Another covid concern: getting infected a second time
About 100 people in Washington state who got infected with coronavirus once and recovered, could be infected a second time.
Here’s what we know and don’t know about Covid reinfections.
The cases under study indicate that when a person becomes infected the first time with Covid-19, they develop immunity. But that immunity doesn’t last long.
“Just like the flu, immunity wanes over time,” said Dr. Jason Goldman, an infectious disease doctor at Swedish Medical Center who’s studying reinfection cases.
This is why flu vaccines are recommended every year.
Goldman says these reinfections help us better understand immune response. In the meantime, he urges everyone to keep taking precautions, such was wearing masks, practicing social distance, and washing hands.
“And as we head indoors more in the colder months, as a community we need to re-up on this,” Dor. Goldman said.
Goldman says while the chances of reinfection are generally low, he expects to see more cases in the months ahead.
Worldwide, there are 20 documented cases of reinfection.
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Ruby de Luna
Reporter
Ruby de Luna is a reporter with a focus on food and how it intersects with health, communities, and culture. She has also reported on health care, and immigrant communities.
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