Queen should 'focus on health' after Covid diagnosis says expert
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
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.
In fact, reinfection after having Omicron was five times more likely than with other Covid variants.
Analysis from the UKHSA in December found one in 10 people with Omicron had already had coronavirus once before.
Can you get Covid twice in one month?
It’s very rare, but some people have had Covid twice in the space of a month
These cases seem to be when someone has had two different variants – for example having Delta, and then contracting Omicron – but research hasn’t proved this theory yet.
However, most reports indicate you are likely to avoid reinfection within three months of having Covid.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) defines reinfection as testing positive for Covid 90 days after a previous infection.
During that 90 days, the person should have also had a month of testing negative.
DON’T MISS:
Cancer symptoms: Two signs to spot when going to the toilet [UPDATE]
Queen Covid symptoms: Latest confirmed Queen symptoms [INSIGHT]
Kirstie Allsopp urges caution following the Queen’s Covid diagnosis [REACTION]
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.
Source: Read Full Article