Can You Get COVID-19 More Than Once?

December 5, 2021
Young woman getting a COVID-19 test

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:

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.

Father and Daughter Having Fun
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I had to take my son in for an ear infection following a sudden change in temperament at daycare. He was inconsolable the entire car ride but when we got there and by the time we left this care facility he was back to his normal happy go lucky little two year old boy. I highly recommend PhysicianOne Urgent Care.
Patient
Westwood, MA
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