Can I Get COVID-19 Again?

After the disease outbreak in December 2019, a new strain of coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV-2 was identified in Wuhan, China. The infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 is called coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19. The virus had spread all over the world and in March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Usually, viruses mutate as they infect more people. Several variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been identified and named after the region where they were first discovered. Some of the variants have proven to be more contagious than others, with some being fatal.

• The virus spreads primarily through droplets of discharge from the nose or saliva when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the droplets are inhaled by a nearby person. The virus spreads between people in close contact within 6 feet.
• Sometimes, the virus can spread to a person exposed to small droplets or aerosols that stay in the air for several minutes or hours.
• The virus can also spread if a person touches a surface or object with the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes.

On average, it may take 5-6 days for symptoms to appear after getting infected with the virus. However, for some people this can vary from 1-14 days.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever of 100 degrees F or higher
• Dry cough
• Tiredness

Other symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Body aches and pain
• Shortness of breath
• Mucus or phlegm
• Sore throat
• Conjunctivitis
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Nasal congestion
• Muscle or joint pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Skin rash or discoloration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Persistent chest pain or pressure in the chest
• Loss of speech or movement
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion
• High temperature
• Bluish lips or face

Rare symptoms include:

• Severe neurological complications, such as delirium, brain inflammation, stroke and nerve damage
• Reduced consciousness associated with seizures

If you notice any of the above symptoms, seek medical help and get tested to check for COVID-19. 

Most people infected with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate respiratory infection and recover without needing any special treatment. Some people may even be asymptomatic. However, older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are likely to develop serious complications. 

Potential complications of COVID-19 include:

• Pneumonia 
• Respiratory failure
• Heart problems
• Liver problems
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• Blood clots in legs, lungs or arteries
• Acute kidney failure
• Additional viral and bacterial infections
• Multi-organ failure
• Sepsis and septic shock

Getting vaccinated is the best protection from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. Even after vaccination, the following precautions should be followed to reduce the risk of reinfection: 

• Wear a face mask in public, covering the nose and mouth. 
• Practice social distancing and avoid 6 feet between you and other people.
• Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your mouth and nose:
  • If wearing a mask: Cough or sneeze into the mask. Change the mask as soon as possible and wash your hands.
  • If not wearing a mask: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. Throw away the used tissue and wash your hands immediately.
• Don’t touch your nose, mouth or face, as coronaviruses can live on surfaces for several hours.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Be alert for symptoms of COVID-19.