As the coronavirus pandemic continues, new variants are detected, and immunity acquired by infection and vaccines decreases, it is common to hear or know someone who has suffered a Covid-19 reinfection. Currently, most of Mexico’s population has been infected with one of the variants of the coronavirus, and some people have had Covid more than once. Reinfections are becoming more frequent, and this trend of infections may continue.
Since the beginning of the pandemic and as of this article, approximately 6 million Mexicans have been infected with Covid-19.
Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the increase in reinfections is due to reduced immunity acquired by previous infections and vaccines. Likewise, this institution classifies reinfection as receiving a positive result of a Covid-19 test more than 90 days after the last illness. Again, the Ministry of Health SSa states that the rate of reinfection in Mexico has multiplied since the arrival of the Omicron variant. In addition, it notifies that around 20% of all infections reported in the country are due to Covid-19 reinfections.
Osyncron variant, the culprit for the current increase in Covid-19 reinfections
The risk of Covid-19 reinfection increased substantially after discovering the Omicron variant. Due to mutations in its form, this new viral variant is less recognizable to our immune system, meaning that the virus bypasses previously acquired immunity. Likewise, specialists say that another reason for contracting Covid twice is our immunity has decreased since the last time we were infected or vaccinated against the coronavirus. Therefore, it is necessary to go punctually to vaccination and reinforcement campaigns.
How does a Covid-19 reinfection occur?
When someone gets coronavirus, their immune system builds a response through antibodies that will help fight the virus if exposed again. Still, it’s unclear how long this immune response lasts or whether the percentage of antibodies created to beat the disease is too few or disappears quickly. Also, according to the CDC, some people are more likely to suffer from Covid reinfection, among them are:
- People who had severe symptoms at the first infection.
- Those who were hospitalized or needed intensive care.
- People with underlying health problems or conditions.
- Individuals who have not been vaccinated.
Difference between a coronavirus reinfection and Covid sequelae
Most people who have coronavirus recover entirely within days. However, some people may feel unwell for several weeks or months after the infection is confirmed. This is known as Covid sequelae. But how can we distinguish if a person is suffering sequelae or reinfection?
CDC specialists say that if the symptoms of coronavirus never disappear completely, it is likely that they are Covid sequelae. If, on the other hand, the person presents a total improvement and after they experience symptoms again, it is reinfection by Covid-19. Therefore, in case of any suspicion, the ideal is to go immediately to your doctor.
What are the consequences of Covid-19?
Some of the most common sequelae that can remain in people are:
- Breathing problems
- Headaches and migraines
- Insomnia
- Memory or concentration problems
- Loss of smell and taste
- Depression or anxiety
- Dizziness
- Chest pressure
- Digestive problems such as diarrhea and stomach pain
Coronavirus Reinfection May Have Long-Term Health Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, Covid-19 damages the lungs, heart, kidneys, and brain, increasing the risk of long-term health problems. Therefore, suffering from long-term Covid-19 symptoms or reinfection can lead to health complications that remain after coronavirus disease.
In some people, especially older adults and people with severe medical conditions, persistent health effects may include:
- Breathing problems
- Heart complications
- Chronic renal impairment
- Stroke
- Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition that causes temporary paralysis
However, more information is needed on how Covid-19 can affect people’s health in the long term. Still, experts recommend that people continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, avoid indoor spaces, and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
How to protect yourself from reinfection by Covid-19?
Catching Covid-19 is possible even with the full vaccination schedule. Therefore, to protect yourself from infection or reinfection by Covid-19, our experts recommend the following:
- Get vaccinated against Covid-19
- Attend vaccination booster campaigns
- Wear a mask correctly
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid crowds
- Wash your hands frequently
- Ventilation of enclosed spaces
Frequently asked questions about a Covid-19 reinfection
How common are reinfections?
Covid-19 reinfections are becoming more frequent. However, this varies between individuals and the type of current strain of Covid-19 that is active worldwide. For this reason, it is difficult to distinguish how often a person can be reinfected. The Covid-19 virus will continue to evolve, and many people will likely suffer from various reinfections throughout their lives.
Why are Covid reinfections increasing?
The lower use of prevention measures and mutations of the Omicron variant are two factors that have contributed most to the current increase in Covid-19 reinfections. In addition, most people have lost their immunity acquired by previous infections and coronavirus vaccines. This also influences the rise in new Covid cases.
Do coronavirus vaccines help prevent severe Covid reinfection?
Vaccinating against the coronavirus helps prevent severe Covid-19 infection and reinfection, so experts say it’s a good measure, even if you’ve already had Covid. However, the immunity offered by vaccines begins to wane after a few months, so getting a booster is recommended.
Are the symptoms of a Covid-19 reinfection mild or severe?
The severity of the symptoms of reinfection is not entirely determined, as there is no direct link between the severity of the first infection and the second. In addition, the symptoms will depend on the type of variant acquired. However, specialists say that reinfections in vaccinated people are generally less severe.