’ve Got You

PhysicianOne Urgent Care is a highly rated network of immediate care centers that is certified through the Urgent Care Association (UCA) and affiliated with well-respected names such as Yale New Haven Health and Tufts Medical Center. When you choose us as your urgent care provider, you’ll have access to top-quality medical care 365 days per year on a walk-in basis.

Have more health questions? Maybe we can help. Stop by a PhysicianOne Urgent Care location in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New York today or reserve a virtual visit through our website.