🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 168 (from laksa060)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa168.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/worried-about-getting-covid-again-heres-what-to-know/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/worried-about-getting-covid-again-heres-what-to-know/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/worried-about-getting-covid-again-heres-what-to-know\/","crawl_time":1775606627,"first_indexed_time":1680277940,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,cnet!www,\/health\/medical\/worried-about-getting-covid-again-heres-what-to-know\/ s443","src_root_hash":"2383275557131820768","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Worried About Getting COVID Again? Here's What to Know - CNET","meta_descriptions":["A lot has changed since the pandemic started. Here's what the experts say about reinfection, COVID-19 immunity and how long it lasts."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"As COVID-19 has mutated into new variants of the virus, scientists' understanding of immunity and public health measures have changed, too. Mask mandates have\nfallen in some cities and public spaces\n(though some areas or businesses may require them), public health officials are considering an annual \nsimplified vaccine strategy in the US\nand\nWorld Health Organization officials this week\nsaid people in higher-risk groups, not those of medium or low risk, should \nbe the priority\nin vaccine plans moving forward. \nThese developing plans reflect a new state of the pandemic, once the\nemergency expires\nin the US in May, and a new way to handle COVID-19, which has been circulating in various forms of omicron since late 2021. While the burden of COVID-19 is simmering at\nmuch lower levels than earlier\nin the pandemic, the fact that the virus is still around making people sick will eventually spur the question (if it hasn't already): What happens when you get COVID-19 again? \nCOVID-19 reinfection happens when you have the virus for a second, third or fourth time, or more. While confirmed \ncases of it were relatively uncommon\nin the early stages of the pandemic, many people have gotten COVID-19 more than once, or will get it again in the future.\nHere's what the experts say about immunity arising from past infections and vaccines, what you should know about the risk of long COVID after another bout of COVID-19, and more.\nHow long does COVID immunity last?\nA\nmeta-analysis\nof 65 studies published in The Lancet in February found that protection against severe disease from prior infection with COVID-19 is high with all past variants, while protection against reinfection, or getting sick again, was lower and declined pretty rapidly with the omicron variant (BA.1). Perhaps most importantly, the study found that protection against severe disease for COVID-19, in general, remained high for 40 weeks (10 months). \nDr. Christopher Murray, director of the\nInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation\nand one of the authors of the analysis, says that when you talk about COVID-19 immunity, you need to consider it as two parts: protection against severe disease, and protection against infection. \nWhile protection against getting infected with COVID-19 again after you've already had it is \"not great,\" Murray said, \"immunity to prevent severe disease and death is really quite good.\" \nSomeone's risk of severe disease or being hospitalized with the virus will depend on different factors, including their age (\nolder adults have the highest risk\n) or medical conditions. But in terms of your individual immunity, take note of the last time you had your immune system stimulated against COVID-19. \n\"The key thing to the individual is to remember when was the last vaccination you've had, or the last time you were sure you got infected,\" Murray said.\n\"We know there's sustained immunity for at least 10 months,\" he said, referring to protection against severe disease. \"That'll tell you when the clock starts ticking about immunity.\" \nWhat's changed in the way we think about immunity?\n\"I think now we're seeing the value of natural immunity that we didn't know a year or two ago,\" said Dr. Mike Sevilla, a family physician who practices in Ohio. \"The population in general has already been exposed to the COVID virus in one way or another,\" Sevilla added, whether it was from the vaccine, an infection or both. \nIt also appears we've officially said \"goodbye\" to the idea of\nherd immunity\n-- the concept that enough of the population having immunity would also work against COVID-19 and would stop its spread. \n\"You're not gonna stop the transmission of the virus just by a lot of people getting infected or vaccinated,\" Murray said. \"That's a pretty big change in thinking from two years ago, I'd say.\" \nDrAfter123\/Getty Images\nAre symptoms worse when you get COVID again? What about long COVID?\nBecause the variant someone is infected with can partly determine the\nseverity of their illness\n, how sick someone gets with a reinfection might depend on whether they were infected with a version of omicron or an earlier variant, according to Sevilla.\n\"It really depends on when they had their infection, as opposed to whether they had it two or three times,\" he said. \nAccording to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,\nsymptoms during your reinfection with COVID-19\n, compared to the first illness, are likely to be less severe. However, some people get more severe illness, the agency notes. Testing, treatment and\nisolation guidelines\nduring your second or third COVID-19 infection are also the same as for your first.\nLong COVID\nis a lingering condition that results in someone experiencing lasting symptoms or mental or physical changes after their body has cleared the infection. Does getting infected again increase the risk for long COVID?\n\"It's hard to answer that one, but we have seen a pretty strong link between severity and risk of long COVID,\" Murray said. That is, people who need to be hospitalized or get very sick with the virus have a higher risk of long COVID in general. \nAccording to an \narticle\nby the American Medical Association, each time you get COVID-19, your\nrisk for developing chronic health issues\n, including organ damage, goes up. Damage to different organs in the body is one of the many different ways long COVID affects people. \nResearchers who published a\nlarge review on long COVID\nearlier this year in Nature Reviews Microbiology wrote that early research suggests an increasing risk of long COVID symptoms with reinfection, but that early evidence also shows a flipped relationship with certain immune responses in people with long COVID possibly making them more susceptible to getting the virus again.\nWhat doctors want people to know about COVID risk \n\"We're definitely in a better place, public health-wise, than we were at the start of the pandemic,\" Sevilla said, adding that his focus is on his older and higher-risk patients, which include people with diabetes, heart disease and those who survived cancer.\nMurray says that for many adults who don't have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe disease, the effect of COVID-19 is milder and resembles influenza -- a stark contrast to earlier stages of the pandemic when COVID-19 was much more severe, Murray added. But COVID-19 still does not have a flat risk profile.\n\"The very elderly are still at high risk, and if they haven't recently had a booster or been recently infected..then that's a real risk,\" Murray said, noting that people who are immunosuppressed should also \"err on the side of great caution\" when considering how much time has passed since their last vaccine or infection.\nUpdated boosters that target the omicron variant\nare available for children and adults, as long as it's been at least two months since your last shot. (Learn more about staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines on the CDC's website.) \n\"People need to change their mindset,\" Murray said. \"It's not 'you got vaccinated, you're done' or 'you got infected, you're done.' Keep track of when you last had something that stimulated your immunity.\" \nOlder adults and people with certain medical conditions are also eligible for treatments including \nPaxlovid\n, which\ncuts the risk of being hospitalized or dying\nin high-risk patients. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or get a positive test, and you are at high risk of severe disease, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to see your treatment options. As outlined in a\nMedscape post\n by Dr. Eric Topol, editor-in-chief of the publication and executive vice president of Scripps Research, the people who need treatment the most may not be getting it. \nThe fact that COVID-19 has become a more manageable disease for many people partly reflects that we haven't had a significantly new variant since late 2021 or early 2022 when\nomicron became dominant and started mutating\ninto different (and more contagious) versions of itself. Murray says that the risk for a new dominant variant which causes more severe disease or has immune escape (gets around protection from vaccines or past illness) is there, and would be \"very concerning.\"\nBut relatively speaking on the variant front right now, Murray said, \"We're doing well.\" ","attrs_markdown":"X\n\n[Your Guide To a Better Future](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/ \"CNET\")\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=cnet.com)\n\n- [News](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/news\/ \"News\")\n- [AI](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/ai-atlas\/ \"AI\")\n- [Tech](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/ \"Tech\")\n  - [VPN](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/vpn\/)\n  - [Phones](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/phones\/)\n  - [Laptops](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/laptops\/)\n  - [Audio](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/audio\/)\n  - [TV](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/tvs\/)\n  - [Services & Software](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/)\n  - [Computers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/desktops\/)\n  [All Tech](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/ \"Tech\")\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/ \"Home\")\n  - [Home Security](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/)\n  - [Smart Home](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/)\n  - [Kitchen & Household](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/)\n  - [Yard & Outdoors](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/)\n  - [Home Internet](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/)\n  [All Home](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/ \"Home\")\n- [Entertainment](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/culture\/entertainment\/ \"Entertainment\")\n  - [Gaming](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/)\n  - [TV & Movies](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/streaming-services\/)\n  - [Streaming](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/streaming-services\/)\n  [All Entertainment](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/culture\/entertainment\/ \"Entertainment\")\n- [Wellness](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/ \"Wellness\")\n  - [Sleep](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/)\n  - [Nutrition](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/)\n  - [Fitness](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/fitness\/)\n  - [Personal Care](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/)\n  [All Wellness](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/ \"Wellness\")\n- [Gift Guides](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/ \"Gift Guides\")\n- [Cover Stories](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/feature\/cover-stories\/ \"Cover Stories\")\n- [More](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/worried-about-getting-covid-again-heres-what-to-know\/ \"More\")\n  - [Money](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/personal-finance\/)\n  - [CNET Video](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/videos\/)\n  - [Editors' Choice](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/editors-choice\/)\n  [All More](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/worried-about-getting-covid-again-heres-what-to-know\/ \"More\")\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=cnet.com)\n\nBack\n\nToday's Highlights\n\n- 01  [Amazon Big Spring Sale: Live Updates](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/news-live\/amazon-big-spring-sale-2026-favorite-lightning-deals-live-tracker\/)\n- 02  [Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-amazon-spring-sale-deals-2026\/)\n- 03  [Apple's 50-Year Legacy of Product Innovation, Through CNET's Lens](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/features\/apple-50th-anniversary-best-products\/)\n- 04  [Apple AirPods Max 2 Review](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/apple-airpods-max-2-review)\n- 05  [Why Your AT\\&T Unlimited Plan Could Cost \\$20 More Each Month Starting in April 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/att-unlimited-plan-price-hike-april-2026)\n- 06  [iPhone 17E Review: Magnetically Appealing (and Pink)](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/apple-iphone-17e-review\/)\n- 07  [Top 100 Channels on Live TV Streaming Services: YouTube TV, Hulu Live and More](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/top-100-channels-live-tv-streaming-services-look-youtubetv-hulu-live-more\/)\n- 08  [These Are the 22 Official Best of CES Winners This Year](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/best-of-ces-2026\/)\n- 09  [Best VPN 2026: Top 5 Services Tested](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-vpn\/)\n\nAI\n\n- [Still Haven't Gotten Into the Viral Sora 2 App? 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2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-tweens\/)\n\nGifts For Everyone\n\n- [The 23 Best Luxury Gifts Our Editors Say Are Worth Every Penny](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-luxury-gifts\/)\n- [Best Gifts Available on Amazon: From \\$10 to \\$250](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-available-on-amazon\/)\n- [34 Unique Gifts for People Who Have Everything](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything\/)\n\nBack\n\nGift Guide\n\nOur gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/)\n\nBest Tech Gifts\n\n- [39 of the Best Tech Gifts Under \\$100 for 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-tech-gifts-under-100\/)\n- [Best Gifts for Gamers in 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-gamers\/)\n- [Best Travel Tech Gifts: Must-Haves for the Journey and the Destination](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-travel-tech-gifts\/)\n\nGifts For Kids\n\n- [Best Toys for Kids in 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-toys-for-kids\/)\n- [36 Best Gifts for Teens in 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-teens\/)\n- [24 of the Best Gifts for Tweens in 2026](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-for-tweens\/)\n\nGifts For Everyone\n\n- [The 23 Best Luxury Gifts Our Editors Say Are Worth Every Penny](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-luxury-gifts\/)\n- [Best Gifts Available on Amazon: From \\$10 to \\$250](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/best-gifts-available-on-amazon\/)\n- [34 Unique Gifts for People Who Have Everything](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/gifts\/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything\/)\n\nBack\n\nAI\n\nStay up to date on developments in the rapidly evolving world of AI with AI Atlas.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/ai-atlas\/)\n\nAI News\n\n- [iPhone 16E AI](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/these-6-apple-intelligence-features-prove-that-apples-ai-tech-is-useful-now\/)\n- [Apple Intelligence Reboot](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/apple-reportedly-planning-ai-comeback-complete-with-a-tabletop-robot\/)\n- [Galaxy S25 AI](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/my-first-48-hours-with-the-galaxy-s25-ultra-has-me-in-awe\/)\n- [ChatGPT Image Gen](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/chatgpts-gpus-are-melting-as-people-make-studio-ghibli-esque-ai-images\/)\n\nAI Reviews\n\n- [Best AI Image Generators](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-ai-image-generators\/)\n- [ChatGPT Free vs. Plus](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/heres-what-we-thought-of-chatgpt-free-vs-chatgpt-plus-back-in-2024\/)\n- [Google Gemini](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/what-is-gemini-everything-you-should-know-about-googles-ai-tool\/)\n- [Microsoft Copilot](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/microsoft-copilot-chatbot-review-bing-is-my-default-search-engine-now\/)\n- [Best AI Chatbots](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-ai-chatbots\/)\n- [Best AI Website Builders](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-ai-website-builder\/)\n- [ChatGPT vs Gemini](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/chatgpt-vs-google-gemini\/)\n\nAI Guides\n\n- [How to Detect AI](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/how-to-detect-ai-writing-using-these-tips\/)\n- [What is an LLM](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/llms-and-ai-arent-the-same-everything-you-should-know-about-whats-behind-chatbots\/)\n- [AI Resume Writing](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/how-to-write-a-resume-using-chatgpt\/)\n- [ChatGPT Glossary](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/chatgpt-glossary\/)\n\nBack\n\nVPN\n\nVPN reviews and guides from our experts to help you boost your online privacy.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/vpn\/)\n\nBest VPNs\n\n- [Best VPN](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-vpn\/)\n- [iPhone](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-vpn-for-iphone\/)\n- [Free](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-free-vpn\/)\n- [Amazon Fire Stick](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-vpn-for-firestick\/)\n- [Mobile](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-mobile-vpn\/)\n- [Streaming](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-vpn-for-streaming\/)\n- [VPN Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-vpn-deals\/)\n\nVPN Reviews\n\n- [ExpressVPN](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/expressvpn-review\/)\n- [Surfshark](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/surfshark-vpn-review\/)\n- [NordVPN](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/nordvpn-review\/)\n- [NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/expressvpn-vs-nordvpn\/)\n\nBack\n\nPhones\n\nExpert reviews and insightful guides on the latest phones to help you find the perfect device for your needs.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/phones\/)\n\nBest Phones\n\n- [Best Overall Phones](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-phone\/)\n- [iPhone](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-iphone\/)\n- [Android](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-android-phone\/)\n- [iPhone Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-iphone-16-deals\/)\n\nBest Phone Plans\n\n- [Family Plans](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-family-phone-plan\/)\n- [Cellphone Plans](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-phone-plans\/)\n- [Unlimited Plans](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-unlimited-data-plan\/)\n\nPhone Reviews\n\n- [Galaxy S25 Ultra](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/galaxy-s25-ultra-review-greatest-phone-screen-ever-and-lets-not-talk-about-the-ai\/)\n- [iPhone 16 Pro](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/apple-iphone-16-pro-and-pro-max-review-compelling-upgrade-with-my-favorite-iphone-feature-in-years\/)\n- [iPhone 16 Cases](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-iphone-16-and-iphone-16-pro-cases\/)\n\nBack\n\nLaptops\n\nGuides from our experts to help you find the best laptop for your specific needs.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/laptops\/)\n\nBest Laptops\n\n- [Best Laptop](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-laptop\/)\n- [School Laptop](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-laptop-for-college\/)\n- [Macbook](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-macbook\/)\n- [Windows](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-windows-laptop\/)\n- [Battery Life](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-battery-life-laptop\/)\n- [Lightweight](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-lightweight-laptop\/)\n- [Gaming](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-gaming-laptop\/)\n- [Budget](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-budget-laptop\/)\n- [Monitors](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-monitor\/)\n\nLaptop Guides\n\n- [Chromebook vs. Laptop](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/chromebook-vs-laptop-whats-the-difference\/)\n- [MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/macbook-air-vs-macbook-pro-which-macbook-should-i-buy\/)\n- [Laptop Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-laptop-deals\/)\n\nBack\n\nAudio\n\nThe best of our audio guides to help you make the most of your listening experience.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/audio\/)\n\nBest Earbuds\n\n- [Wireless](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-wireless-earbuds\/)\n- [Budget](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-cheap-budget-wireless-earbuds\/)\n- [Noise-Canceling](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-noise-canceling-wireless-earbuds\/)\n\nBest Headphones\n\n- [Best Overall Headphones](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-headphones\/)\n- [Noise Canceling](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-noise-canceling-headphones\/)\n- [Work from Home](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/best-headphones-for-work-at-home\/)\n\nBest Speakers\n\n- [Bluetooth](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-bluetooth-speaker\/)\n- [Record Players](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-record-player-and-turntable\/)\n- [AV Receivers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-av-receiver\/)\n\nBack\n\nTV\n\nWe'll help you make your entertainment as good as the movies.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/tvs\/)\n\nBest TVs\n\n- [Best Overall TVs](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-tv\/)\n- [65-inch](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-65-inch-tv\/)\n- [75-inch](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-75-inch-tv\/)\n- [Budget](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-budget-tv\/)\n- [TV Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-tv-deals\/)\n- [QLED vs. OLED](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/qled-vs-oled-whats-better\/)\n\nTV Accessories\n\n- [Best Projectors](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-projector\/)\n- [Best TV Antenna](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-indoor-tv-antenna\/)\n\nTV Streaming Devices\n\n- [Best Streaming Device](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-streaming-device\/)\n- [Best Fire TV Stick](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/home-entertainment\/best-fire-tv-stick\/)\n\nBack\n\nServices & Software\n\nAll the news and tips you need to get the most out of services, apps and software you use every day.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/)\n\nServices and Software\n\n- [Best Antivirus Software](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-antivirus\/)\n- [Best Password Manager](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-password-manager\/)\n- [Extra 15GB Gmail Storage](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/gmail-inbox-zero-15gb-free-storage-space\/)\n\niOS Tips\n\n- [Settings to Change](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/mobile\/not-ready-for-ios-26-10-ios-18-settings-to-tweak-asap\/)\n- [How to Clear Your Cache](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/iphone-browser-clear-cache\/)\n- [Hidden Features](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/11-hidden-ios-18-5-features-i-love\/)\n\nWeb Hosting\n\n- [Minecraft Server](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-minecraft-server-hosting\/)\n- [Best Web Hosting Services](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-web-hosting\/)\n- [Best Cheap Web Hosting](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-cheap-web-hosting\/)\n\nBack\n\nComputers\n\nWhat you need for work and play, and how to get the most out of it.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/desktops\/)\n\nBest Computers\n\n- [Desktop Computer](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-desktop-computer\/)\n- [Gaming PC](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-gaming-pc\/)\n- [iMac Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-imac-deals\/)\n\nBest Tablets\n\n- [Best Overall Tablet](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-tablet\/)\n- [Best iPad](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-ipad\/)\n- [E Ink Tablets](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/best-e-ink-tablets\/)\n- [iPad Pro Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-ipad-pro-deals\/)\n\nComputer Tips\n\n- [Recycle Old Tech](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/where-to-recycle-your-old-pc-laptop-and-printer-for-free\/)\n- [Windows on Mac](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/computing\/how-to-run-windows-from-your-mac\/)\n\nBack\n\nHome Security\n\nPractical advice on keeping your home safe and secure.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/)\n\nBest Home Security Cameras\n\n- [Best Overall Security Camera](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-home-security-camera\/)\n- [Outdoor](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-outdoor-home-security-cameras\/)\n- [With No Subscription](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-home-security-cameras-without-subscriptions\/)\n- [Wireless](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-wireless-home-security-cameras\/)\n\nBest Security Systems\n\n- [Best Overall Security System](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-home-security-system\/)\n- [DIY Security System](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-diy-home-security-systems\/)\n\nBest Security Products\n\n- [Ring Video Doorbell](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-ring-video-doorbells\/)\n- [Smoke Detectors](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-smoke-detector\/)\n- [Smart Locks](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-smart-locks\/)\n- [Video Doorbells](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/best-video-doorbell-cameras\/)\n\nBack\n\nSmart Home\n\nEverything you need to know to build a smart home that works for you.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/)\n\nBest in Smart Home\n\n- [Indoor Smart Garden](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-indoor-garden\/)\n- [HomeKit](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-apple-homekit-siri-devices\/)\n- [Smart Thermostats](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/energy-and-utilities\/best-smart-thermostats\/)\n- [Smart Garage Door Controller](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-smart-garage-door-opener-controller\/)\n- [Smart Plugs](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-smart-plugs\/)\n- [Smart Displays](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-smart-displays\/)\n- [Smart Home Devices](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-smart-home-devices\/)\n- [Smart Lights](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-smart-lights\/)\n- [Amazon Alexa](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-alexa-devices\/)\n- [Smart Home Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-smart-home-deals\/)\n\nBest Electric Vehicles\n\n- [Best Overall EVs](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/electric-vehicles\/best-ev-electric-car\/)\n- [EV Chargers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/electric-vehicles\/best-ev-charger\/)\n- [Budget](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/electric-vehicles\/the-most-affordable-electric-cars\/)\n\nBack\n\nKitchen & Household\n\nFrom coffee makers to robot vacuums, we tackle what you need to know to keep your home running smoothly.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/)\n\nBest in Home Tech\n\n- [Dishwashers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-dishwasher\/)\n- [Car Vacuums](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-car-vacuum\/)\n- [Showerheads](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-showerhead\/)\n- [Air Purifiers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-air-purifier\/)\n- [Cordless Vacuums](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-cordless-vacuum\/)\n- [Robot Vacuums](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-robot-vacuum\/)\n\nBest for Home Office\n\n- [Office Chairs](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-office-chairs\/)\n- [Standing Desks](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-standing-desk\/)\n- [Surge Protectors](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-surge-protector\/)\n- [Tower Fans](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-tower-fans\/)\n- [Dehumidifiers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-dehumidifier\/)\n\nBest in the Kitchen\n\n- [Air Fryers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-air-fryer\/)\n- [Bread Machines](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-bread-machines\/)\n- [Meat Thermometers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-meat-thermometers\/)\n- [Nonstick Pans](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/best-nonstick-pan\/)\n\nBack\n\nYard & Outdoors\n\nAll the tools, gear and skills you need to keep your home's yard and outdoor spaces looking sharp.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/)\n\nBest in Yard & Outdoors\n\n- [Garden Hoses](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/best-garden-hoses\/)\n- [Pressure Washers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/best-pressure-washer\/)\n- [Water Guns](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/best-water-guns\/)\n- [Grills](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/best-grill\/)\n- [Electric Lawn Mowers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/yard-and-outdoors\/best-electric-lawn-mower\/)\n- [Solar Batteries](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/solar\/best-solar-batteries\/)\n- [Portable Power Stations](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/energy-and-utilities\/best-portable-power-stations\/)\n\nBack\n\nHome Internet\n\nWe unpack everything you need to know about internet service.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/)\n\nInternet Reviews\n\n- [Verizon 5G](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/verizon-5g-home-internet-review\/)\n- [T-Mobile 5G](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/t-mobile-5g-home-internet-review\/)\n- [Xfinity Internet](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/xfinity-internet-review\/)\n- [AT\\&T Internet Air](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/at-t-internet-air-review\/)\n- [Starlink](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/starlink-internet-review\/)\n- [Best ISPs](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-internet-providers\/)\n\nBest Routers\n\n- [Best Overall Routers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-wi-fi-routers\/)\n- [Gaming](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-gaming-routers\/)\n- [Wi-Fi Extenders](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-wifi-extenders\/)\n- [Mesh Wi-Fi Systems](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-mesh-wifi-routers\/)\n\nTop ISPs by Location\n\n- [Chicago, IL](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-internet-providers-in-chicago-il\/)\n- [San Francisco, CA](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-internet-providers-in-san-francisco-ca\/)\n- [Houston, TX](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-internet-providers-in-houston-tx\/)\n- [New York, NY](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/internet\/best-internet-providers-in-new-york-ny\/)\n\nBack\n\nGaming\n\nReviews, news and buying advice on console, PC, handheld and VR gaming.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/)\n\nNintendo Switch 2\n\n- [How to Buy the Switch 2](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/nintendo-switch-2-restock-tracker\/)\n- [Switch 1 vs. Switch 2](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/nintendo-switch-2-vs-switch-1-gamers-start-your-specs-breakdowns\/)\n- [Switch Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-nintendo-switch-deals\/)\n\nBest Games by Platform\n\n- [Nintendo Switch](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/top-best-nintendo-switch-games\/)\n- [PlayStation 5](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-ps5-games\/)\n- [Xbox](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-xbox-games-for-xbox-one-series-x-s\/)\n- [PC Games](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-pc-games-right-now\/)\n- [Mobile](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/the-15-best-mobile-games-in-2025-top-iphone-and-android-games\/)\n- [Virtual Reality](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-vr-games\/)\n\nBest Gaming Hardware\n\n- [VR Headsets](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-vr-headset\/)\n- [SSDs for PS5](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/best-m2-ssd\/)\n\nBest Gaming Deals\n\n- [PlayStation Plus](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-playstation-plus-deals\/)\n- [Xbox Game Pass](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-xbox-game-pass-deals\/)\n- [Free Xbox Game Pass](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/gaming\/how-to-get-xbox-game-pass-for-free\/)\n- [Xbox Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-xbox-deals\/)\n\nBack\n\nTV & Movies\n\nWhen and where to watch TV shows, movies, and live events on streaming services.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/streaming-services\/)\n\nWhat to Watch\n\n- [Best Shows This Week](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/what-to-stream-on-tv-this-week-nonnas-poker-face-and-more\/)\n- [Best Netflix Shows](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-tv-shows-netflix\/)\n- [Best Netflix Movies](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-movies-on-netflix\/)\n- [Best Max Shows](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/culture\/entertainment\/best-shows-to-watch-on-hbo-max\/)\n- [Best Max Movies](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-movies-to-watch-on-hbo-max\/)\n- [Best Prime Video Shows](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-shows-to-watch-on-prime-video\/)\n- [Best Prime Video Horror Movies](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-horror-movies-to-watch-on-prime-video\/)\n- [Best Prime Video Sci-Fi Movies](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/prime-video-best-sci-fi-movies\/)\n- [Best Disney Plus Shows](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/disney-plus-best-tv-shows-2026\/)\n- [Best Apple TV Sci-Fi Shows](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-apple-tv-plus-sci-fi-shows\/)\n- [Best Hulu Horror Movies](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/culture\/entertainment\/best-horror-movies-on-hulu\/)\n- [Best Peacock Shows](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-shows-to-watch-on-peacock\/)\n\nBack\n\nStreaming\n\nNews, comparisons and advice to help you make sense of streaming.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/streaming-services\/)\n\nBest Streaming Services\n\n- [Best Overall Streaming Services](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-streaming-service\/)\n- [Free](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-free-tv-streaming-services\/)\n- [Live TV](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-live-tv-streaming-service-for-cord-cutters\/)\n- [4K Content](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-streaming-services-for-4k-content\/)\n- [Kids](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-streaming-services-for-kids\/)\n- [Music](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-music-streaming-service\/)\n- [Streaming Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-streaming-service-deals\/)\n\nStreaming Service Reviews\n\n- [YouTube TV](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/youtube-tv-review\/)\n- [Hulu Plus Live TV](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/hulu-plus-live-tv-review-for-cord-cutters-who-enjoy-premium-channels-perks\/)\n- [Netflix](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/netflix-review-our-top-pick-sea-streaming-choices\/)\n- [Max](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/max-streaming-service-review-loads-of-content-but-you-have-to-make-it-fit-you\/)\n- [Youtube TV vs. Hulu Plus TV](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/youtube-tv-vs-hulu-plus-live-tv-rated-the-pros-and-cons-of-each-streaming-service\/)\n\nBack\n\nSleep\n\nOur science-backed advice will help you sleep well every night.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/)\n\nBest Mattresses\n\n- [Best Overall](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-mattresses\/)\n- [King](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-king-mattress\/)\n- [Firm](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-firm-mattress\/)\n- [Memory Foam](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-memory-foam-mattress\/)\n- [Twin](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-twin-mattress\/)\n- [Adjustable](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-adjustable-mattress\/)\n- [Plus Size](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-mattress-for-heavy-people\/)\n- [Side Sleepers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-mattress-for-side-sleepers\/)\n- [Air Mattresses](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-air-mattress\/)\n\nMattress Reviews\n\n- [Tempur-Pedic](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/tempurpedic-mattress-review\/)\n- [DreamCloud](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/dreamcloud-mattress-review\/)\n- [Nectar](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/nectar-mattress-review\/)\n- [Beautyrest](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/beautyrest-mattress-review\/)\n- [Helix](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/helix-mattress-reviews\/)\n- [Purple](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/ive-tested-every-purple-mattress-here-are-my-thoughts-on-the-new-line\/)\n- [Mattress Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-mattress-deals\/)\n\nBest Sleep Products\n\n- [Cooling Comforters](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-cooling-comforters\/)\n- [Cooling Mattress Toppers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-cooling-mattress-toppers\/)\n- [Earplugs for Sleeping](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-earplugs-for-sleeping\/)\n- [Sleep Trackers](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-sleep-tracker\/)\n- [Travel Pillows](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-travel-pillows\/)\n- [Best Pillows](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-pillow\/)\n- [Cooling Pillows](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/best-cooling-pillows\/)\n- [Sleep Headphones](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/sleep\/cnet-experts-8-favorite-sleep-headphones-in-2026\/)\n\nBack\n\nNutrition\n\nFrom plant-based meat to the latest diet trend, we help you eat healthy.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/)\n\nBest Meal Kits\n\n- [Best Overall Meal Kit](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/best-meal-kit-delivery-service\/)\n- [Meal Delivery Deals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/deals\/best-meal-kit-and-meal-delivery-deals\/)\n- [Vegan](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/best-vegan-meal-delivery-services\/)\n- [Healthy](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/best-healthy-meal-delivery-service\/)\n- [Meat Delivery](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/best-meat-delivery-service\/)\n- [Keto](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/best-keto-meal-delivery\/)\n- [Cheapest](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/cheapest-meal-delivery-service\/)\n\nNutrition Tips\n\n- [Protein Visual Guide](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/what-100-grams-protein-looks-like-plate-different-diets\/)\n- [Meal Kits vs. Groceries](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/meal-kits-have-gotten-cheap-but-are-they-cheaper-than-groceries\/)\n- [Natural Sugar Substitutes](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/the-6-best-natural-sugar-substitutes-want-cut-out-processed-white-sugar\/)\n- [Apple Cider Vinegar](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/nutrition\/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits-side-effects-dosage\/)\n\nBack\n\nFitness\n\nNo matter your fitness goals, we've got the expert tips you need.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/fitness\/)\n\nBest Fitness Equipment\n\n- [Peloton Alternatives](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/fitness\/best-peloton-alternatives\/)\n- [Smart Home Gyms](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/fitness\/best-smart-home-gym\/)\n- [Exercise Bikes](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/fitness\/best-exercise-bike\/)\n- [Treadmills](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/fitness\/best-treadmills\/)\n- [Ellipticals](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/fitness\/best-elliptical\/)\n\nBest Fitness Accessories\n\n- [Smart Scale](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/fitness\/get-accurate-readings-with-the-best-smart-scales-for-your-bathroom\/)\n- [Massage Guns](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/fitness\/best-massage-gun\/)\n- [Heart Rate Monitor](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/fitness\/best-chest-strap-heart-rate-monitors\/)\n\nBack\n\nPersonal Care\n\nWe share how to look and feel so fresh and clean.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/)\n\nBest in Eyewear\n\n- [Replacement Rx Lenses](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/best-places-to-buy-replacement-prescription-lenses\/)\n- [Reading Glasses](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/best-places-to-buy-reading-glasses-online\/)\n- [OTC Eye Drops](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/best-eye-drops\/)\n- [Vitamins for Healthy Eyes](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/supplements-best-nurturing-eyes-vision\/)\n- [Online Glasses Stores](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/best-places-to-buy-glasses-online\/)\n- [Online Contact Lenses](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/best-place-to-buy-contacts-online\/)\n\nBest in Dental Care\n\n- [Electric Toothbrushes](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/best-electric-toothbrush\/)\n- [Teeth Whitening Strips](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/best-teeth-whitening-strips\/)\n- [Whitening Toothpaste](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/personal-care\/best-whitening-toothpaste\/)\n\nBack\n\nMoney\n\nGet the latest news and share tips for making better decisions for your financial future.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/personal-finance\/)\n\nSocial Security\n\n- [Social Security Check Tracker](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/personal-finance\/social-security-august-2025-the-next-round-of-payments-is-coming-soon\/)\n- [Social Security Mistakes](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/personal-finance\/dont-lose-your-social-security-benefits-these-mistakes-will-cost-you\/)\n- [How to Maximize Social Security](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/personal-finance\/social-security-2025-what-goes-into-determining-your-monthly-payment-and-how-to-maximize-it\/)\n\nBest Finance Software\n\n- [Identity Theft Protection](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-identity-theft-protection\/)\n- [Tax Software](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-tax-software-2026\/)\n- [TurboTax Review](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/turbotax-review-2026\/)\n- [Free Tax Filing](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/tech\/services-and-software\/best-free-tax-software-2026\/)\n- [Rocket Money Review](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/personal-finance\/banking\/rocket-money\/)\n- [Zelle Limits](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/personal-finance\/banking\/zelle-limits-at-top-banks\/)\n\nBack\n\nCNET Video\n\nYour video guide to the ever-changing tech world.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/videos\/)\n\n- [Expert vs. AI: Is Now the Time to Buy an EV? - CNET](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/videos\/expert-vs-ai-is-now-the-time-to-buy-an-ev\/)\n- [The Real Reason to Upgrade to iPhone 16E (It's Not AI) - CNET](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/videos\/the-real-reason-to-upgrade-to-iphone-16e-its-not-ai\/)\n- [Watch Unitree's G1 Humanoid Robot Run in New Video - CNET](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/videos\/watch-unitrees-g1-humanoid-robot-run-in-new-video\/)\n- [iPhone SE 4 vs. iPhone 17 Air Rumors: Does Size Matter Over Cost? - CNET](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/videos\/does-iphone-size-matter-iphone-se-4-vs-iphone-17-air-rumors\/)\n\nBack\n\nEditors' Choice\n\nOur Editors' Choice awards represent the very best products and services our expert editors recommend.\n\n[Explore all](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/editors-choice\/)\n\n- [Subscription Services](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/editors-choice\/cnet-editors-choice-our-top-picks-in-subscription-services\/)\n- [Energy Services](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/editors-choice\/cnet-editors-choice-our-top-picks-in-energy-services\/)\n- [Giftable Tech](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/editors-choice\/cnet-editors-choice-our-top-picks-in-giftable-tech\/)\n- [Money and Wellness](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/editors-choice\/editors-choice-2024-money-and-wellness\/)\n\n[Can Peloton IQ Really Help You Make Gains? \\| Prove It](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/videos\/can-peloton-iq-really-help-you-make-gains-prove-it\/)\n\n[Can Peloton IQ Really Help You Make Gains? \\| Prove It](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/videos\/can-peloton-iq-really-help-you-make-gains-prove-it\/)\n\nClick to unmute\n\nVideo Player is loading.\n\nPlay Video\n\nPause\n\nSkip Backward\n\nSkip Forward\n\nNext playlist item\n\nUnmute\n\nCurrent Time 0:06\n\n\/\n\nDuration 1:34\n\nLoaded: 50\\.18%\n\n0:07\n\n![]()\n\nStream Type LIVE\n\nSeek to live, currently behind liveLIVE\n\nRemaining Time \\-1:28\n\n1x\n\nPlayback Rate\n\nChapters\n\n- Chapters\n\nDescriptions\n\n- descriptions off, selected\n\nCaptions\n\n- captions settings, opens captions settings dialog\n- captions off, selected\n- en-US\n\nShare\n\nAudio Track\n\n- en-US (Main), selected\n\nFullscreen\n\nThis is a modal window.\n\nBeginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.\n\nText\n\nColor\n\nOpacity\n\nText Background\n\nColor\n\nOpacity\n\nCaption Area Background\n\nColor\n\nOpacity\n\nFont Size\n\nText Edge Style\n\nFont Family\n\nReset\n\nDone\n\nClose Modal Dialog\n\nEnd of dialog window.\n\nClose Modal Dialog\n\nThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.\n\nClose Modal Dialog\n\nThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.\n\n- Wellness\n- [Medical](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/)\n\n# Worried About Getting COVID Again? Here's What to Know\nA lot has changed since the pandemic started. Here's what the experts say about reinfection, COVID-19 immunity and how long it lasts.\n\n![Headshot of Jessica Rendall](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\n![Headshot of Jessica Rendall](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nJessica Rendall Former Wellness Reporter\n\nJessica was a writer on the Wellness team, with a focus on health technology, eye care, nutrition and finding new approaches to chronic health problems.\n\nExpertise Public health, new wellness technology and health hacks that don't cost money Credentials\n\n- Added coconut oil to cheap coffee before keto made it cool.\n\n[See full bio](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/profiles\/jrendall\/)\n\nJessica Rendall\n\nMarch 31, 2023 8:50 a.m. PT\n\n6 min read\n\n![Red virus particles circling a big question mark against a pretty blue background](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nMicroStockHub\/Getty Images\n\nAs COVID-19 has mutated into new variants of the virus, scientists' understanding of immunity and public health measures have changed, too. Mask mandates have [fallen in some cities and public spaces](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/covid\/news\/20230211\/statewide-mask-mandate-for-hospitals-expires-in-new-york#:~:text=Feb.,Department%20of%20Health%20announced%20Friday. \"(opens in a new window)\") (though some areas or businesses may require them), public health officials are considering an annual [simplified vaccine strategy in the US](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/covid-shot-update-older-adults-should-get-another-this-spring-cdc-says\/) and [World Health Organization officials this week](https:\/\/cdn.who.int\/media\/docs\/default-source\/immunization\/sage\/2023\/march-2023\/sage_march_2023_meeting_highlights.pdf?sfvrsn=a8e5be9_3 \"(opens in a new window)\") said people in higher-risk groups, not those of medium or low risk, should [be the priority](https:\/\/www.statnews.com\/2023\/03\/28\/focus-covid-booster-campaigns-on-high-risk-people-whos-vaccine-experts-recommend\/ \"(opens in a new window)\") in vaccine plans moving forward.\n\nThese developing plans reflect a new state of the pandemic, once the [emergency expires](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/covid-public-health-emergency-ending-heres-what-will-happen-to-healthcare\/) in the US in May, and a new way to handle COVID-19, which has been circulating in various forms of omicron since late 2021. While the burden of COVID-19 is simmering at [much lower levels than earlier](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#new-hospital-admissions \"(opens in a new window)\") in the pandemic, the fact that the virus is still around making people sick will eventually spur the question (if it hasn't already): What happens when you get COVID-19 again?\n\nCOVID-19 reinfection happens when you have the virus for a second, third or fourth time, or more. While confirmed [cases of it were relatively uncommon](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/worried-about-getting-covid-again-heres-what-to-know\/) in the early stages of the pandemic, many people have gotten COVID-19 more than once, or will get it again in the future.\n\nHere's what the experts say about immunity arising from past infections and vaccines, what you should know about the risk of long COVID after another bout of COVID-19, and more.\n\n## How long does COVID immunity last?\nA [meta-analysis](https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/action\/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2822%2902465-5 \"(opens in a new window)\") of 65 studies published in The Lancet in February found that protection against severe disease from prior infection with COVID-19 is high with all past variants, while protection against reinfection, or getting sick again, was lower and declined pretty rapidly with the omicron variant (BA.1). Perhaps most importantly, the study found that protection against severe disease for COVID-19, in general, remained high for 40 weeks (10 months).\n\nDr. Christopher Murray, director of the [Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation](https:\/\/www.healthdata.org\/ \"(opens in a new window)\") and one of the authors of the analysis, says that when you talk about COVID-19 immunity, you need to consider it as two parts: protection against severe disease, and protection against infection.\n\nWhile protection against getting infected with COVID-19 again after you've already had it is \"not great,\" Murray said, \"immunity to prevent severe disease and death is really quite good.\"\n\nSomeone's risk of severe disease or being hospitalized with the virus will depend on different factors, including their age ([older adults have the highest risk](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/aging\/covid19\/index.html#:~:text=Older%20adults%20\\(especially%20those%20aged,breathe%2C%20or%20they%20could%20die. \"(opens in a new window)\")) or medical conditions. But in terms of your individual immunity, take note of the last time you had your immune system stimulated against COVID-19.\n\n\"The key thing to the individual is to remember when was the last vaccination you've had, or the last time you were sure you got infected,\" Murray said.\n\n\"We know there's sustained immunity for at least 10 months,\" he said, referring to protection against severe disease. \"That'll tell you when the clock starts ticking about immunity.\"\n\n## What's changed in the way we think about immunity?\n\"I think now we're seeing the value of natural immunity that we didn't know a year or two ago,\" said Dr. Mike Sevilla, a family physician who practices in Ohio. \"The population in general has already been exposed to the COVID virus in one way or another,\" Sevilla added, whether it was from the vaccine, an infection or both.\n\nIt also appears we've officially said \"goodbye\" to the idea of [herd immunity](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/coronavirus\/in-depth\/herd-immunity-and-coronavirus\/art-20486808 \"(opens in a new window)\") -- the concept that enough of the population having immunity would also work against COVID-19 and would stop its spread.\n\n\"You're not gonna stop the transmission of the virus just by a lot of people getting infected or vaccinated,\" Murray said. \"That's a pretty big change in thinking from two years ago, I'd say.\"\n\n![An illustration of two people wearing masks, confronted by a magnifying glass and virus particle](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nDrAfter123\/Getty Images\n## Are symptoms worse when you get COVID again? What about long COVID?\nBecause the variant someone is infected with can partly determine the [severity of their illness](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/volumes\/71\/wr\/mm7104e4.htm \"(opens in a new window)\"), how sick someone gets with a reinfection might depend on whether they were infected with a version of omicron or an earlier variant, according to Sevilla.\n\n\"It really depends on when they had their infection, as opposed to whether they had it two or three times,\" he said.\n\nAccording to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, [symptoms during your reinfection with COVID-19](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/hcp\/clinical-care\/clinical-considerations-reinfection.html#:~:text=Symptoms%20during%20reinfection%20are%20likely,severe%20COVID-19%20during%20reinfection. \"(opens in a new window)\"), compared to the first illness, are likely to be less severe. However, some people get more severe illness, the agency notes. Testing, treatment and [isolation guidelines](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/your-health\/isolation.html#:~:text=If%20you%20test%20positive%20for,unable%20to%20wear%20a%20mask. \"(opens in a new window)\") during your second or third COVID-19 infection are also the same as for your first.\n\n[Long COVID](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/what-to-know-about-long-covid-in-2023\/) is a lingering condition that results in someone experiencing lasting symptoms or mental or physical changes after their body has cleared the infection. Does getting infected again increase the risk for long COVID?\n\n\"It's hard to answer that one, but we have seen a pretty strong link between severity and risk of long COVID,\" Murray said. That is, people who need to be hospitalized or get very sick with the virus have a higher risk of long COVID in general.\n\nAccording to an [article](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-covid-19-reinfection#:~:text=Reinfection%20is%20problematic,-%E2%80%9CIt%20can%20be&text=%E2%80%9CWe%20know%20from%20a%20pretty,and%20even%20mental%20health%20problems.%E2%80%9D \"(opens in a new window)\") by the American Medical Association, each time you get COVID-19, your [risk for developing chronic health issues](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-covid-19-reinfection#:~:text=Reinfection%20is%20problematic,-%E2%80%9CIt%20can%20be&text=%E2%80%9CWe%20know%20from%20a%20pretty,and%20even%20mental%20health%20problems.%E2%80%9D \"(opens in a new window)\"), including organ damage, goes up. Damage to different organs in the body is one of the many different ways long COVID affects people.\n\nResearchers who published a [large review on long COVID](https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41579-022-00846-2 \"(opens in a new window)\") earlier this year in Nature Reviews Microbiology wrote that early research suggests an increasing risk of long COVID symptoms with reinfection, but that early evidence also shows a flipped relationship with certain immune responses in people with long COVID possibly making them more susceptible to getting the virus again.\n\n## What doctors want people to know about COVID risk\n\"We're definitely in a better place, public health-wise, than we were at the start of the pandemic,\" Sevilla said, adding that his focus is on his older and higher-risk patients, which include people with diabetes, heart disease and those who survived cancer.\n\nMurray says that for many adults who don't have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe disease, the effect of COVID-19 is milder and resembles influenza -- a stark contrast to earlier stages of the pandemic when COVID-19 was much more severe, Murray added. But COVID-19 still does not have a flat risk profile.\n\n\"The very elderly are still at high risk, and if they haven't recently had a booster or been recently infected..then that's a real risk,\" Murray said, noting that people who are immunosuppressed should also \"err on the side of great caution\" when considering how much time has passed since their last vaccine or infection. [Updated boosters that target the omicron variant](https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/news\/omicron-booster-covid-19 \"(opens in a new window)\") are available for children and adults, as long as it's been at least two months since your last shot. (Learn more about staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines on the CDC's website.)\n\n\"People need to change their mindset,\" Murray said. \"It's not 'you got vaccinated, you're done' or 'you got infected, you're done.' Keep track of when you last had something that stimulated your immunity.\"\n\nOlder adults and people with certain medical conditions are also eligible for treatments including [Paxlovid](https:\/\/www.cvs.com\/content\/covid-antiviral\\ \"(opens in a new window)\"), which [cuts the risk of being hospitalized or dying](https:\/\/khn.org\/news\/article\/older-americans-covid-paxlovid-risks-drug-interactions-guidance\/ \"(opens in a new window)\") in high-risk patients. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or get a positive test, and you are at high risk of severe disease, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to see your treatment options. As outlined in a [Medscape post](https:\/\/www.medscape.com\/viewarticle\/983737 \"(opens in a new window)\") by Dr. Eric Topol, editor-in-chief of the publication and executive vice president of Scripps Research, the people who need treatment the most may not be getting it.\n\nThe fact that COVID-19 has become a more manageable disease for many people partly reflects that we haven't had a significantly new variant since late 2021 or early 2022 when [omicron became dominant and started mutating](https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/news\/5-things-to-know-omicron \"(opens in a new window)\") into different (and more contagious) versions of itself. Murray says that the risk for a new dominant variant which causes more severe disease or has immune escape (gets around protection from vaccines or past illness) is there, and would be \"very concerning.\"\n\nBut relatively speaking on the variant front right now, Murray said, \"We're doing well.\"\n\nThe information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. 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All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"As COVID-19 has mutated into new variants of the virus, scientists' understanding of immunity and public health measures have changed, too. Mask mandates have [fallen in some cities and public spaces](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/covid\/news\/20230211\/statewide-mask-mandate-for-hospitals-expires-in-new-york#:~:text=Feb.,Department%20of%20Health%20announced%20Friday. \"(opens in a new window)\") (though some areas or businesses may require them), public health officials are considering an annual [simplified vaccine strategy in the US](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/covid-shot-update-older-adults-should-get-another-this-spring-cdc-says\/) and [World Health Organization officials this week](https:\/\/cdn.who.int\/media\/docs\/default-source\/immunization\/sage\/2023\/march-2023\/sage_march_2023_meeting_highlights.pdf?sfvrsn=a8e5be9_3 \"(opens in a new window)\") said people in higher-risk groups, not those of medium or low risk, should [be the priority](https:\/\/www.statnews.com\/2023\/03\/28\/focus-covid-booster-campaigns-on-high-risk-people-whos-vaccine-experts-recommend\/ \"(opens in a new window)\") in vaccine plans moving forward.\n\nThese developing plans reflect a new state of the pandemic, once the [emergency expires](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/covid-public-health-emergency-ending-heres-what-will-happen-to-healthcare\/) in the US in May, and a new way to handle COVID-19, which has been circulating in various forms of omicron since late 2021. While the burden of COVID-19 is simmering at [much lower levels than earlier](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#new-hospital-admissions \"(opens in a new window)\") in the pandemic, the fact that the virus is still around making people sick will eventually spur the question (if it hasn't already): What happens when you get COVID-19 again?\n\nCOVID-19 reinfection happens when you have the virus for a second, third or fourth time, or more. While confirmed [cases of it were relatively uncommon](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/worried-about-getting-covid-again-heres-what-to-know\/) in the early stages of the pandemic, many people have gotten COVID-19 more than once, or will get it again in the future.\n\nHere's what the experts say about immunity arising from past infections and vaccines, what you should know about the risk of long COVID after another bout of COVID-19, and more.\n\n## How long does COVID immunity last?\nA [meta-analysis](https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/action\/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2822%2902465-5 \"(opens in a new window)\") of 65 studies published in The Lancet in February found that protection against severe disease from prior infection with COVID-19 is high with all past variants, while protection against reinfection, or getting sick again, was lower and declined pretty rapidly with the omicron variant (BA.1). Perhaps most importantly, the study found that protection against severe disease for COVID-19, in general, remained high for 40 weeks (10 months).\n\nDr. Christopher Murray, director of the [Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation](https:\/\/www.healthdata.org\/ \"(opens in a new window)\") and one of the authors of the analysis, says that when you talk about COVID-19 immunity, you need to consider it as two parts: protection against severe disease, and protection against infection.\n\nWhile protection against getting infected with COVID-19 again after you've already had it is \"not great,\" Murray said, \"immunity to prevent severe disease and death is really quite good.\"\n\nSomeone's risk of severe disease or being hospitalized with the virus will depend on different factors, including their age ([older adults have the highest risk](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/aging\/covid19\/index.html#:~:text=Older%20adults%20\\(especially%20those%20aged,breathe%2C%20or%20they%20could%20die. \"(opens in a new window)\")) or medical conditions. But in terms of your individual immunity, take note of the last time you had your immune system stimulated against COVID-19.\n\n\"The key thing to the individual is to remember when was the last vaccination you've had, or the last time you were sure you got infected,\" Murray said.\n\n\"We know there's sustained immunity for at least 10 months,\" he said, referring to protection against severe disease. \"That'll tell you when the clock starts ticking about immunity.\"\n\n## What's changed in the way we think about immunity?\n\"I think now we're seeing the value of natural immunity that we didn't know a year or two ago,\" said Dr. Mike Sevilla, a family physician who practices in Ohio. \"The population in general has already been exposed to the COVID virus in one way or another,\" Sevilla added, whether it was from the vaccine, an infection or both.\n\nIt also appears we've officially said \"goodbye\" to the idea of [herd immunity](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/coronavirus\/in-depth\/herd-immunity-and-coronavirus\/art-20486808 \"(opens in a new window)\") -- the concept that enough of the population having immunity would also work against COVID-19 and would stop its spread.\n\n\"You're not gonna stop the transmission of the virus just by a lot of people getting infected or vaccinated,\" Murray said. \"That's a pretty big change in thinking from two years ago, I'd say.\"\n\n![An illustration of two people wearing masks, confronted by a magnifying glass and virus particle](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/images\/logos\/cnet_load.png)\n\nDrAfter123\/Getty Images\n## Are symptoms worse when you get COVID again? What about long COVID?\nBecause the variant someone is infected with can partly determine the [severity of their illness](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mmwr\/volumes\/71\/wr\/mm7104e4.htm \"(opens in a new window)\"), how sick someone gets with a reinfection might depend on whether they were infected with a version of omicron or an earlier variant, according to Sevilla.\n\n\"It really depends on when they had their infection, as opposed to whether they had it two or three times,\" he said.\n\nAccording to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, [symptoms during your reinfection with COVID-19](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/hcp\/clinical-care\/clinical-considerations-reinfection.html#:~:text=Symptoms%20during%20reinfection%20are%20likely,severe%20COVID-19%20during%20reinfection. \"(opens in a new window)\"), compared to the first illness, are likely to be less severe. However, some people get more severe illness, the agency notes. Testing, treatment and [isolation guidelines](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/your-health\/isolation.html#:~:text=If%20you%20test%20positive%20for,unable%20to%20wear%20a%20mask. \"(opens in a new window)\") during your second or third COVID-19 infection are also the same as for your first.\n\n[Long COVID](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/health\/medical\/what-to-know-about-long-covid-in-2023\/) is a lingering condition that results in someone experiencing lasting symptoms or mental or physical changes after their body has cleared the infection. Does getting infected again increase the risk for long COVID?\n\n\"It's hard to answer that one, but we have seen a pretty strong link between severity and risk of long COVID,\" Murray said. That is, people who need to be hospitalized or get very sick with the virus have a higher risk of long COVID in general.\n\nAccording to an [article](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-covid-19-reinfection#:~:text=Reinfection%20is%20problematic,-%E2%80%9CIt%20can%20be&text=%E2%80%9CWe%20know%20from%20a%20pretty,and%20even%20mental%20health%20problems.%E2%80%9D \"(opens in a new window)\") by the American Medical Association, each time you get COVID-19, your [risk for developing chronic health issues](https:\/\/www.ama-assn.org\/delivering-care\/public-health\/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-covid-19-reinfection#:~:text=Reinfection%20is%20problematic,-%E2%80%9CIt%20can%20be&text=%E2%80%9CWe%20know%20from%20a%20pretty,and%20even%20mental%20health%20problems.%E2%80%9D \"(opens in a new window)\"), including organ damage, goes up. Damage to different organs in the body is one of the many different ways long COVID affects people.\n\nResearchers who published a [large review on long COVID](https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41579-022-00846-2 \"(opens in a new window)\") earlier this year in Nature Reviews Microbiology wrote that early research suggests an increasing risk of long COVID symptoms with reinfection, but that early evidence also shows a flipped relationship with certain immune responses in people with long COVID possibly making them more susceptible to getting the virus again.\n\n## What doctors want people to know about COVID risk\n\"We're definitely in a better place, public health-wise, than we were at the start of the pandemic,\" Sevilla said, adding that his focus is on his older and higher-risk patients, which include people with diabetes, heart disease and those who survived cancer.\n\nMurray says that for many adults who don't have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe disease, the effect of COVID-19 is milder and resembles influenza -- a stark contrast to earlier stages of the pandemic when COVID-19 was much more severe, Murray added. But COVID-19 still does not have a flat risk profile.\n\n\"The very elderly are still at high risk, and if they haven't recently had a booster or been recently infected..then that's a real risk,\" Murray said, noting that people who are immunosuppressed should also \"err on the side of great caution\" when considering how much time has passed since their last vaccine or infection. [Updated boosters that target the omicron variant](https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/news\/omicron-booster-covid-19 \"(opens in a new window)\") are available for children and adults, as long as it's been at least two months since your last shot. (Learn more about staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines on the CDC's website.)\n\n\"People need to change their mindset,\" Murray said. \"It's not 'you got vaccinated, you're done' or 'you got infected, you're done.' Keep track of when you last had something that stimulated your immunity.\"\n\nOlder adults and people with certain medical conditions are also eligible for treatments including [Paxlovid](https:\/\/www.cvs.com\/content\/covid-antiviral\\ \"(opens in a new window)\"), which [cuts the risk of being hospitalized or dying](https:\/\/khn.org\/news\/article\/older-americans-covid-paxlovid-risks-drug-interactions-guidance\/ \"(opens in a new window)\") in high-risk patients. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or get a positive test, and you are at high risk of severe disease, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to see your treatment options. As outlined in a [Medscape post](https:\/\/www.medscape.com\/viewarticle\/983737 \"(opens in a new window)\") by Dr. Eric Topol, editor-in-chief of the publication and executive vice president of Scripps Research, the people who need treatment the most may not be getting it.\n\nThe fact that COVID-19 has become a more manageable disease for many people partly reflects that we haven't had a significantly new variant since late 2021 or early 2022 when [omicron became dominant and started mutating](https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/news\/5-things-to-know-omicron \"(opens in a new window)\") into different (and more contagious) versions of itself. Murray says that the risk for a new dominant variant which causes more severe disease or has immune escape (gets around protection from vaccines or past illness) is there, and would be \"very concerning.\"\n\nBut relatively speaking on the variant front right now, Murray said, \"We're doing well.\"","meta_canonical":null}

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Property	Value
URL	https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/worried-about-getting-covid-again-heres-what-to-know/
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Meta Title	Worried About Getting COVID Again? Here's What to Know - CNET
Meta Description	A lot has changed since the pandemic started. Here's what the experts say about reinfection, COVID-19 immunity and how long it lasts.
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Boilerpipe Text	As COVID-19 has mutated into new variants of the virus, scientists' understanding of immunity and public health measures have changed, too. Mask mandates have fallen in some cities and public spaces (though some areas or businesses may require them), public health officials are considering an annual simplified vaccine strategy in the US and World Health Organization officials this week said people in higher-risk groups, not those of medium or low risk, should be the priority in vaccine plans moving forward. These developing plans reflect a new state of the pandemic, once the emergency expires in the US in May, and a new way to handle COVID-19, which has been circulating in various forms of omicron since late 2021. While the burden of COVID-19 is simmering at much lower levels than earlier in the pandemic, the fact that the virus is still around making people sick will eventually spur the question (if it hasn't already): What happens when you get COVID-19 again? COVID-19 reinfection happens when you have the virus for a second, third or fourth time, or more. While confirmed cases of it were relatively uncommon in the early stages of the pandemic, many people have gotten COVID-19 more than once, or will get it again in the future. Here's what the experts say about immunity arising from past infections and vaccines, what you should know about the risk of long COVID after another bout of COVID-19, and more. How long does COVID immunity last? A meta-analysis of 65 studies published in The Lancet in February found that protection against severe disease from prior infection with COVID-19 is high with all past variants, while protection against reinfection, or getting sick again, was lower and declined pretty rapidly with the omicron variant (BA.1). Perhaps most importantly, the study found that protection against severe disease for COVID-19, in general, remained high for 40 weeks (10 months). Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and one of the authors of the analysis, says that when you talk about COVID-19 immunity, you need to consider it as two parts: protection against severe disease, and protection against infection. While protection against getting infected with COVID-19 again after you've already had it is "not great," Murray said, "immunity to prevent severe disease and death is really quite good." Someone's risk of severe disease or being hospitalized with the virus will depend on different factors, including their age ( older adults have the highest risk ) or medical conditions. But in terms of your individual immunity, take note of the last time you had your immune system stimulated against COVID-19. "The key thing to the individual is to remember when was the last vaccination you've had, or the last time you were sure you got infected," Murray said. "We know there's sustained immunity for at least 10 months," he said, referring to protection against severe disease. "That'll tell you when the clock starts ticking about immunity." What's changed in the way we think about immunity? "I think now we're seeing the value of natural immunity that we didn't know a year or two ago," said Dr. Mike Sevilla, a family physician who practices in Ohio. "The population in general has already been exposed to the COVID virus in one way or another," Sevilla added, whether it was from the vaccine, an infection or both. It also appears we've officially said "goodbye" to the idea of herd immunity -- the concept that enough of the population having immunity would also work against COVID-19 and would stop its spread. "You're not gonna stop the transmission of the virus just by a lot of people getting infected or vaccinated," Murray said. "That's a pretty big change in thinking from two years ago, I'd say." DrAfter123/Getty Images Are symptoms worse when you get COVID again? What about long COVID? Because the variant someone is infected with can partly determine the severity of their illness , how sick someone gets with a reinfection might depend on whether they were infected with a version of omicron or an earlier variant, according to Sevilla. "It really depends on when they had their infection, as opposed to whether they had it two or three times," he said. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms during your reinfection with COVID-19 , compared to the first illness, are likely to be less severe. However, some people get more severe illness, the agency notes. Testing, treatment and isolation guidelines during your second or third COVID-19 infection are also the same as for your first. Long COVID is a lingering condition that results in someone experiencing lasting symptoms or mental or physical changes after their body has cleared the infection. Does getting infected again increase the risk for long COVID? "It's hard to answer that one, but we have seen a pretty strong link between severity and risk of long COVID," Murray said. That is, people who need to be hospitalized or get very sick with the virus have a higher risk of long COVID in general. According to an article by the American Medical Association, each time you get COVID-19, your risk for developing chronic health issues , including organ damage, goes up. Damage to different organs in the body is one of the many different ways long COVID affects people. Researchers who published a large review on long COVID earlier this year in Nature Reviews Microbiology wrote that early research suggests an increasing risk of long COVID symptoms with reinfection, but that early evidence also shows a flipped relationship with certain immune responses in people with long COVID possibly making them more susceptible to getting the virus again. What doctors want people to know about COVID risk "We're definitely in a better place, public health-wise, than we were at the start of the pandemic," Sevilla said, adding that his focus is on his older and higher-risk patients, which include people with diabetes, heart disease and those who survived cancer. Murray says that for many adults who don't have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe disease, the effect of COVID-19 is milder and resembles influenza -- a stark contrast to earlier stages of the pandemic when COVID-19 was much more severe, Murray added. But COVID-19 still does not have a flat risk profile. "The very elderly are still at high risk, and if they haven't recently had a booster or been recently infected..then that's a real risk," Murray said, noting that people who are immunosuppressed should also "err on the side of great caution" when considering how much time has passed since their last vaccine or infection. Updated boosters that target the omicron variant are available for children and adults, as long as it's been at least two months since your last shot. (Learn more about staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines on the CDC's website.) "People need to change their mindset," Murray said. "It's not 'you got vaccinated, you're done' or 'you got infected, you're done.' Keep track of when you last had something that stimulated your immunity." Older adults and people with certain medical conditions are also eligible for treatments including Paxlovid , which cuts the risk of being hospitalized or dying in high-risk patients. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or get a positive test, and you are at high risk of severe disease, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to see your treatment options. As outlined in a Medscape post by Dr. Eric Topol, editor-in-chief of the publication and executive vice president of Scripps Research, the people who need treatment the most may not be getting it. The fact that COVID-19 has become a more manageable disease for many people partly reflects that we haven't had a significantly new variant since late 2021 or early 2022 when omicron became dominant and started mutating into different (and more contagious) versions of itself. Murray says that the risk for a new dominant variant which causes more severe disease or has immune escape (gets around protection from vaccines or past illness) is there, and would be "very concerning." But relatively speaking on the variant front right now, Murray said, "We're doing well."
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[Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/deals/) [Best VPN Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-vpn-deals/) [Best Gifts Under \$300](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-under-300/) Apple Deals - [iPad](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-ipad-deals/) - [MacBook](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-macbook-deals/) - [AirPods](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-apple-airpods-deals/) - [iPhone](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-iphone-deals/) TV & Audio Deals - [TV](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-tv-deals/) - [Roku](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-roku-device-deals/) - [Sonos](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-sonos-deals/) - [Streaming](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-streaming-service-deals-for-peacock-hulu-starz-and-more/) Gaming Deals - [Xbox](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-xbox-deals/) - [PS5](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-playstation-deals/) - [Nintendo Switch](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-nintendo-switch-deals/) - [Gaming PCs](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-gaming-pc-deals/) Back Home Give your home an upgrade or snag some everyday essentials without breaking the bank. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/deals/) [Best Electric Lawn Mower Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-electric-lawnmower-deals/) Smart Home Deals - [Smart Home](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-smart-home-deals/) - [Home Security](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-home-security-camera-deals/) - [Robot Vacuum](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-vacuum-deals-right-now-dyson-bissell-roomba-and-more/) - [Smart Thermostat](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-smart-thermostat-deals/) Equipment Deals - [Portable ACs](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-portable-air-conditioner-deals/) - [Generators](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-generator-deals/) - [Electric Lawnmowers](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-electric-lawnmower-deals/) - [Air Purifiers](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-air-purifier-deals/) Kitchen Deals - [Coffee Makers](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-coffee-maker-deals/) - [Keurig](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-keurig-deals/) - [Air Fryers](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-air-fryer-deals/) Back Wellness Focus on you with these health and wellness savings. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/deals/) [Best Mattress Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-mattress-deals/) Fitness Gifts - [Fitness Deals & Gifts](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-fitness-deals/) - [Fitbit](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-fitbit-deals/) - [Garmin](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-garmin-deals/) - [Meal Delivery Kit](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-meal-delivery-deals/) - [Glasses and Contacts](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-online-glasses-and-contacts-deals/) Back Gift Guides Discover the perfect gift for every occasion. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/) [100 Days of Holiday](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/) [DIY Father's Day Gifts](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-fathers-day-gifts-for-diy-dads/) - [Under \$100](https://www.cnet.com/tech/best-tech-gifts-for-100-or-less/) - [Under \$50](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-gifts-for-50-or-less/) - [Hottest Toys](https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/hottest-toys/) - [Online Flower Delivery Services](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-flower-delivery-service/) - [Gaming](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-gaming-gifts/) - [Tweens](https://www.cnet.com/culture/fashion/best-gifts-for-tweens/) - [Available on Amazon](https://www.cnet.com/tech/best-gifts-available-from-amazon/) - [People Who Already Have It All](https://www.cnet.com/home/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything/) - [Gift Baskets](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-gift-baskets/) Back Cover Stories These deep dives offer unique and expert perspectives on tech and other topics that matter most in our daily lives. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/feature/cover-stories/) [Getting Older Messed With My Gaming. So I Changed How I Play](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/features/handheld-gaming-consoles-aging-gamers-windows-steam-switch-legion/) [AI Slop Is Destroying the Internet. These Are the People Fighting to Save It](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/features/ai-slop-is-destroying-the-internet-these-are-the-people-fighting-to-save-it/) [PDAs, Tube TVs and \$13,000 VCRs: How CES Jump-Starts the Tech of Tomorrow](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/features/back-to-the-tech-future-the-history-of-ces-in-four-iconic-gadgets/) [Yes, Electric Cars Are Good in Winter, and I Drove in the Arctic to Prove It](https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/features/how-good-are-evs-in-the-cold-i-drove-in-the-arctic-to-find-out/) [Smart Glasses Are Coming for Your Face, With Wild Options for 2026](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/features/smart-glasses-revolution-whats-coming-meta-ray-bans-and-beyond/) [The Air Fryer Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Kitchen Craze. Here's How Popular They've Become](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/features/heard-chef-air-fryers-have-earned-their-place-in-our-kitchens/) Back Gift Guides Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/) Best Tech Gifts - [39 of the Best Tech Gifts Under \$100 for 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-tech-gifts-under-100/) - [Best Gifts for Gamers in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-for-gamers/) - [Best Travel Tech Gifts: Must-Haves for the Journey and the Destination](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-travel-tech-gifts/) Gifts For Kids - [Best Toys for Kids in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-toys-for-kids/) - [36 Best Gifts for Teens in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-for-teens/) - [24 of the Best Gifts for Tweens in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-for-tweens/) Gifts For Everyone - [The 23 Best Luxury Gifts Our Editors Say Are Worth Every Penny](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-luxury-gifts/) - [Best Gifts Available on Amazon: From \$10 to \$250](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-available-on-amazon/) - [34 Unique Gifts for People Who Have Everything](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything/) Back Gift Guide Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/) Best Tech Gifts - [39 of the Best Tech Gifts Under \$100 for 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-tech-gifts-under-100/) - [Best Gifts for Gamers in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-for-gamers/) - [Best Travel Tech Gifts: Must-Haves for the Journey and the Destination](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-travel-tech-gifts/) Gifts For Kids - [Best Toys for Kids in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-toys-for-kids/) - [36 Best Gifts for Teens in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-for-teens/) - [24 of the Best Gifts for Tweens in 2026](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-for-tweens/) Gifts For Everyone - [The 23 Best Luxury Gifts Our Editors Say Are Worth Every Penny](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-luxury-gifts/) - [Best Gifts Available on Amazon: From \$10 to \$250](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/best-gifts-available-on-amazon/) - [34 Unique Gifts for People Who Have Everything](https://www.cnet.com/gifts/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything/) Back AI Stay up to date on developments in the rapidly evolving world of AI with AI Atlas. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/ai-atlas/) AI News - [iPhone 16E AI](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/these-6-apple-intelligence-features-prove-that-apples-ai-tech-is-useful-now/) - [Apple Intelligence Reboot](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/apple-reportedly-planning-ai-comeback-complete-with-a-tabletop-robot/) - [Galaxy S25 AI](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/my-first-48-hours-with-the-galaxy-s25-ultra-has-me-in-awe/) - [ChatGPT Image Gen](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/chatgpts-gpus-are-melting-as-people-make-studio-ghibli-esque-ai-images/) AI Reviews - [Best AI Image Generators](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-ai-image-generators/) - [ChatGPT Free vs. Plus](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/heres-what-we-thought-of-chatgpt-free-vs-chatgpt-plus-back-in-2024/) - [Google Gemini](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/what-is-gemini-everything-you-should-know-about-googles-ai-tool/) - [Microsoft Copilot](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/microsoft-copilot-chatbot-review-bing-is-my-default-search-engine-now/) - [Best AI Chatbots](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-ai-chatbots/) - [Best AI Website Builders](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-ai-website-builder/) - [ChatGPT vs Gemini](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/chatgpt-vs-google-gemini/) AI Guides - [How to Detect AI](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/how-to-detect-ai-writing-using-these-tips/) - [What is an LLM](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/llms-and-ai-arent-the-same-everything-you-should-know-about-whats-behind-chatbots/) - [AI Resume Writing](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/how-to-write-a-resume-using-chatgpt/) - [ChatGPT Glossary](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/chatgpt-glossary/) Back VPN VPN reviews and guides from our experts to help you boost your online privacy. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/vpn/) Best VPNs - [Best VPN](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn/) - [iPhone](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn-for-iphone/) - [Free](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-free-vpn/) - [Amazon Fire Stick](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn-for-firestick/) - [Mobile](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-mobile-vpn/) - [Streaming](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn-for-streaming/) - [VPN Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-vpn-deals/) VPN Reviews - [ExpressVPN](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/expressvpn-review/) - [Surfshark](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/surfshark-vpn-review/) - [NordVPN](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/nordvpn-review/) - [NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/expressvpn-vs-nordvpn/) Back Phones Expert reviews and insightful guides on the latest phones to help you find the perfect device for your needs. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/phones/) Best Phones - [Best Overall Phones](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-phone/) - [iPhone](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-iphone/) - [Android](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-android-phone/) - [iPhone Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-iphone-16-deals/) Best Phone Plans - [Family Plans](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-family-phone-plan/) - [Cellphone Plans](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-phone-plans/) - [Unlimited Plans](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-unlimited-data-plan/) Phone Reviews - [Galaxy S25 Ultra](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/galaxy-s25-ultra-review-greatest-phone-screen-ever-and-lets-not-talk-about-the-ai/) - [iPhone 16 Pro](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-iphone-16-pro-and-pro-max-review-compelling-upgrade-with-my-favorite-iphone-feature-in-years/) - [iPhone 16 Cases](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-iphone-16-and-iphone-16-pro-cases/) Back Laptops Guides from our experts to help you find the best laptop for your specific needs. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/laptops/) Best Laptops - [Best Laptop](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-laptop/) - [School Laptop](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-laptop-for-college/) - [Macbook](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-macbook/) - [Windows](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-windows-laptop/) - [Battery Life](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-battery-life-laptop/) - [Lightweight](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-lightweight-laptop/) - [Gaming](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-gaming-laptop/) - [Budget](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-budget-laptop/) - [Monitors](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-monitor/) Laptop Guides - [Chromebook vs. Laptop](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/chromebook-vs-laptop-whats-the-difference/) - [MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/macbook-air-vs-macbook-pro-which-macbook-should-i-buy/) - [Laptop Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-laptop-deals/) Back Audio The best of our audio guides to help you make the most of your listening experience. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/audio/) Best Earbuds - [Wireless](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-wireless-earbuds/) - [Budget](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-cheap-budget-wireless-earbuds/) - [Noise-Canceling](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-noise-canceling-wireless-earbuds/) Best Headphones - [Best Overall Headphones](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-headphones/) - [Noise Canceling](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-noise-canceling-headphones/) - [Work from Home](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-headphones-for-work-at-home/) Best Speakers - [Bluetooth](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-bluetooth-speaker/) - [Record Players](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-record-player-and-turntable/) - [AV Receivers](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-av-receiver/) Back TV We'll help you make your entertainment as good as the movies. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/tvs/) Best TVs - [Best Overall TVs](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-tv/) - [65-inch](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-65-inch-tv/) - [75-inch](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-75-inch-tv/) - [Budget](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-budget-tv/) - [TV Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-tv-deals/) - [QLED vs. OLED](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/qled-vs-oled-whats-better/) TV Accessories - [Best Projectors](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-projector/) - [Best TV Antenna](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-indoor-tv-antenna/) TV Streaming Devices - [Best Streaming Device](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-streaming-device/) - [Best Fire TV Stick](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-fire-tv-stick/) Back Services & Software All the news and tips you need to get the most out of services, apps and software you use every day. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/) Services and Software - [Best Antivirus Software](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-antivirus/) - [Best Password Manager](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-password-manager/) - [Extra 15GB Gmail Storage](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/gmail-inbox-zero-15gb-free-storage-space/) iOS Tips - [Settings to Change](https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/not-ready-for-ios-26-10-ios-18-settings-to-tweak-asap/) - [How to Clear Your Cache](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/iphone-browser-clear-cache/) - [Hidden Features](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/11-hidden-ios-18-5-features-i-love/) Web Hosting - [Minecraft Server](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-minecraft-server-hosting/) - [Best Web Hosting Services](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-web-hosting/) - [Best Cheap Web Hosting](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-cheap-web-hosting/) Back Computers What you need for work and play, and how to get the most out of it. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/desktops/) Best Computers - [Desktop Computer](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-desktop-computer/) - [Gaming PC](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-gaming-pc/) - [iMac Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-imac-deals/) Best Tablets - [Best Overall Tablet](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-tablet/) - [Best iPad](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-ipad/) - [E Ink Tablets](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/best-e-ink-tablets/) - [iPad Pro Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-ipad-pro-deals/) Computer Tips - [Recycle Old Tech](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/where-to-recycle-your-old-pc-laptop-and-printer-for-free/) - [Windows on Mac](https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/how-to-run-windows-from-your-mac/) Back Home Security Practical advice on keeping your home safe and secure. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/) Best Home Security Cameras - [Best Overall Security Camera](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-home-security-camera/) - [Outdoor](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-outdoor-home-security-cameras/) - [With No Subscription](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-home-security-cameras-without-subscriptions/) - [Wireless](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-wireless-home-security-cameras/) Best Security Systems - [Best Overall Security System](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-home-security-system/) - [DIY Security System](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-diy-home-security-systems/) Best Security Products - [Ring Video Doorbell](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-ring-video-doorbells/) - [Smoke Detectors](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-smoke-detector/) - [Smart Locks](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-smart-locks/) - [Video Doorbells](https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-video-doorbell-cameras/) Back Smart Home Everything you need to know to build a smart home that works for you. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/) Best in Smart Home - [Indoor Smart Garden](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-indoor-garden/) - [HomeKit](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-apple-homekit-siri-devices/) - [Smart Thermostats](https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-smart-thermostats/) - [Smart Garage Door Controller](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-garage-door-opener-controller/) - [Smart Plugs](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-plugs/) - [Smart Displays](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-displays/) - [Smart Home Devices](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-smart-home-devices/) - [Smart Lights](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-smart-lights/) - [Amazon Alexa](https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/best-alexa-devices/) - [Smart Home Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-smart-home-deals/) Best Electric Vehicles - [Best Overall EVs](https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/best-ev-electric-car/) - [EV Chargers](https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/best-ev-charger/) - [Budget](https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/the-most-affordable-electric-cars/) Back Kitchen & Household From coffee makers to robot vacuums, we tackle what you need to know to keep your home running smoothly. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/) Best in Home Tech - [Dishwashers](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-dishwasher/) - [Car Vacuums](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-car-vacuum/) - [Showerheads](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-showerhead/) - [Air Purifiers](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-air-purifier/) - [Cordless Vacuums](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-cordless-vacuum/) - [Robot Vacuums](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-robot-vacuum/) Best for Home Office - [Office Chairs](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-office-chairs/) - [Standing Desks](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-standing-desk/) - [Surge Protectors](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-surge-protector/) - [Tower Fans](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-tower-fans/) - [Dehumidifiers](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-dehumidifier/) Best in the Kitchen - [Air Fryers](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-air-fryer/) - [Bread Machines](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-bread-machines/) - [Meat Thermometers](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-meat-thermometers/) - [Nonstick Pans](https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/best-nonstick-pan/) Back Yard & Outdoors All the tools, gear and skills you need to keep your home's yard and outdoor spaces looking sharp. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/) Best in Yard & Outdoors - [Garden Hoses](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/best-garden-hoses/) - [Pressure Washers](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/best-pressure-washer/) - [Water Guns](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/best-water-guns/) - [Grills](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/best-grill/) - [Electric Lawn Mowers](https://www.cnet.com/home/yard-and-outdoors/best-electric-lawn-mower/) - [Solar Batteries](https://www.cnet.com/home/solar/best-solar-batteries/) - [Portable Power Stations](https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/best-portable-power-stations/) Back Home Internet We unpack everything you need to know about internet service. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/) Internet Reviews - [Verizon 5G](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/verizon-5g-home-internet-review/) - [T-Mobile 5G](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/t-mobile-5g-home-internet-review/) - [Xfinity Internet](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/xfinity-internet-review/) - [AT\&T Internet Air](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/at-t-internet-air-review/) - [Starlink](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-internet-review/) - [Best ISPs](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers/) Best Routers - [Best Overall Routers](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-wi-fi-routers/) - [Gaming](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-gaming-routers/) - [Wi-Fi Extenders](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-wifi-extenders/) - [Mesh Wi-Fi Systems](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-mesh-wifi-routers/) Top ISPs by Location - [Chicago, IL](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-chicago-il/) - [San Francisco, CA](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-san-francisco-ca/) - [Houston, TX](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-houston-tx/) - [New York, NY](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-new-york-ny/) Back Gaming Reviews, news and buying advice on console, PC, handheld and VR gaming. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/) Nintendo Switch 2 - [How to Buy the Switch 2](https://www.cnet.com/deals/nintendo-switch-2-restock-tracker/) - [Switch 1 vs. Switch 2](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/nintendo-switch-2-vs-switch-1-gamers-start-your-specs-breakdowns/) - [Switch Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-nintendo-switch-deals/) Best Games by Platform - [Nintendo Switch](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/top-best-nintendo-switch-games/) - [PlayStation 5](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-ps5-games/) - [Xbox](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-xbox-games-for-xbox-one-series-x-s/) - [PC Games](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-pc-games-right-now/) - [Mobile](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/the-15-best-mobile-games-in-2025-top-iphone-and-android-games/) - [Virtual Reality](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-vr-games/) Best Gaming Hardware - [VR Headsets](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-vr-headset/) - [SSDs for PS5](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/best-m2-ssd/) Best Gaming Deals - [PlayStation Plus](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-playstation-plus-deals/) - [Xbox Game Pass](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-xbox-game-pass-deals/) - [Free Xbox Game Pass](https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/how-to-get-xbox-game-pass-for-free/) - [Xbox Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-xbox-deals/) Back TV & Movies When and where to watch TV shows, movies, and live events on streaming services. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/streaming-services/) What to Watch - [Best Shows This Week](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/what-to-stream-on-tv-this-week-nonnas-poker-face-and-more/) - [Best Netflix Shows](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-tv-shows-netflix/) - [Best Netflix Movies](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-movies-on-netflix/) - [Best Max Shows](https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/best-shows-to-watch-on-hbo-max/) - [Best Max Movies](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-movies-to-watch-on-hbo-max/) - [Best Prime Video Shows](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-shows-to-watch-on-prime-video/) - [Best Prime Video Horror Movies](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-horror-movies-to-watch-on-prime-video/) - [Best Prime Video Sci-Fi Movies](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/prime-video-best-sci-fi-movies/) - [Best Disney Plus Shows](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/disney-plus-best-tv-shows-2026/) - [Best Apple TV Sci-Fi Shows](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-apple-tv-plus-sci-fi-shows/) - [Best Hulu Horror Movies](https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/best-horror-movies-on-hulu/) - [Best Peacock Shows](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-shows-to-watch-on-peacock/) Back Streaming News, comparisons and advice to help you make sense of streaming. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/tech/streaming-services/) Best Streaming Services - [Best Overall Streaming Services](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-streaming-service/) - [Free](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-free-tv-streaming-services/) - [Live TV](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-live-tv-streaming-service-for-cord-cutters/) - [4K Content](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-streaming-services-for-4k-content/) - [Kids](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-streaming-services-for-kids/) - [Music](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-music-streaming-service/) - [Streaming Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-streaming-service-deals/) Streaming Service Reviews - [YouTube TV](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/youtube-tv-review/) - [Hulu Plus Live TV](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/hulu-plus-live-tv-review-for-cord-cutters-who-enjoy-premium-channels-perks/) - [Netflix](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/netflix-review-our-top-pick-sea-streaming-choices/) - [Max](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/max-streaming-service-review-loads-of-content-but-you-have-to-make-it-fit-you/) - [Youtube TV vs. Hulu Plus TV](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/youtube-tv-vs-hulu-plus-live-tv-rated-the-pros-and-cons-of-each-streaming-service/) Back Sleep Our science-backed advice will help you sleep well every night. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/) Best Mattresses - [Best Overall](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-mattresses/) - [King](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-king-mattress/) - [Firm](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-firm-mattress/) - [Memory Foam](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-memory-foam-mattress/) - [Twin](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-twin-mattress/) - [Adjustable](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-adjustable-mattress/) - [Plus Size](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-mattress-for-heavy-people/) - [Side Sleepers](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-mattress-for-side-sleepers/) - [Air Mattresses](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-air-mattress/) Mattress Reviews - [Tempur-Pedic](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/tempurpedic-mattress-review/) - [DreamCloud](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/dreamcloud-mattress-review/) - [Nectar](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/nectar-mattress-review/) - [Beautyrest](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/beautyrest-mattress-review/) - [Helix](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/helix-mattress-reviews/) - [Purple](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/ive-tested-every-purple-mattress-here-are-my-thoughts-on-the-new-line/) - [Mattress Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-mattress-deals/) Best Sleep Products - [Cooling Comforters](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-cooling-comforters/) - [Cooling Mattress Toppers](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-cooling-mattress-toppers/) - [Earplugs for Sleeping](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-earplugs-for-sleeping/) - [Sleep Trackers](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-sleep-tracker/) - [Travel Pillows](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-travel-pillows/) - [Best Pillows](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-pillow/) - [Cooling Pillows](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/best-cooling-pillows/) - [Sleep Headphones](https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/cnet-experts-8-favorite-sleep-headphones-in-2026/) Back Nutrition From plant-based meat to the latest diet trend, we help you eat healthy. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/) Best Meal Kits - [Best Overall Meal Kit](https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/best-meal-kit-delivery-service/) - [Meal Delivery Deals](https://www.cnet.com/deals/best-meal-kit-and-meal-delivery-deals/) - [Vegan](https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/best-vegan-meal-delivery-services/) - [Healthy](https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/best-healthy-meal-delivery-service/) - [Meat Delivery](https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/best-meat-delivery-service/) - [Keto](https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/best-keto-meal-delivery/) - [Cheapest](https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/cheapest-meal-delivery-service/) Nutrition Tips - [Protein Visual Guide](https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/what-100-grams-protein-looks-like-plate-different-diets/) - [Meal Kits vs. Groceries](https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/meal-kits-have-gotten-cheap-but-are-they-cheaper-than-groceries/) - [Natural Sugar Substitutes](https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/the-6-best-natural-sugar-substitutes-want-cut-out-processed-white-sugar/) - [Apple Cider Vinegar](https://www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits-side-effects-dosage/) Back Fitness No matter your fitness goals, we've got the expert tips you need. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/) Best Fitness Equipment - [Peloton Alternatives](https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/best-peloton-alternatives/) - [Smart Home Gyms](https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/best-smart-home-gym/) - [Exercise Bikes](https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/best-exercise-bike/) - [Treadmills](https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/best-treadmills/) - [Ellipticals](https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/best-elliptical/) Best Fitness Accessories - [Smart Scale](https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/get-accurate-readings-with-the-best-smart-scales-for-your-bathroom/) - [Massage Guns](https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/best-massage-gun/) - [Heart Rate Monitor](https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/best-chest-strap-heart-rate-monitors/) Back Personal Care We share how to look and feel so fresh and clean. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/) Best in Eyewear - [Replacement Rx Lenses](https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/best-places-to-buy-replacement-prescription-lenses/) - [Reading Glasses](https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/best-places-to-buy-reading-glasses-online/) - [OTC Eye Drops](https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/best-eye-drops/) - [Vitamins for Healthy Eyes](https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/supplements-best-nurturing-eyes-vision/) - [Online Glasses Stores](https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/best-places-to-buy-glasses-online/) - [Online Contact Lenses](https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/best-place-to-buy-contacts-online/) Best in Dental Care - [Electric Toothbrushes](https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/best-electric-toothbrush/) - [Teeth Whitening Strips](https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/best-teeth-whitening-strips/) - [Whitening Toothpaste](https://www.cnet.com/health/personal-care/best-whitening-toothpaste/) Back Money Get the latest news and share tips for making better decisions for your financial future. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/) Social Security - [Social Security Check Tracker](https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/social-security-august-2025-the-next-round-of-payments-is-coming-soon/) - [Social Security Mistakes](https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/dont-lose-your-social-security-benefits-these-mistakes-will-cost-you/) - [How to Maximize Social Security](https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/social-security-2025-what-goes-into-determining-your-monthly-payment-and-how-to-maximize-it/) Best Finance Software - [Identity Theft Protection](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-identity-theft-protection/) - [Tax Software](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-tax-software-2026/) - [TurboTax Review](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/turbotax-review-2026/) - [Free Tax Filing](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-free-tax-software-2026/) - [Rocket Money Review](https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/banking/rocket-money/) - [Zelle Limits](https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/banking/zelle-limits-at-top-banks/) Back CNET Video Your video guide to the ever-changing tech world. [Explore all](https://www.cnet.com/videos/) - [Expert vs. AI: Is Now the Time to Buy an EV? - CNET](https://www.cnet.com/videos/expert-vs-ai-is-now-the-time-to-buy-an-ev/) - [The Real Reason to Upgrade to iPhone 16E (It's Not AI) - CNET](https://www.cnet.com/videos/the-real-reason-to-upgrade-to-iphone-16e-its-not-ai/) - [Watch Unitree's G1 Humanoid Robot Run in New Video - CNET](https://www.cnet.com/videos/watch-unitrees-g1-humanoid-robot-run-in-new-video/) - [iPhone SE 4 vs. iPhone 17 Air Rumors: Does Size Matter Over Cost? - CNET](https://www.cnet.com/videos/does-iphone-size-matter-iphone-se-4-vs-iphone-17-air-rumors/) Back Editors' Choice Our Editors' Choice awards represent the very best products and services our expert editors recommend. 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This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. - Wellness - [Medical](https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/) # Worried About Getting COVID Again? Here's What to Know A lot has changed since the pandemic started. Here's what the experts say about reinfection, COVID-19 immunity and how long it lasts. ![Headshot of Jessica Rendall](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) ![Headshot of Jessica Rendall](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) Jessica Rendall Former Wellness Reporter Jessica was a writer on the Wellness team, with a focus on health technology, eye care, nutrition and finding new approaches to chronic health problems. Expertise Public health, new wellness technology and health hacks that don't cost money Credentials - Added coconut oil to cheap coffee before keto made it cool. [See full bio](https://www.cnet.com/profiles/jrendall/) Jessica Rendall March 31, 2023 8:50 a.m. PT 6 min read ![Red virus particles circling a big question mark against a pretty blue background](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) MicroStockHub/Getty Images As COVID-19 has mutated into new variants of the virus, scientists' understanding of immunity and public health measures have changed, too. Mask mandates have [fallen in some cities and public spaces](https://www.webmd.com/covid/news/20230211/statewide-mask-mandate-for-hospitals-expires-in-new-york#:~:text=Feb.,Department%20of%20Health%20announced%20Friday. "(opens in a new window)") (though some areas or businesses may require them), public health officials are considering an annual [simplified vaccine strategy in the US](https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/covid-shot-update-older-adults-should-get-another-this-spring-cdc-says/) and [World Health Organization officials this week](https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/immunization/sage/2023/march-2023/sage_march_2023_meeting_highlights.pdf?sfvrsn=a8e5be9_3 "(opens in a new window)") said people in higher-risk groups, not those of medium or low risk, should [be the priority](https://www.statnews.com/2023/03/28/focus-covid-booster-campaigns-on-high-risk-people-whos-vaccine-experts-recommend/ "(opens in a new window)") in vaccine plans moving forward. These developing plans reflect a new state of the pandemic, once the [emergency expires](https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/covid-public-health-emergency-ending-heres-what-will-happen-to-healthcare/) in the US in May, and a new way to handle COVID-19, which has been circulating in various forms of omicron since late 2021. While the burden of COVID-19 is simmering at [much lower levels than earlier](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#new-hospital-admissions "(opens in a new window)") in the pandemic, the fact that the virus is still around making people sick will eventually spur the question (if it hasn't already): What happens when you get COVID-19 again? COVID-19 reinfection happens when you have the virus for a second, third or fourth time, or more. While confirmed [cases of it were relatively uncommon](https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/worried-about-getting-covid-again-heres-what-to-know/) in the early stages of the pandemic, many people have gotten COVID-19 more than once, or will get it again in the future. Here's what the experts say about immunity arising from past infections and vaccines, what you should know about the risk of long COVID after another bout of COVID-19, and more. ## How long does COVID immunity last? A [meta-analysis](https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2822%2902465-5 "(opens in a new window)") of 65 studies published in The Lancet in February found that protection against severe disease from prior infection with COVID-19 is high with all past variants, while protection against reinfection, or getting sick again, was lower and declined pretty rapidly with the omicron variant (BA.1). Perhaps most importantly, the study found that protection against severe disease for COVID-19, in general, remained high for 40 weeks (10 months). Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the [Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation](https://www.healthdata.org/ "(opens in a new window)") and one of the authors of the analysis, says that when you talk about COVID-19 immunity, you need to consider it as two parts: protection against severe disease, and protection against infection. While protection against getting infected with COVID-19 again after you've already had it is "not great," Murray said, "immunity to prevent severe disease and death is really quite good." Someone's risk of severe disease or being hospitalized with the virus will depend on different factors, including their age ([older adults have the highest risk](https://www.cdc.gov/aging/covid19/index.html#:~:text=Older%20adults%20\(especially%20those%20aged,breathe%2C%20or%20they%20could%20die. "(opens in a new window)")) or medical conditions. But in terms of your individual immunity, take note of the last time you had your immune system stimulated against COVID-19. "The key thing to the individual is to remember when was the last vaccination you've had, or the last time you were sure you got infected," Murray said. "We know there's sustained immunity for at least 10 months," he said, referring to protection against severe disease. "That'll tell you when the clock starts ticking about immunity." ## What's changed in the way we think about immunity? "I think now we're seeing the value of natural immunity that we didn't know a year or two ago," said Dr. Mike Sevilla, a family physician who practices in Ohio. "The population in general has already been exposed to the COVID virus in one way or another," Sevilla added, whether it was from the vaccine, an infection or both. It also appears we've officially said "goodbye" to the idea of [herd immunity](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/herd-immunity-and-coronavirus/art-20486808 "(opens in a new window)") -- the concept that enough of the population having immunity would also work against COVID-19 and would stop its spread. "You're not gonna stop the transmission of the virus just by a lot of people getting infected or vaccinated," Murray said. "That's a pretty big change in thinking from two years ago, I'd say." ![An illustration of two people wearing masks, confronted by a magnifying glass and virus particle](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) DrAfter123/Getty Images ## Are symptoms worse when you get COVID again? What about long COVID? Because the variant someone is infected with can partly determine the [severity of their illness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7104e4.htm "(opens in a new window)"), how sick someone gets with a reinfection might depend on whether they were infected with a version of omicron or an earlier variant, according to Sevilla. "It really depends on when they had their infection, as opposed to whether they had it two or three times," he said. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, [symptoms during your reinfection with COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/clinical-considerations-reinfection.html#:~:text=Symptoms%20during%20reinfection%20are%20likely,severe%20COVID-19%20during%20reinfection. "(opens in a new window)"), compared to the first illness, are likely to be less severe. However, some people get more severe illness, the agency notes. Testing, treatment and [isolation guidelines](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html#:~:text=If%20you%20test%20positive%20for,unable%20to%20wear%20a%20mask. "(opens in a new window)") during your second or third COVID-19 infection are also the same as for your first. [Long COVID](https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/what-to-know-about-long-covid-in-2023/) is a lingering condition that results in someone experiencing lasting symptoms or mental or physical changes after their body has cleared the infection. Does getting infected again increase the risk for long COVID? "It's hard to answer that one, but we have seen a pretty strong link between severity and risk of long COVID," Murray said. That is, people who need to be hospitalized or get very sick with the virus have a higher risk of long COVID in general. According to an [article](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-covid-19-reinfection#:~:text=Reinfection%20is%20problematic,-%E2%80%9CIt%20can%20be&text=%E2%80%9CWe%20know%20from%20a%20pretty,and%20even%20mental%20health%20problems.%E2%80%9D "(opens in a new window)") by the American Medical Association, each time you get COVID-19, your [risk for developing chronic health issues](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-covid-19-reinfection#:~:text=Reinfection%20is%20problematic,-%E2%80%9CIt%20can%20be&text=%E2%80%9CWe%20know%20from%20a%20pretty,and%20even%20mental%20health%20problems.%E2%80%9D "(opens in a new window)"), including organ damage, goes up. Damage to different organs in the body is one of the many different ways long COVID affects people. Researchers who published a [large review on long COVID](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-022-00846-2 "(opens in a new window)") earlier this year in Nature Reviews Microbiology wrote that early research suggests an increasing risk of long COVID symptoms with reinfection, but that early evidence also shows a flipped relationship with certain immune responses in people with long COVID possibly making them more susceptible to getting the virus again. ## What doctors want people to know about COVID risk "We're definitely in a better place, public health-wise, than we were at the start of the pandemic," Sevilla said, adding that his focus is on his older and higher-risk patients, which include people with diabetes, heart disease and those who survived cancer. Murray says that for many adults who don't have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe disease, the effect of COVID-19 is milder and resembles influenza -- a stark contrast to earlier stages of the pandemic when COVID-19 was much more severe, Murray added. But COVID-19 still does not have a flat risk profile. "The very elderly are still at high risk, and if they haven't recently had a booster or been recently infected..then that's a real risk," Murray said, noting that people who are immunosuppressed should also "err on the side of great caution" when considering how much time has passed since their last vaccine or infection. [Updated boosters that target the omicron variant](https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/omicron-booster-covid-19 "(opens in a new window)") are available for children and adults, as long as it's been at least two months since your last shot. (Learn more about staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines on the CDC's website.) "People need to change their mindset," Murray said. "It's not 'you got vaccinated, you're done' or 'you got infected, you're done.' Keep track of when you last had something that stimulated your immunity." Older adults and people with certain medical conditions are also eligible for treatments including [Paxlovid](https://www.cvs.com/content/covid-antiviral\ "(opens in a new window)"), which [cuts the risk of being hospitalized or dying](https://khn.org/news/article/older-americans-covid-paxlovid-risks-drug-interactions-guidance/ "(opens in a new window)") in high-risk patients. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or get a positive test, and you are at high risk of severe disease, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to see your treatment options. As outlined in a [Medscape post](https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/983737 "(opens in a new window)") by Dr. Eric Topol, editor-in-chief of the publication and executive vice president of Scripps Research, the people who need treatment the most may not be getting it. The fact that COVID-19 has become a more manageable disease for many people partly reflects that we haven't had a significantly new variant since late 2021 or early 2022 when [omicron became dominant and started mutating](https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/5-things-to-know-omicron "(opens in a new window)") into different (and more contagious) versions of itself. Murray says that the risk for a new dominant variant which causes more severe disease or has immune escape (gets around protection from vaccines or past illness) is there, and would be "very concerning." But relatively speaking on the variant front right now, Murray said, "We're doing well." 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Readable Markdown	As COVID-19 has mutated into new variants of the virus, scientists' understanding of immunity and public health measures have changed, too. Mask mandates have [fallen in some cities and public spaces](https://www.webmd.com/covid/news/20230211/statewide-mask-mandate-for-hospitals-expires-in-new-york#:~:text=Feb.,Department%20of%20Health%20announced%20Friday. "(opens in a new window)") (though some areas or businesses may require them), public health officials are considering an annual [simplified vaccine strategy in the US](https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/covid-shot-update-older-adults-should-get-another-this-spring-cdc-says/) and [World Health Organization officials this week](https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/immunization/sage/2023/march-2023/sage_march_2023_meeting_highlights.pdf?sfvrsn=a8e5be9_3 "(opens in a new window)") said people in higher-risk groups, not those of medium or low risk, should [be the priority](https://www.statnews.com/2023/03/28/focus-covid-booster-campaigns-on-high-risk-people-whos-vaccine-experts-recommend/ "(opens in a new window)") in vaccine plans moving forward. These developing plans reflect a new state of the pandemic, once the [emergency expires](https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/covid-public-health-emergency-ending-heres-what-will-happen-to-healthcare/) in the US in May, and a new way to handle COVID-19, which has been circulating in various forms of omicron since late 2021. While the burden of COVID-19 is simmering at [much lower levels than earlier](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#new-hospital-admissions "(opens in a new window)") in the pandemic, the fact that the virus is still around making people sick will eventually spur the question (if it hasn't already): What happens when you get COVID-19 again? COVID-19 reinfection happens when you have the virus for a second, third or fourth time, or more. While confirmed [cases of it were relatively uncommon](https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/worried-about-getting-covid-again-heres-what-to-know/) in the early stages of the pandemic, many people have gotten COVID-19 more than once, or will get it again in the future. Here's what the experts say about immunity arising from past infections and vaccines, what you should know about the risk of long COVID after another bout of COVID-19, and more. ## How long does COVID immunity last? A [meta-analysis](https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2822%2902465-5 "(opens in a new window)") of 65 studies published in The Lancet in February found that protection against severe disease from prior infection with COVID-19 is high with all past variants, while protection against reinfection, or getting sick again, was lower and declined pretty rapidly with the omicron variant (BA.1). Perhaps most importantly, the study found that protection against severe disease for COVID-19, in general, remained high for 40 weeks (10 months). Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the [Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation](https://www.healthdata.org/ "(opens in a new window)") and one of the authors of the analysis, says that when you talk about COVID-19 immunity, you need to consider it as two parts: protection against severe disease, and protection against infection. While protection against getting infected with COVID-19 again after you've already had it is "not great," Murray said, "immunity to prevent severe disease and death is really quite good." Someone's risk of severe disease or being hospitalized with the virus will depend on different factors, including their age ([older adults have the highest risk](https://www.cdc.gov/aging/covid19/index.html#:~:text=Older%20adults%20\(especially%20those%20aged,breathe%2C%20or%20they%20could%20die. "(opens in a new window)")) or medical conditions. But in terms of your individual immunity, take note of the last time you had your immune system stimulated against COVID-19. "The key thing to the individual is to remember when was the last vaccination you've had, or the last time you were sure you got infected," Murray said. "We know there's sustained immunity for at least 10 months," he said, referring to protection against severe disease. "That'll tell you when the clock starts ticking about immunity." ## What's changed in the way we think about immunity? "I think now we're seeing the value of natural immunity that we didn't know a year or two ago," said Dr. Mike Sevilla, a family physician who practices in Ohio. "The population in general has already been exposed to the COVID virus in one way or another," Sevilla added, whether it was from the vaccine, an infection or both. It also appears we've officially said "goodbye" to the idea of [herd immunity](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/herd-immunity-and-coronavirus/art-20486808 "(opens in a new window)") -- the concept that enough of the population having immunity would also work against COVID-19 and would stop its spread. "You're not gonna stop the transmission of the virus just by a lot of people getting infected or vaccinated," Murray said. "That's a pretty big change in thinking from two years ago, I'd say." ![An illustration of two people wearing masks, confronted by a magnifying glass and virus particle](https://www.cnet.com/images/logos/cnet_load.png) DrAfter123/Getty Images ## Are symptoms worse when you get COVID again? What about long COVID? Because the variant someone is infected with can partly determine the [severity of their illness](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7104e4.htm "(opens in a new window)"), how sick someone gets with a reinfection might depend on whether they were infected with a version of omicron or an earlier variant, according to Sevilla. "It really depends on when they had their infection, as opposed to whether they had it two or three times," he said. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, [symptoms during your reinfection with COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/clinical-considerations-reinfection.html#:~:text=Symptoms%20during%20reinfection%20are%20likely,severe%20COVID-19%20during%20reinfection. "(opens in a new window)"), compared to the first illness, are likely to be less severe. However, some people get more severe illness, the agency notes. Testing, treatment and [isolation guidelines](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html#:~:text=If%20you%20test%20positive%20for,unable%20to%20wear%20a%20mask. "(opens in a new window)") during your second or third COVID-19 infection are also the same as for your first. [Long COVID](https://www.cnet.com/health/medical/what-to-know-about-long-covid-in-2023/) is a lingering condition that results in someone experiencing lasting symptoms or mental or physical changes after their body has cleared the infection. Does getting infected again increase the risk for long COVID? "It's hard to answer that one, but we have seen a pretty strong link between severity and risk of long COVID," Murray said. That is, people who need to be hospitalized or get very sick with the virus have a higher risk of long COVID in general. According to an [article](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-covid-19-reinfection#:~:text=Reinfection%20is%20problematic,-%E2%80%9CIt%20can%20be&text=%E2%80%9CWe%20know%20from%20a%20pretty,and%20even%20mental%20health%20problems.%E2%80%9D "(opens in a new window)") by the American Medical Association, each time you get COVID-19, your [risk for developing chronic health issues](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-covid-19-reinfection#:~:text=Reinfection%20is%20problematic,-%E2%80%9CIt%20can%20be&text=%E2%80%9CWe%20know%20from%20a%20pretty,and%20even%20mental%20health%20problems.%E2%80%9D "(opens in a new window)"), including organ damage, goes up. Damage to different organs in the body is one of the many different ways long COVID affects people. Researchers who published a [large review on long COVID](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-022-00846-2 "(opens in a new window)") earlier this year in Nature Reviews Microbiology wrote that early research suggests an increasing risk of long COVID symptoms with reinfection, but that early evidence also shows a flipped relationship with certain immune responses in people with long COVID possibly making them more susceptible to getting the virus again. ## What doctors want people to know about COVID risk "We're definitely in a better place, public health-wise, than we were at the start of the pandemic," Sevilla said, adding that his focus is on his older and higher-risk patients, which include people with diabetes, heart disease and those who survived cancer. Murray says that for many adults who don't have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe disease, the effect of COVID-19 is milder and resembles influenza -- a stark contrast to earlier stages of the pandemic when COVID-19 was much more severe, Murray added. But COVID-19 still does not have a flat risk profile. "The very elderly are still at high risk, and if they haven't recently had a booster or been recently infected..then that's a real risk," Murray said, noting that people who are immunosuppressed should also "err on the side of great caution" when considering how much time has passed since their last vaccine or infection. [Updated boosters that target the omicron variant](https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/omicron-booster-covid-19 "(opens in a new window)") are available for children and adults, as long as it's been at least two months since your last shot. (Learn more about staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines on the CDC's website.) "People need to change their mindset," Murray said. "It's not 'you got vaccinated, you're done' or 'you got infected, you're done.' Keep track of when you last had something that stimulated your immunity." Older adults and people with certain medical conditions are also eligible for treatments including [Paxlovid](https://www.cvs.com/content/covid-antiviral\ "(opens in a new window)"), which [cuts the risk of being hospitalized or dying](https://khn.org/news/article/older-americans-covid-paxlovid-risks-drug-interactions-guidance/ "(opens in a new window)") in high-risk patients. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or get a positive test, and you are at high risk of severe disease, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to see your treatment options. As outlined in a [Medscape post](https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/983737 "(opens in a new window)") by Dr. Eric Topol, editor-in-chief of the publication and executive vice president of Scripps Research, the people who need treatment the most may not be getting it. The fact that COVID-19 has become a more manageable disease for many people partly reflects that we haven't had a significantly new variant since late 2021 or early 2022 when [omicron became dominant and started mutating](https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/5-things-to-know-omicron "(opens in a new window)") into different (and more contagious) versions of itself. Murray says that the risk for a new dominant variant which causes more severe disease or has immune escape (gets around protection from vaccines or past illness) is there, and would be "very concerning." But relatively speaking on the variant front right now, Murray said, "We're doing well."
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