🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 98 (from laksa164)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa098.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.healthline.com/health/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month","crawl_time":1770270816,"first_indexed_time":1658961763,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,healthline!www,\/health\/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month s443","src_root_hash":"11478817528691466898","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Can You Get COVID-19 Twice in a Month? Reinfections and Rebounds","meta_descriptions":["Learn how soon and how often reinfections with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can occur."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Researchers are still studying how quickly you can be reinfected with COVID-19. Factors that may contribute to reinfection include waning immunity and emerging new variants.\nCough, sore throat, fever, and chills: Not again! When a positive COVID-19 test comes back, you may feel like you just had it.\nAs time passes, immunity wanes, and new virus variants emerge. So, reinfections are certainly possible. But can you get\nCOVID-19\ntwice in just 1 month?\nWhile that specific scenario is pretty unlikely, the risk of reinfection is increasing. In this article, we discuss what we know so far about COVID-19 reinfections.\nGenerally, a number of factors contribute to\nCOVID-19 reinfections\n. These include the:\nemergence of new coronavirus variants\nnatural waning immunity gained from vaccination or previous infections\ndecrease in COVID-related precautions like mask wearing and physical distancing\nBefore the arrival of the Omicron variant, reinfections weren’t that common. Researchers in a May 2022 study looked at reinfections from the start of the pandemic until Omicron. Overall, they found that reinfection risk was\n6.7%\nin the 18 to 22 months after a first infection.\nHowever, now Omicron and its subvariants have changed the landscape of reinfections. Here’s what the research has found.\nPre-Omicron reinfections\nReinfections weren’t that common before Omicron. Research found that protection from reinfection typically lasted for at least several months.\nA 2021 study looking at\nPCR testing\ndata from 2020 found that a prior infection still gave about\n80%\nprotection 6 months after a first infection.\nA\nFebruary 2022 study\nbrought vaccination into the mix. Researchers looked at the effect of vaccination on reinfection from December 2020 to September 2021.\nImmunity from a prior infection waned after 1 year in unvaccinated people. However, in people vaccinated after having COVID-19, immunity stayed high, even if a prior infection was over 18 months ago.\nPost-Omicron reinfections\nViruses\ncan change over time, and that’s certainly been true with this coronavirus. As changes accumulate, they can make it easier for a virus to escape immunity generated by vaccination, a previous infection, or both.\nA\nJuly 2022 study\n, still in preprint, looked into the qualities of protection that a pre-Omicron infection provided:\nReinfection with another pre-Omicron virus:\nThe effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against another pre-Omicron infection was 85.5%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 32 months.\nReinfection with Omicron:\nThe effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against an Omicron infection was significantly lower at 38.1%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 15 months.\nA\nJune 2022 study\nlooked at the protection previous infection and vaccination provided on symptomatic infections with the “original” Omicron variant (BA.1) or its first subvariant, BA.2. Overall, there was no difference in protection between people who were vaccinated, who had had a previous infection, or both.\nOmicron BA.4 and BA.5\nA\nJuly 2022 study\nlooked into the neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 by\nantibodies\nfrom vaccination or a previous COVID-19 infection. Neutralizing antibodies prevent the virus from binding to a host cell.\nAntibodies from vaccinated people had a harder time neutralizing these subvariants. Neutralization was also lower with antibodies from people with a prior infection, including BA.1, the “original” Omicron variant that was dominant in late 2021 and early 2022.\nAnother\nJuly 2022 study\nsupports this. Researchers found that neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 was lower than that of BA.1 or BA.2 in both vaccinated people and those with a prior infection.\nWhat this means is that if you had COVID-19 during the first or most recent (BA.2) Omicron wave, reinfection with BA.4 or BA.5 is possible now. However, it’s still pretty likely you’re well protected at this point in time.\nResearchers in a\nJuly 2022 study\n, still in preprint, found that while the effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against symptomatic BA.4 or BA.5 infections was only 15.1%, it was still rather high (76.1%) if you had a previous Omicron infection.\nCOVID-19 reinfections appear to be less severe than first infections. A 2021 study looked at the risk of serious illness or death from reinfections. Compared with first infections, reinfections had a\n90%\nlower risk of serious illness or death.\nAn\nApril 2022 study\nalso found that COVID-19 reinfections carried a lower risk of death than first infections. Similar to first infections, age, sex, and underlying health conditions were risk factors for severe illness from reinfection.\nHowever, there’s some evidence that reinfections may increase the risk of lasting health effects. A\nJune 2022 study\n, still in preprint, found that, compared with first infections, reinfections boosted the risk of:\nproblems with:\nfatigue\nthe lungs, cardiovascular system, and many other organ systems\ndiabetes\nhospitalization\ndeath from any cause\nThese effects were seen regardless of vaccination status. The level of risk was also found to increase in line with the number of infections study participants reported.\nOne limitation of this study is that it may not reflect risk in the general population. Researchers focused on people using Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare resources. As such, the study population is more likely to be older and male, and have poorer health.\nPaxlovid\nis an antiviral drug doctors prescribe to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people at high risk of severe illness. To be effective, Paxlovid needs to be started within 5 days of symptom onset.\nRebounds of COVID-19 have been\nreported\nafter Paxlovid treatment. While it’s still unclear why this happens, it’s possible that the coronavirus isn’t completely cleared from the body while taking Paxlovid, allowing it to replicate again after treatment ends.\nIncreasing reports of these rebounds prompted the CDC to release a\nhealth advisory\n. In this advisory, the CDC noted that Paxlovid rebounds:\ncan occur in anyone, regardless of vaccination status\ntypically happen between 2 and 8 days after Paxlovid treatment\nare characterized by a new positive COVID-19 test after previously testing negative, which can also include a return of\nmild symptoms\noften resolve on their own after a median of 3 days without additional antiviral treatment\nRebounds after Paxlovid are rare. A June 2022 study found that, of 483 people treated with Paxlovid, only 4 (\n0.8%\n) had a rebound. Another June 2022 study, still in preprint, found a higher rebound rate: about\n3.5%\nin the 7 days after treatment.\nPeople experiencing COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid may also be able to transmit the infection to others. A\nsmall May 2022 study\n, still in preprint, involving 10 people documented transmission to family members during rebounds.\nThe amount of virus during a rebound was also similar to where it was before Paxlovid treatment. Researchers stated that these findings support that people who are having a rebound should\nisolate\nuntil their symptoms go away.\nCOVID-19 rebounds may also happen without taking Paxlovid. A\nJune 2022 research article\nmentions anecdotal reports of rebounds in people who never took Paxlovid. Authors note that perhaps Omicron takes longer to clear in some people than earlier virus variants.\nCan you get COVID-19 a third time in a row?\nYes. A\nstudy\npublished in March 2022 signaled an increased risk of reinfections due to Omicron. Within the study population, researchers noted that an increase in third infections was seen beginning in November 2021.\nResearchers stated that people who had third infections had their first infection early in the pandemic and a second infection during the Delta variant wave. Their third infection was from Omicron.\nWhat’s the best way to prevent reinfections?\nThe best way to prevent getting COVID-19 reinfections is to continue to take steps to protect yourself, including:\nstaying\nup to date\non your COVID-19 vaccines\nwearing a well-fitting mask when you’re out in public, especially in indoor places\nwashing your hands\nfrequently\navoiding crowded areas or poorly ventilated spaces\ntrying to stay a distance of 6 feet apart from others outside your household\nHow long should you quarantine after a COVID-19 reinfection?\nAccording to the\nCDC\n, we know little about the risk of transmission during COVID-19 reinfections. Overall, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume you can transmit the virus to others.\nA July 2022 study found that viral shedding (aka the contagious period) among people with Omicron infections can last up to\n10 days\n.\nSo, it’s a good idea to isolate and quarantine for at least 10 days or until you are symptom-free and test negative from a\nrapid COVID-19 test\n.\nHow soon will the boosters that target Omicron variants be available?\nAccording to the\nFood and Drug Administration (FDA)\n, boosters targeting Omicron are slated to be available starting in fall 2022. The FDA has also recommended a BA.4 and BA.5 component be included in this booster.\nModerna\nhas announced that its Omicron booster yields a significantly higher neutralizing antibody response to BA.4 and BA.5 than its current booster.\nPfizer-BioNTech\nstated that, compared with their current booster, their Omicron booster gave higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against BA.1. Neutralizing antibodies for BA.4 and BA.5 were present but to a lesser extent.\nThe risk of COVID-19 reinfections is increasing. Because of this, you may hear of more and more people in your life getting COVID-19 for a second time, sometimes not too long after their first infection.\nThe latest reinfections are largely driven by the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which can escape immunity from vaccines and prior infections. Things like naturally waning immunity and reduced COVID-19 precautions also contribute.\nReinfections of COVID-19 are typically less severe than first infections. However, some research says that repeat infections increase the risk of health issues later. As such, it’s important to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19.","attrs_markdown":"- Health Conditions\n  ### Health Conditions\n  [All](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n  \n  - [Breast Cancer](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/breast-cancer)\n  - [Cancer Care](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/cancer-care)\n  - [Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/alzheimers-disease)\n  - [Chronic Kidney Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/ckd)\n  - [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/copd)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/digestive-health)\n  - [Eye Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/eye-health)\n  - [Heart Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/heart-health)\n  - [Menopause](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/menopause)\n  - [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/mental-health)\n  - [Migraine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/migraine)\n  - [Multiple Sclerosis (MS)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/multiple-sclerosis)\n  - 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[Women's Wellness](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/program\/womens-wellness)\n  \n  ### Product Reviews\n  [All](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/reviews)\n  \n  - [At-Home Testing](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/reviews\/at-home-tests)\n  - [Men's Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/reviews\/mens-health-products)\n  - [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/reviews\/mental-health-services-and-products)\n  - [Nutrition](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/reviews\/nutrition-products)\n  - [Sleep](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/reviews\/sleep-products)\n  - [Vitamins and Supplements](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/reviews\/vitamin-and-supplement-products)\n  - [Women's Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/reviews\/womens-health-products)\n  \n  ### Featured Programs\n  [All](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sponsored-topics)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/HL_Dexcom-Stelo_Key-Art_Circular-Thumbnail_236x236.png) Your Guide to Glucose Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/program\/your-guide-to-glucose-health)\n  - 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[Future of Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/video\/future-of-health)\n- Connect\n  ### Find Your Bezzy Community\n  Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.\n  \n  [All](https:\/\/www.bezzy.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=nav-bar-connections)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bezzy-Breast-Cancer.png) Breast Cancer](https:\/\/www.bezzybc.com\/lp\/2\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bezzy-Multiple-Sclerosis.png) Multiple Sclerosis](https:\/\/www.bezzyms.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Bezzy-DEP-Icon-Circle.png) Depression](https:\/\/www.bezzydepression.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bezzy-MIG-Icon-Circle.png) Migraine](https:\/\/www.bezzymigraine.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Bezzy-T2D-Icon-Circle.png) Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.bezzyt2d.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Bezzy-PsO.png) Psoriasis](https:\/\/www.bezzypsoriasis.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  \n  ### Follow us on social media\n  Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.\n\nSubscribe\n\n[COVID-19](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month)\n\n- [Vaccines Basics](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-long-does-covid-vaccine-protect-you)\n- [Testing](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/types-of-covid-tests)\n- [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/coronavirus-covid-19)\n\n# Can You Get COVID-19 Twice in 1 Month?\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Darragh-O-Carroll-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Darragh O'Carroll, MD]() — Written by [Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.]()  on July 27, 2022\n\n- [Reinfection time frame](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month#reinfection-time-frame)\n- [Reinfection severity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month#reinfection-severity)\n- [Reinfections vs. rebounds](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month#reinfections-vs-rebounds)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month#fa-qs)\n- [Takeaway](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month#takeaway)\n\nResearchers are still studying how quickly you can be reinfected with COVID-19. Factors that may contribute to reinfection include waning immunity and emerging new variants.\n\nCough, sore throat, fever, and chills: Not again! When a positive COVID-19 test comes back, you may feel like you just had it.\n\nAs time passes, immunity wanes, and new virus variants emerge. So, reinfections are certainly possible. But can you get [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/coronavirus-covid-19) twice in just 1 month?\n\nWhile that specific scenario is pretty unlikely, the risk of reinfection is increasing. In this article, we discuss what we know so far about COVID-19 reinfections.\n\n## [How soon can you get COVID-19 again?]()\nGenerally, a number of factors contribute to [COVID-19 reinfections](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/covid-19-reinfections-more-common-now-heres-why). These include the:\n\n- emergence of new coronavirus variants\n- natural waning immunity gained from vaccination or previous infections\n- decrease in COVID-related precautions like mask wearing and physical distancing\n\nAccording to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/your-health\/reinfection.html), we’re still learning many things about COVID-19 reinfections. This includes how soon reinfection can happen.\n\nBefore the arrival of the Omicron variant, reinfections weren’t that common. Researchers in a May 2022 study looked at reinfections from the start of the pandemic until Omicron. Overall, they found that reinfection risk was [6\\.7%](https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpubh.2022.884121\/full) in the 18 to 22 months after a first infection.\n\nHowever, now Omicron and its subvariants have changed the landscape of reinfections. Here’s what the research has found.\n\n### Pre-Omicron reinfections\nReinfections weren’t that common before Omicron. Research found that protection from reinfection typically lasted for at least several months.\n\nA 2021 study looking at [PCR testing](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/types-of-covid-tests) data from 2020 found that a prior infection still gave about [80%](https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/journals\/lancet\/article\/PIIS0140-6736\\(21\\)00575-4\/fulltext) protection 6 months after a first infection.\n\nA [February 2022 study](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8908850\/) brought vaccination into the mix. Researchers looked at the effect of vaccination on reinfection from December 2020 to September 2021.\n\nImmunity from a prior infection waned after 1 year in unvaccinated people. However, in people vaccinated after having COVID-19, immunity stayed high, even if a prior infection was over 18 months ago.\n\n### **Summary**\nBefore Omicron, having had COVID-19 could protect against reinfection for at least several months. Vaccination boosted this level of protection.\n### Post-Omicron reinfections\n[Viruses](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/viral-diseases) can change over time, and that’s certainly been true with this coronavirus. As changes accumulate, they can make it easier for a virus to escape immunity generated by vaccination, a previous infection, or both.\n\nA [July 2022 study](https:\/\/www.medrxiv.org\/content\/10.1101\/2022.07.06.22277306v1), still in preprint, looked into the qualities of protection that a pre-Omicron infection provided:\n\n- **Reinfection with another pre-Omicron virus:** The effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against another pre-Omicron infection was 85.5%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 32 months.\n- **Reinfection with Omicron:** The effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against an Omicron infection was significantly lower at 38.1%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 15 months.\n\nA [June 2022 study](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9258753\/) looked at the protection previous infection and vaccination provided on symptomatic infections with the “original” Omicron variant (BA.1) or its first subvariant, BA.2. Overall, there was no difference in protection between people who were vaccinated, who had had a previous infection, or both.\n\n### **Summary**\nPrevious infection and vaccination provide less protection against Omicron. This means that if you had COVID-19 before Omicron, you’re less protected against reinfection now than you were before Omicron.\n### Omicron BA.4 and BA.5\nThe new [BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/ba-5-what-we-know-about-protection-from-vaccines-and-previous-infections) are now the [main drivers of COVID-19](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#variant-proportions) in the United States. They’re also very good at escaping the immune system.\n\nA [July 2022 study](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0092867422007103) looked into the neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 by [antibodies](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/infection\/antigen-vs-antibody) from vaccination or a previous COVID-19 infection. Neutralizing antibodies prevent the virus from binding to a host cell.\n\nAntibodies from vaccinated people had a harder time neutralizing these subvariants. Neutralization was also lower with antibodies from people with a prior infection, including BA.1, the “original” Omicron variant that was dominant in late 2021 and early 2022.\n\nAnother [July 2022 study](https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/full\/10.1056\/NEJMc2206576) supports this. Researchers found that neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 was lower than that of BA.1 or BA.2 in both vaccinated people and those with a prior infection.\n\nWhat this means is that if you had COVID-19 during the first or most recent (BA.2) Omicron wave, reinfection with BA.4 or BA.5 is possible now. However, it’s still pretty likely you’re well protected at this point in time.\n\nResearchers in a [July 2022 study](https:\/\/www.medrxiv.org\/content\/10.1101\/2022.07.11.22277448v1.full), still in preprint, found that while the effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against symptomatic BA.4 or BA.5 infections was only 15.1%, it was still rather high (76.1%) if you had a previous Omicron infection.\n\n### **Summary**\nBA.4 and BA.5 are very good at escaping antibodies from vaccinations and previous infections. This includes previous Omicron infections.\n\nWhat this means is that if you had COVID-19 in the past, you’re potentially at risk of getting it again now. This is also likely why there are so many anecdotal reports of people getting COVID-19 two times in a row.\n\n## [How severe are reinfections compared with initial infections?]()\nCOVID-19 reinfections appear to be less severe than first infections. A 2021 study looked at the risk of serious illness or death from reinfections. Compared with first infections, reinfections had a [90%](https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/full\/10.1056\/nejmc2108120) lower risk of serious illness or death.\n\nAn [April 2022 study](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S016344532200010X) also found that COVID-19 reinfections carried a lower risk of death than first infections. Similar to first infections, age, sex, and underlying health conditions were risk factors for severe illness from reinfection.\n\nHowever, there’s some evidence that reinfections may increase the risk of lasting health effects. A [June 2022 study](https:\/\/assets.researchsquare.com\/files\/rs-1749502\/v1\/499445df-ebaf-4ab3-b30f-3028dff81fca.pdf), still in preprint, found that, compared with first infections, reinfections boosted the risk of:\n\n- problems with:\n  - [fatigue](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/fatigue)\n  - the lungs, cardiovascular system, and many other organ systems\n  - [diabetes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/diabetesmine\/coronavirus-and-diabetes)\n- hospitalization\n- death from any cause\n\nThese effects were seen regardless of vaccination status. The level of risk was also found to increase in line with the number of infections study participants reported.\n\nOne limitation of this study is that it may not reflect risk in the general population. Researchers focused on people using Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare resources. As such, the study population is more likely to be older and male, and have poorer health.\n\n## [Is it a COVID-19 reinfection or a rebound from Paxlovid?]()\n[Paxlovid](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/155050\/download) is an antiviral drug doctors prescribe to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people at high risk of severe illness. To be effective, Paxlovid needs to be started within 5 days of symptom onset.\n\nRebounds of COVID-19 have been [reported](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/can-covid-19-symptoms-come-back-after-using-paxlovid-what-we-know) after Paxlovid treatment. While it’s still unclear why this happens, it’s possible that the coronavirus isn’t completely cleared from the body while taking Paxlovid, allowing it to replicate again after treatment ends.\n\nIncreasing reports of these rebounds prompted the CDC to release a [health advisory](https:\/\/emergency.cdc.gov\/han\/2022\/pdf\/CDC_HAN_467.pdf). In this advisory, the CDC noted that Paxlovid rebounds:\n\n- can occur in anyone, regardless of vaccination status\n- typically happen between 2 and 8 days after Paxlovid treatment\n- are characterized by a new positive COVID-19 test after previously testing negative, which can also include a return of [mild symptoms](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/coronavirus-symptoms)\n- often resolve on their own after a median of 3 days without additional antiviral treatment\n\nRebounds after Paxlovid are rare. A June 2022 study found that, of 483 people treated with Paxlovid, only 4 ([0\\.8%](https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/cid\/advance-article-abstract\/doi\/10.1093\/cid\/ciac481\/6607746)) had a rebound. Another June 2022 study, still in preprint, found a higher rebound rate: about [3\\.5%](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9258292\/) in the 7 days after treatment.\n\nPeople experiencing COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid may also be able to transmit the infection to others. A [small May 2022 study](https:\/\/assets.researchsquare.com\/files\/rs-1588371\/v3\/f15b8302-4fee-469a-8925-ad9d1a7ed327.pdf), still in preprint, involving 10 people documented transmission to family members during rebounds.\n\nThe amount of virus during a rebound was also similar to where it was before Paxlovid treatment. Researchers stated that these findings support that people who are having a rebound should [isolate](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/your-health\/quarantine-isolation.html) until their symptoms go away.\n\nCOVID-19 rebounds may also happen without taking Paxlovid. A [June 2022 research article](https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jama\/fullarticle\/2793357) mentions anecdotal reports of rebounds in people who never took Paxlovid. Authors note that perhaps Omicron takes longer to clear in some people than earlier virus variants.\n\n## [Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 reinfections]()\n### Can you get COVID-19 a third time in a row?\nYes. A [study](https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/science.abn4947) published in March 2022 signaled an increased risk of reinfections due to Omicron. Within the study population, researchers noted that an increase in third infections was seen beginning in November 2021.\n\nResearchers stated that people who had third infections had their first infection early in the pandemic and a second infection during the Delta variant wave. Their third infection was from Omicron.\n\n### What’s the best way to prevent reinfections?\nThe best way to prevent getting COVID-19 reinfections is to continue to take steps to protect yourself, including:\n\n- staying\n  [up to date](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/vaccines\/stay-up-to-date.html)\n  on your COVID-19 vaccines\n- wearing a well-fitting mask when you’re out in public, especially in indoor places\n- [washing your hands](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/7-steps-of-handwashing) frequently\n- avoiding crowded areas or poorly ventilated spaces\n- trying to stay a distance of 6 feet apart from others outside your household\n### How long should you quarantine after a COVID-19 reinfection?\nAccording to the [CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/your-health\/reinfection.html), we know little about the risk of transmission during COVID-19 reinfections. Overall, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume you can transmit the virus to others.\n\nA July 2022 study found that viral shedding (aka the contagious period) among people with Omicron infections can last up to [10 days](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9287585\/).\n\nSo, it’s a good idea to isolate and quarantine for at least 10 days or until you are symptom-free and test negative from a [rapid COVID-19 test](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/rapid-covid-19-tests-when-to-use-them-and-how-they-work).\n\n### How soon will the boosters that target Omicron variants be available?\nAccording to the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-recommends-inclusion-omicron-ba45-component-covid-19-vaccine-booster), boosters targeting Omicron are slated to be available starting in fall 2022. The FDA has also recommended a BA.4 and BA.5 component be included in this booster.\n\n[Moderna](https:\/\/investors.modernatx.com\/news\/news-details\/2022\/Modernas-Omicron-Containing-Bivalent-Booster-Candidate-mRNA-1273.214-Demonstrates-Significantly-Higher-Neutralizing-Antibody-Response-Against-Omicron-Subvariants-BA.45-Compared-To-Currently-Authorized-Booster\/default.aspx) has announced that its Omicron booster yields a significantly higher neutralizing antibody response to BA.4 and BA.5 than its current booster.\n\n[Pfizer-BioNTech](https:\/\/www.pfizer.com\/news\/press-release\/press-release-detail\/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-omicron-adapted-covid-19) stated that, compared with their current booster, their Omicron booster gave higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against BA.1. Neutralizing antibodies for BA.4 and BA.5 were present but to a lesser extent.\n\n## [Takeaway]()\nThe risk of COVID-19 reinfections is increasing. Because of this, you may hear of more and more people in your life getting COVID-19 for a second time, sometimes not too long after their first infection.\n\nThe latest reinfections are largely driven by the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which can escape immunity from vaccines and prior infections. Things like naturally waning immunity and reduced COVID-19 precautions also contribute.\n\nReinfections of COVID-19 are typically less severe than first infections. However, some research says that repeat infections increase the risk of health issues later. As such, it’s important to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19.\n\n### How we reviewed this article:\nSources\n\nHistory\n\nHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. 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Duration of infectious shedding of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and its relation with symptoms.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9287585\/>\n- Mensah AA, et al. (2022). Disease severity during SARS-CoV-2 reinfection: A nationwide study.  \n  <https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S016344532200010X>\n- Moderna’s Omicron-containing bivalent booster candidate, mRNA-1273.214, demonstrates significantly higher neutralizing antibody response against Omicron subvariants BA.4\/5 compared to currently authorized booster. (2022).  \n  <https:\/\/investors.modernatx.com\/news\/news-details\/2022\/Modernas-Omicron-Containing-Bivalent-Booster-Candidate-mRNA-1273.214-Demonstrates-Significantly-Higher-Neutralizing-Antibody-Response-Against-Omicron-Subvariants-BA.45-Compared-To-Currently-Authorized-Booster\/default.aspx>\n- Pfizer and BioNTech announce Omicron-adapted COVID-19 vaccine candidates demonstrate high immune response against Omicron. (2022).  \n  <https:\/\/www.pfizer.com\/news\/press-release\/press-release-detail\/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-omicron-adapted-covid-19>\n- Pulliam JRC, et al. (2022). Increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection associated with emergence of Omicron in South Africa.  \n  <https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/science.abn4947>\n- Ranganath N, et al. (2022). Rebound phenomenon after nirmatrelvir\/ritonavir treatment of coronavirus disease-2019 in high-risk persons.  \n  <https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/cid\/advance-article-abstract\/doi\/10.1093\/cid\/ciac481\/6607746>\n- Reinfections and COVID-19. (2022).  \n  <https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/your-health\/reinfection.html>\n- Rubin R. (2022). From positive to negative to positive again—the mystery of why COVID-19 rebounds in some patients who take Paxlovid.  \n  <https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jama\/fullarticle\/2793357>\n- Tuekprakhon A, et al. (2022). Antibody escape of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 from vaccine and BA.1 serum.  \n  <https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0092867422007103>\n- Variant proportions. (2022).  \n  <https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#variant-proportions>\n- Wang L, et al. (2022). COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid and molnupiravir during January-June 2022.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9258292\/>\n\nShare this article\n\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Darragh-O-Carroll-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Darragh O'Carroll, MD]() — Written by [Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.]()  on July 27, 2022\n\n## related stories\n- [The 12 Best At-Home COVID-19 Tests](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/at-home-coronavirus-test?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [10 Best Face Masks for COVID-19](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/best-face-masks-covid-specific?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [How to Prepare for a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-to-prepare-for-covid-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [FDA OKs New Drug To Boost COVID-19 Protection for Immunocompromised People](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/fda-oks-new-drug-to-boost-covid-19-protection-for-immunocompromised-people?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [What to Know About COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccines](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/vaccinations\/what-is-bivalent-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext)\n\n### Read this next\n- [The 12 Best At-Home COVID-19 Tests](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/at-home-coronavirus-test?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [The market for at-home coronavirus tests focused on COVID-19 is changing from week to week. 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More research is needed to…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/is-the-covid-19-vaccine-linked-to-tinnitus-what-we-know?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/is-the-covid-19-vaccine-linked-to-tinnitus-what-we-know?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Is it 'COVID Eye' from 'Arcturus' or Allergies? How to Tell the Difference](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/is-it-covid-eye-or-allergies-how-to-tell-the-difference?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [While many of the previous strains of COVID-19 have all presented with classic symptoms of cough, congestion, body aches, and even loss of taste…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/is-it-covid-eye-or-allergies-how-to-tell-the-difference?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/is-it-covid-eye-or-allergies-how-to-tell-the-difference?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Shortness of Breath: A Rare Adverse Effect of the COVID-19 Vaccine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/shortness-of-breath-after-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [In very rare cases, shortness of breath can happen after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Seek immediate medical care if this happens to you.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/shortness-of-breath-after-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/shortness-of-breath-after-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Why Drinking Urine Won’t Protect You Against COVID-19 (and May Make You Sick)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/urine-covid-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [There’s no scientific evidence that drinking urine can protect you from COVID-19, and it may hurt you. Learn more here.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/urine-covid-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/urine-covid-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext)\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/contact-us)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/privacy-policy)\n- [Privacy Settings](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/privacy-settings)\n- [Advertising Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/advertising-policy)\n- [Health Topics](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sitemap)\n- [Medical Affairs](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n- [Content Integrity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/content-integrity)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/newsletter-signup)\n- © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n[About](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=about)[Careers](https:\/\/rvohealth.com\/careers)[Advertise with us](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/advertise?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=advertise)\n\nOUR BRANDS\n\n[Healthline](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/)[Medical News Today](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/)[Greatist](https:\/\/greatist.com\/)[Psych Central](https:\/\/psychcentral.com\/)[Bezzy](https:\/\/bezzy.com\/)\n\n![](http:\/\/b.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=38584006&cv=3.9&cj=1&comscorekw=main)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Researchers are still studying how quickly you can be reinfected with COVID-19. Factors that may contribute to reinfection include waning immunity and emerging new variants.\n\nCough, sore throat, fever, and chills: Not again! When a positive COVID-19 test comes back, you may feel like you just had it.\n\nAs time passes, immunity wanes, and new virus variants emerge. So, reinfections are certainly possible. But can you get [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/coronavirus-covid-19) twice in just 1 month?\n\nWhile that specific scenario is pretty unlikely, the risk of reinfection is increasing. In this article, we discuss what we know so far about COVID-19 reinfections.\n\nGenerally, a number of factors contribute to [COVID-19 reinfections](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/covid-19-reinfections-more-common-now-heres-why). These include the:\n\n- emergence of new coronavirus variants\n- natural waning immunity gained from vaccination or previous infections\n- decrease in COVID-related precautions like mask wearing and physical distancing\n\nBefore the arrival of the Omicron variant, reinfections weren’t that common. Researchers in a May 2022 study looked at reinfections from the start of the pandemic until Omicron. Overall, they found that reinfection risk was [6\\.7%](https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpubh.2022.884121\/full) in the 18 to 22 months after a first infection.\n\nHowever, now Omicron and its subvariants have changed the landscape of reinfections. Here’s what the research has found.\n\nPre-Omicron reinfections\n\nReinfections weren’t that common before Omicron. Research found that protection from reinfection typically lasted for at least several months.\n\nA 2021 study looking at [PCR testing](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/types-of-covid-tests) data from 2020 found that a prior infection still gave about [80%](https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/journals\/lancet\/article\/PIIS0140-6736\\(21\\)00575-4\/fulltext) protection 6 months after a first infection.\n\nA [February 2022 study](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8908850\/) brought vaccination into the mix. Researchers looked at the effect of vaccination on reinfection from December 2020 to September 2021.\n\nImmunity from a prior infection waned after 1 year in unvaccinated people. However, in people vaccinated after having COVID-19, immunity stayed high, even if a prior infection was over 18 months ago.\n\nPost-Omicron reinfections\n\n[Viruses](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/viral-diseases) can change over time, and that’s certainly been true with this coronavirus. As changes accumulate, they can make it easier for a virus to escape immunity generated by vaccination, a previous infection, or both.\n\nA [July 2022 study](https:\/\/www.medrxiv.org\/content\/10.1101\/2022.07.06.22277306v1), still in preprint, looked into the qualities of protection that a pre-Omicron infection provided:\n\n- **Reinfection with another pre-Omicron virus:** The effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against another pre-Omicron infection was 85.5%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 32 months.\n- **Reinfection with Omicron:** The effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against an Omicron infection was significantly lower at 38.1%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 15 months.\n\nA [June 2022 study](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9258753\/) looked at the protection previous infection and vaccination provided on symptomatic infections with the “original” Omicron variant (BA.1) or its first subvariant, BA.2. Overall, there was no difference in protection between people who were vaccinated, who had had a previous infection, or both.\n\nOmicron BA.4 and BA.5\n\nA [July 2022 study](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0092867422007103) looked into the neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 by [antibodies](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/infection\/antigen-vs-antibody) from vaccination or a previous COVID-19 infection. Neutralizing antibodies prevent the virus from binding to a host cell.\n\nAntibodies from vaccinated people had a harder time neutralizing these subvariants. Neutralization was also lower with antibodies from people with a prior infection, including BA.1, the “original” Omicron variant that was dominant in late 2021 and early 2022.\n\nAnother [July 2022 study](https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/full\/10.1056\/NEJMc2206576) supports this. Researchers found that neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 was lower than that of BA.1 or BA.2 in both vaccinated people and those with a prior infection.\n\nWhat this means is that if you had COVID-19 during the first or most recent (BA.2) Omicron wave, reinfection with BA.4 or BA.5 is possible now. However, it’s still pretty likely you’re well protected at this point in time.\n\nResearchers in a [July 2022 study](https:\/\/www.medrxiv.org\/content\/10.1101\/2022.07.11.22277448v1.full), still in preprint, found that while the effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against symptomatic BA.4 or BA.5 infections was only 15.1%, it was still rather high (76.1%) if you had a previous Omicron infection.\n\nCOVID-19 reinfections appear to be less severe than first infections. A 2021 study looked at the risk of serious illness or death from reinfections. Compared with first infections, reinfections had a [90%](https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/full\/10.1056\/nejmc2108120) lower risk of serious illness or death.\n\nAn [April 2022 study](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S016344532200010X) also found that COVID-19 reinfections carried a lower risk of death than first infections. Similar to first infections, age, sex, and underlying health conditions were risk factors for severe illness from reinfection.\n\nHowever, there’s some evidence that reinfections may increase the risk of lasting health effects. A [June 2022 study](https:\/\/assets.researchsquare.com\/files\/rs-1749502\/v1\/499445df-ebaf-4ab3-b30f-3028dff81fca.pdf), still in preprint, found that, compared with first infections, reinfections boosted the risk of:\n\n- problems with:\n  - [fatigue](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/fatigue)\n  - the lungs, cardiovascular system, and many other organ systems\n  - [diabetes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/diabetesmine\/coronavirus-and-diabetes)\n- hospitalization\n- death from any cause\n\nThese effects were seen regardless of vaccination status. The level of risk was also found to increase in line with the number of infections study participants reported.\n\nOne limitation of this study is that it may not reflect risk in the general population. Researchers focused on people using Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare resources. As such, the study population is more likely to be older and male, and have poorer health.\n\n[Paxlovid](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/155050\/download) is an antiviral drug doctors prescribe to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people at high risk of severe illness. To be effective, Paxlovid needs to be started within 5 days of symptom onset.\n\nRebounds of COVID-19 have been [reported](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/can-covid-19-symptoms-come-back-after-using-paxlovid-what-we-know) after Paxlovid treatment. While it’s still unclear why this happens, it’s possible that the coronavirus isn’t completely cleared from the body while taking Paxlovid, allowing it to replicate again after treatment ends.\n\nIncreasing reports of these rebounds prompted the CDC to release a [health advisory](https:\/\/emergency.cdc.gov\/han\/2022\/pdf\/CDC_HAN_467.pdf). In this advisory, the CDC noted that Paxlovid rebounds:\n\n- can occur in anyone, regardless of vaccination status\n- typically happen between 2 and 8 days after Paxlovid treatment\n- are characterized by a new positive COVID-19 test after previously testing negative, which can also include a return of [mild symptoms](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/coronavirus-symptoms)\n- often resolve on their own after a median of 3 days without additional antiviral treatment\n\nRebounds after Paxlovid are rare. A June 2022 study found that, of 483 people treated with Paxlovid, only 4 ([0\\.8%](https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/cid\/advance-article-abstract\/doi\/10.1093\/cid\/ciac481\/6607746)) had a rebound. Another June 2022 study, still in preprint, found a higher rebound rate: about [3\\.5%](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9258292\/) in the 7 days after treatment.\n\nPeople experiencing COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid may also be able to transmit the infection to others. A [small May 2022 study](https:\/\/assets.researchsquare.com\/files\/rs-1588371\/v3\/f15b8302-4fee-469a-8925-ad9d1a7ed327.pdf), still in preprint, involving 10 people documented transmission to family members during rebounds.\n\nThe amount of virus during a rebound was also similar to where it was before Paxlovid treatment. Researchers stated that these findings support that people who are having a rebound should [isolate](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/your-health\/quarantine-isolation.html) until their symptoms go away.\n\nCOVID-19 rebounds may also happen without taking Paxlovid. A [June 2022 research article](https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jama\/fullarticle\/2793357) mentions anecdotal reports of rebounds in people who never took Paxlovid. Authors note that perhaps Omicron takes longer to clear in some people than earlier virus variants.\n\nCan you get COVID-19 a third time in a row?\n\nYes. A [study](https:\/\/www.science.org\/doi\/10.1126\/science.abn4947) published in March 2022 signaled an increased risk of reinfections due to Omicron. Within the study population, researchers noted that an increase in third infections was seen beginning in November 2021.\n\nResearchers stated that people who had third infections had their first infection early in the pandemic and a second infection during the Delta variant wave. Their third infection was from Omicron.\n\nWhat’s the best way to prevent reinfections?\n\nThe best way to prevent getting COVID-19 reinfections is to continue to take steps to protect yourself, including:\n\n- staying\n  [up to date](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/vaccines\/stay-up-to-date.html)\n  on your COVID-19 vaccines\n- wearing a well-fitting mask when you’re out in public, especially in indoor places\n- [washing your hands](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/7-steps-of-handwashing) frequently\n- avoiding crowded areas or poorly ventilated spaces\n- trying to stay a distance of 6 feet apart from others outside your household\n\nHow long should you quarantine after a COVID-19 reinfection?\n\nAccording to the [CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/your-health\/reinfection.html), we know little about the risk of transmission during COVID-19 reinfections. Overall, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume you can transmit the virus to others.\n\nA July 2022 study found that viral shedding (aka the contagious period) among people with Omicron infections can last up to [10 days](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9287585\/).\n\nSo, it’s a good idea to isolate and quarantine for at least 10 days or until you are symptom-free and test negative from a [rapid COVID-19 test](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/rapid-covid-19-tests-when-to-use-them-and-how-they-work).\n\nHow soon will the boosters that target Omicron variants be available?\n\nAccording to the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-recommends-inclusion-omicron-ba45-component-covid-19-vaccine-booster), boosters targeting Omicron are slated to be available starting in fall 2022. The FDA has also recommended a BA.4 and BA.5 component be included in this booster.\n\n[Moderna](https:\/\/investors.modernatx.com\/news\/news-details\/2022\/Modernas-Omicron-Containing-Bivalent-Booster-Candidate-mRNA-1273.214-Demonstrates-Significantly-Higher-Neutralizing-Antibody-Response-Against-Omicron-Subvariants-BA.45-Compared-To-Currently-Authorized-Booster\/default.aspx) has announced that its Omicron booster yields a significantly higher neutralizing antibody response to BA.4 and BA.5 than its current booster.\n\n[Pfizer-BioNTech](https:\/\/www.pfizer.com\/news\/press-release\/press-release-detail\/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-omicron-adapted-covid-19) stated that, compared with their current booster, their Omicron booster gave higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against BA.1. Neutralizing antibodies for BA.4 and BA.5 were present but to a lesser extent.\n\nThe risk of COVID-19 reinfections is increasing. Because of this, you may hear of more and more people in your life getting COVID-19 for a second time, sometimes not too long after their first infection.\n\nThe latest reinfections are largely driven by the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which can escape immunity from vaccines and prior infections. Things like naturally waning immunity and reduced COVID-19 precautions also contribute.\n\nReinfections of COVID-19 are typically less severe than first infections. However, some research says that repeat infections increase the risk of health issues later. As such, it’s important to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19.","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month
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Meta Title	Can You Get COVID-19 Twice in a Month? Reinfections and Rebounds
Meta Description	Learn how soon and how often reinfections with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can occur.
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Boilerpipe Text	Researchers are still studying how quickly you can be reinfected with COVID-19. Factors that may contribute to reinfection include waning immunity and emerging new variants. Cough, sore throat, fever, and chills: Not again! When a positive COVID-19 test comes back, you may feel like you just had it. As time passes, immunity wanes, and new virus variants emerge. So, reinfections are certainly possible. But can you get COVID-19 twice in just 1 month? While that specific scenario is pretty unlikely, the risk of reinfection is increasing. In this article, we discuss what we know so far about COVID-19 reinfections. Generally, a number of factors contribute to COVID-19 reinfections . These include the: emergence of new coronavirus variants natural waning immunity gained from vaccination or previous infections decrease in COVID-related precautions like mask wearing and physical distancing Before the arrival of the Omicron variant, reinfections weren’t that common. Researchers in a May 2022 study looked at reinfections from the start of the pandemic until Omicron. Overall, they found that reinfection risk was 6.7% in the 18 to 22 months after a first infection. However, now Omicron and its subvariants have changed the landscape of reinfections. Here’s what the research has found. Pre-Omicron reinfections Reinfections weren’t that common before Omicron. Research found that protection from reinfection typically lasted for at least several months. A 2021 study looking at PCR testing data from 2020 found that a prior infection still gave about 80% protection 6 months after a first infection. A February 2022 study brought vaccination into the mix. Researchers looked at the effect of vaccination on reinfection from December 2020 to September 2021. Immunity from a prior infection waned after 1 year in unvaccinated people. However, in people vaccinated after having COVID-19, immunity stayed high, even if a prior infection was over 18 months ago. Post-Omicron reinfections Viruses can change over time, and that’s certainly been true with this coronavirus. As changes accumulate, they can make it easier for a virus to escape immunity generated by vaccination, a previous infection, or both. A July 2022 study , still in preprint, looked into the qualities of protection that a pre-Omicron infection provided: Reinfection with another pre-Omicron virus: The effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against another pre-Omicron infection was 85.5%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 32 months. Reinfection with Omicron: The effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against an Omicron infection was significantly lower at 38.1%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 15 months. A June 2022 study looked at the protection previous infection and vaccination provided on symptomatic infections with the “original” Omicron variant (BA.1) or its first subvariant, BA.2. Overall, there was no difference in protection between people who were vaccinated, who had had a previous infection, or both. Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 A July 2022 study looked into the neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 by antibodies from vaccination or a previous COVID-19 infection. Neutralizing antibodies prevent the virus from binding to a host cell. Antibodies from vaccinated people had a harder time neutralizing these subvariants. Neutralization was also lower with antibodies from people with a prior infection, including BA.1, the “original” Omicron variant that was dominant in late 2021 and early 2022. Another July 2022 study supports this. Researchers found that neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 was lower than that of BA.1 or BA.2 in both vaccinated people and those with a prior infection. What this means is that if you had COVID-19 during the first or most recent (BA.2) Omicron wave, reinfection with BA.4 or BA.5 is possible now. However, it’s still pretty likely you’re well protected at this point in time. Researchers in a July 2022 study , still in preprint, found that while the effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against symptomatic BA.4 or BA.5 infections was only 15.1%, it was still rather high (76.1%) if you had a previous Omicron infection. COVID-19 reinfections appear to be less severe than first infections. A 2021 study looked at the risk of serious illness or death from reinfections. Compared with first infections, reinfections had a 90% lower risk of serious illness or death. An April 2022 study also found that COVID-19 reinfections carried a lower risk of death than first infections. Similar to first infections, age, sex, and underlying health conditions were risk factors for severe illness from reinfection. However, there’s some evidence that reinfections may increase the risk of lasting health effects. A June 2022 study , still in preprint, found that, compared with first infections, reinfections boosted the risk of: problems with: fatigue the lungs, cardiovascular system, and many other organ systems diabetes hospitalization death from any cause These effects were seen regardless of vaccination status. The level of risk was also found to increase in line with the number of infections study participants reported. One limitation of this study is that it may not reflect risk in the general population. Researchers focused on people using Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare resources. As such, the study population is more likely to be older and male, and have poorer health. Paxlovid is an antiviral drug doctors prescribe to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people at high risk of severe illness. To be effective, Paxlovid needs to be started within 5 days of symptom onset. Rebounds of COVID-19 have been reported after Paxlovid treatment. While it’s still unclear why this happens, it’s possible that the coronavirus isn’t completely cleared from the body while taking Paxlovid, allowing it to replicate again after treatment ends. Increasing reports of these rebounds prompted the CDC to release a health advisory . In this advisory, the CDC noted that Paxlovid rebounds: can occur in anyone, regardless of vaccination status typically happen between 2 and 8 days after Paxlovid treatment are characterized by a new positive COVID-19 test after previously testing negative, which can also include a return of mild symptoms often resolve on their own after a median of 3 days without additional antiviral treatment Rebounds after Paxlovid are rare. A June 2022 study found that, of 483 people treated with Paxlovid, only 4 ( 0.8% ) had a rebound. Another June 2022 study, still in preprint, found a higher rebound rate: about 3.5% in the 7 days after treatment. People experiencing COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid may also be able to transmit the infection to others. A small May 2022 study , still in preprint, involving 10 people documented transmission to family members during rebounds. The amount of virus during a rebound was also similar to where it was before Paxlovid treatment. Researchers stated that these findings support that people who are having a rebound should isolate until their symptoms go away. COVID-19 rebounds may also happen without taking Paxlovid. A June 2022 research article mentions anecdotal reports of rebounds in people who never took Paxlovid. Authors note that perhaps Omicron takes longer to clear in some people than earlier virus variants. Can you get COVID-19 a third time in a row? Yes. A study published in March 2022 signaled an increased risk of reinfections due to Omicron. Within the study population, researchers noted that an increase in third infections was seen beginning in November 2021. Researchers stated that people who had third infections had their first infection early in the pandemic and a second infection during the Delta variant wave. Their third infection was from Omicron. What’s the best way to prevent reinfections? The best way to prevent getting COVID-19 reinfections is to continue to take steps to protect yourself, including: staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines wearing a well-fitting mask when you’re out in public, especially in indoor places washing your hands frequently avoiding crowded areas or poorly ventilated spaces trying to stay a distance of 6 feet apart from others outside your household How long should you quarantine after a COVID-19 reinfection? According to the CDC , we know little about the risk of transmission during COVID-19 reinfections. Overall, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume you can transmit the virus to others. A July 2022 study found that viral shedding (aka the contagious period) among people with Omicron infections can last up to 10 days . So, it’s a good idea to isolate and quarantine for at least 10 days or until you are symptom-free and test negative from a rapid COVID-19 test . How soon will the boosters that target Omicron variants be available? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , boosters targeting Omicron are slated to be available starting in fall 2022. The FDA has also recommended a BA.4 and BA.5 component be included in this booster. Moderna has announced that its Omicron booster yields a significantly higher neutralizing antibody response to BA.4 and BA.5 than its current booster. Pfizer-BioNTech stated that, compared with their current booster, their Omicron booster gave higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against BA.1. Neutralizing antibodies for BA.4 and BA.5 were present but to a lesser extent. The risk of COVID-19 reinfections is increasing. Because of this, you may hear of more and more people in your life getting COVID-19 for a second time, sometimes not too long after their first infection. The latest reinfections are largely driven by the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which can escape immunity from vaccines and prior infections. Things like naturally waning immunity and reduced COVID-19 precautions also contribute. Reinfections of COVID-19 are typically less severe than first infections. However, some research says that repeat infections increase the risk of health issues later. As such, it’s important to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19.
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Subscribe [COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month) - [Vaccines Basics](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-covid-vaccine-protect-you) - [Testing](https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-covid-tests) - [Symptoms](https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-covid-19) # Can You Get COVID-19 Twice in 1 Month? ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Darragh-O-Carroll-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Darragh O'Carroll, MD]() — Written by [Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.]() on July 27, 2022 - [Reinfection time frame](https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month#reinfection-time-frame) - [Reinfection severity](https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month#reinfection-severity) - [Reinfections vs. rebounds](https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month#reinfections-vs-rebounds) - [FAQs](https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month#fa-qs) - [Takeaway](https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-get-covid-twice-in-a-month#takeaway) Researchers are still studying how quickly you can be reinfected with COVID-19. Factors that may contribute to reinfection include waning immunity and emerging new variants. Cough, sore throat, fever, and chills: Not again! When a positive COVID-19 test comes back, you may feel like you just had it. As time passes, immunity wanes, and new virus variants emerge. So, reinfections are certainly possible. But can you get [COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-covid-19) twice in just 1 month? While that specific scenario is pretty unlikely, the risk of reinfection is increasing. In this article, we discuss what we know so far about COVID-19 reinfections. ## [How soon can you get COVID-19 again?]() Generally, a number of factors contribute to [COVID-19 reinfections](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/covid-19-reinfections-more-common-now-heres-why). These include the: - emergence of new coronavirus variants - natural waning immunity gained from vaccination or previous infections - decrease in COVID-related precautions like mask wearing and physical distancing According to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/reinfection.html), we’re still learning many things about COVID-19 reinfections. This includes how soon reinfection can happen. Before the arrival of the Omicron variant, reinfections weren’t that common. Researchers in a May 2022 study looked at reinfections from the start of the pandemic until Omicron. Overall, they found that reinfection risk was [6\.7%](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.884121/full) in the 18 to 22 months after a first infection. However, now Omicron and its subvariants have changed the landscape of reinfections. Here’s what the research has found. ### Pre-Omicron reinfections Reinfections weren’t that common before Omicron. Research found that protection from reinfection typically lasted for at least several months. A 2021 study looking at [PCR testing](https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-covid-tests) data from 2020 found that a prior infection still gave about [80%](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736\(21\)00575-4/fulltext) protection 6 months after a first infection. A [February 2022 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8908850/) brought vaccination into the mix. Researchers looked at the effect of vaccination on reinfection from December 2020 to September 2021. Immunity from a prior infection waned after 1 year in unvaccinated people. However, in people vaccinated after having COVID-19, immunity stayed high, even if a prior infection was over 18 months ago. ### Summary Before Omicron, having had COVID-19 could protect against reinfection for at least several months. Vaccination boosted this level of protection. ### Post-Omicron reinfections [Viruses](https://www.healthline.com/health/viral-diseases) can change over time, and that’s certainly been true with this coronavirus. As changes accumulate, they can make it easier for a virus to escape immunity generated by vaccination, a previous infection, or both. A [July 2022 study](https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.06.22277306v1), still in preprint, looked into the qualities of protection that a pre-Omicron infection provided: - Reinfection with another pre-Omicron virus: The effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against another pre-Omicron infection was 85.5%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 32 months. - Reinfection with Omicron: The effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against an Omicron infection was significantly lower at 38.1%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 15 months. A [June 2022 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9258753/) looked at the protection previous infection and vaccination provided on symptomatic infections with the “original” Omicron variant (BA.1) or its first subvariant, BA.2. Overall, there was no difference in protection between people who were vaccinated, who had had a previous infection, or both. ### Summary Previous infection and vaccination provide less protection against Omicron. This means that if you had COVID-19 before Omicron, you’re less protected against reinfection now than you were before Omicron. ### Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 The new [BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/ba-5-what-we-know-about-protection-from-vaccines-and-previous-infections) are now the [main drivers of COVID-19](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions) in the United States. They’re also very good at escaping the immune system. A [July 2022 study](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867422007103) looked into the neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 by [antibodies](https://www.healthline.com/health/infection/antigen-vs-antibody) from vaccination or a previous COVID-19 infection. Neutralizing antibodies prevent the virus from binding to a host cell. Antibodies from vaccinated people had a harder time neutralizing these subvariants. Neutralization was also lower with antibodies from people with a prior infection, including BA.1, the “original” Omicron variant that was dominant in late 2021 and early 2022. Another [July 2022 study](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2206576) supports this. Researchers found that neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 was lower than that of BA.1 or BA.2 in both vaccinated people and those with a prior infection. What this means is that if you had COVID-19 during the first or most recent (BA.2) Omicron wave, reinfection with BA.4 or BA.5 is possible now. However, it’s still pretty likely you’re well protected at this point in time. Researchers in a [July 2022 study](https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.11.22277448v1.full), still in preprint, found that while the effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against symptomatic BA.4 or BA.5 infections was only 15.1%, it was still rather high (76.1%) if you had a previous Omicron infection. ### Summary BA.4 and BA.5 are very good at escaping antibodies from vaccinations and previous infections. This includes previous Omicron infections. What this means is that if you had COVID-19 in the past, you’re potentially at risk of getting it again now. This is also likely why there are so many anecdotal reports of people getting COVID-19 two times in a row. ## [How severe are reinfections compared with initial infections?]() COVID-19 reinfections appear to be less severe than first infections. A 2021 study looked at the risk of serious illness or death from reinfections. Compared with first infections, reinfections had a [90%](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmc2108120) lower risk of serious illness or death. An [April 2022 study](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016344532200010X) also found that COVID-19 reinfections carried a lower risk of death than first infections. Similar to first infections, age, sex, and underlying health conditions were risk factors for severe illness from reinfection. However, there’s some evidence that reinfections may increase the risk of lasting health effects. A [June 2022 study](https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1749502/v1/499445df-ebaf-4ab3-b30f-3028dff81fca.pdf), still in preprint, found that, compared with first infections, reinfections boosted the risk of: - problems with: - [fatigue](https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue) - the lungs, cardiovascular system, and many other organ systems - [diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine/coronavirus-and-diabetes) - hospitalization - death from any cause These effects were seen regardless of vaccination status. The level of risk was also found to increase in line with the number of infections study participants reported. One limitation of this study is that it may not reflect risk in the general population. Researchers focused on people using Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare resources. As such, the study population is more likely to be older and male, and have poorer health. ## [Is it a COVID-19 reinfection or a rebound from Paxlovid?]() [Paxlovid](https://www.fda.gov/media/155050/download) is an antiviral drug doctors prescribe to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people at high risk of severe illness. To be effective, Paxlovid needs to be started within 5 days of symptom onset. Rebounds of COVID-19 have been [reported](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/can-covid-19-symptoms-come-back-after-using-paxlovid-what-we-know) after Paxlovid treatment. While it’s still unclear why this happens, it’s possible that the coronavirus isn’t completely cleared from the body while taking Paxlovid, allowing it to replicate again after treatment ends. Increasing reports of these rebounds prompted the CDC to release a [health advisory](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/pdf/CDC_HAN_467.pdf). In this advisory, the CDC noted that Paxlovid rebounds: - can occur in anyone, regardless of vaccination status - typically happen between 2 and 8 days after Paxlovid treatment - are characterized by a new positive COVID-19 test after previously testing negative, which can also include a return of [mild symptoms](https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-symptoms) - often resolve on their own after a median of 3 days without additional antiviral treatment Rebounds after Paxlovid are rare. A June 2022 study found that, of 483 people treated with Paxlovid, only 4 ([0\.8%](https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/cid/ciac481/6607746)) had a rebound. Another June 2022 study, still in preprint, found a higher rebound rate: about [3\.5%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9258292/) in the 7 days after treatment. People experiencing COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid may also be able to transmit the infection to others. A [small May 2022 study](https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1588371/v3/f15b8302-4fee-469a-8925-ad9d1a7ed327.pdf), still in preprint, involving 10 people documented transmission to family members during rebounds. The amount of virus during a rebound was also similar to where it was before Paxlovid treatment. Researchers stated that these findings support that people who are having a rebound should [isolate](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html) until their symptoms go away. COVID-19 rebounds may also happen without taking Paxlovid. A [June 2022 research article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2793357) mentions anecdotal reports of rebounds in people who never took Paxlovid. Authors note that perhaps Omicron takes longer to clear in some people than earlier virus variants. ## [Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 reinfections]() ### Can you get COVID-19 a third time in a row? Yes. A [study](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn4947) published in March 2022 signaled an increased risk of reinfections due to Omicron. Within the study population, researchers noted that an increase in third infections was seen beginning in November 2021. Researchers stated that people who had third infections had their first infection early in the pandemic and a second infection during the Delta variant wave. Their third infection was from Omicron. ### What’s the best way to prevent reinfections? The best way to prevent getting COVID-19 reinfections is to continue to take steps to protect yourself, including: - staying [up to date](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) on your COVID-19 vaccines - wearing a well-fitting mask when you’re out in public, especially in indoor places - [washing your hands](https://www.healthline.com/health/7-steps-of-handwashing) frequently - avoiding crowded areas or poorly ventilated spaces - trying to stay a distance of 6 feet apart from others outside your household ### How long should you quarantine after a COVID-19 reinfection? According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/reinfection.html), we know little about the risk of transmission during COVID-19 reinfections. Overall, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume you can transmit the virus to others. A July 2022 study found that viral shedding (aka the contagious period) among people with Omicron infections can last up to [10 days](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9287585/). So, it’s a good idea to isolate and quarantine for at least 10 days or until you are symptom-free and test negative from a [rapid COVID-19 test](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/rapid-covid-19-tests-when-to-use-them-and-how-they-work). ### How soon will the boosters that target Omicron variants be available? According to the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-recommends-inclusion-omicron-ba45-component-covid-19-vaccine-booster), boosters targeting Omicron are slated to be available starting in fall 2022. The FDA has also recommended a BA.4 and BA.5 component be included in this booster. [Moderna](https://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2022/Modernas-Omicron-Containing-Bivalent-Booster-Candidate-mRNA-1273.214-Demonstrates-Significantly-Higher-Neutralizing-Antibody-Response-Against-Omicron-Subvariants-BA.45-Compared-To-Currently-Authorized-Booster/default.aspx) has announced that its Omicron booster yields a significantly higher neutralizing antibody response to BA.4 and BA.5 than its current booster. [Pfizer-BioNTech](https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-omicron-adapted-covid-19) stated that, compared with their current booster, their Omicron booster gave higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against BA.1. Neutralizing antibodies for BA.4 and BA.5 were present but to a lesser extent. ## [Takeaway]() The risk of COVID-19 reinfections is increasing. Because of this, you may hear of more and more people in your life getting COVID-19 for a second time, sometimes not too long after their first infection. The latest reinfections are largely driven by the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which can escape immunity from vaccines and prior infections. Things like naturally waning immunity and reduced COVID-19 precautions also contribute. Reinfections of COVID-19 are typically less severe than first infections. However, some research says that repeat infections increase the risk of health issues later. As such, it’s important to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19. ### How we reviewed this article: Sources History Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process). - Abu-Raddad LJ, et al. (2021). Severity of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections as compared with primary infections. <https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmc2108120> - Al-Aly Z, et al. (2022). Outcomes of SARS-CoV reinfection. <https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1749502/v1/499445df-ebaf-4ab3-b30f-3028dff81fca.pdf> - Altarawneh HN, et al. (2022). Effects of previous infection and vaccination on symptomatic Omicron infections. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9258753/> - Altarawneh HN, et al. (2022). Protection of SARS-CoV-2 natural infection against reinfection with the Omicron BA.4 or BA.5 subvariants. <https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.11.22277448v1.full> - Charness M, et al. (2022). Rapid relapse of symptomatic Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection following early suppression with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. <https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1588371/v3/f15b8302-4fee-469a-8925-ad9d1a7ed327.pdf> - Chemaitelly H, et al. (2022). Duration of immune protection of SARS-CoV-2 natural infection against reinfection in Qatar. <https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.06.22277306v1> - Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA recommends inclusion of Omicron BA.4/5 component for COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. (2022). <https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-recommends-inclusion-omicron-ba45-component-covid-19-vaccine-booster> - COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid treatment. (2022). <https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/pdf/CDC_HAN_467.pdf> - Fact sheet for healthcare providers: Emergency use authorization for Paxlovid. (2022). <https://www.fda.gov/media/155050/download> - Flacco ME, et al. (2022). Risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection 18 months after primary infection: Population level observation study. <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.884121/full> - Hachmann NP, et al. (2022). Neutralization escape by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5. <https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2206576> - Hall V, et al. (2022). Protection against SARS-CoV-2 after COVID-19 vaccination and previous infection. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8908850/> - Hansen CH, et al. (2021). Assessment of protection against reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 among 4 million PCR-tested individuals in Denmark in 2020: A population-level observational study. <https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00575-4/fulltext> - Keske Ş, et al. (2022). Duration of infectious shedding of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and its relation with symptoms. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9287585/> - Mensah AA, et al. (2022). Disease severity during SARS-CoV-2 reinfection: A nationwide study. <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016344532200010X> - Moderna’s Omicron-containing bivalent booster candidate, mRNA-1273.214, demonstrates significantly higher neutralizing antibody response against Omicron subvariants BA.4/5 compared to currently authorized booster. (2022). <https://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2022/Modernas-Omicron-Containing-Bivalent-Booster-Candidate-mRNA-1273.214-Demonstrates-Significantly-Higher-Neutralizing-Antibody-Response-Against-Omicron-Subvariants-BA.45-Compared-To-Currently-Authorized-Booster/default.aspx> - Pfizer and BioNTech announce Omicron-adapted COVID-19 vaccine candidates demonstrate high immune response against Omicron. (2022). <https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-omicron-adapted-covid-19> - Pulliam JRC, et al. (2022). Increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection associated with emergence of Omicron in South Africa. <https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn4947> - Ranganath N, et al. (2022). Rebound phenomenon after nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment of coronavirus disease-2019 in high-risk persons. <https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/cid/ciac481/6607746> - Reinfections and COVID-19. (2022). <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/reinfection.html> - Rubin R. (2022). From positive to negative to positive again—the mystery of why COVID-19 rebounds in some patients who take Paxlovid. <https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2793357> - Tuekprakhon A, et al. (2022). Antibody escape of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 from vaccine and BA.1 serum. <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867422007103> - Variant proportions. (2022). <https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions> - Wang L, et al. (2022). COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid and molnupiravir during January-June 2022. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9258292/> Share this article ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Darragh-O-Carroll-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Darragh O'Carroll, MD]() — Written by [Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.]() on July 27, 2022 ## related stories - [The 12 Best At-Home COVID-19 Tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/at-home-coronavirus-test?utm_source=ReadNext) - [10 Best Face Masks for COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/health/best-face-masks-covid-specific?utm_source=ReadNext) - [How to Prepare for a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prepare-for-covid-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext) - [FDA OKs New Drug To Boost COVID-19 Protection for Immunocompromised People](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fda-oks-new-drug-to-boost-covid-19-protection-for-immunocompromised-people?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What to Know About COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccines](https://www.healthline.com/health/vaccinations/what-is-bivalent-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext) ### Read this next - [The 12 Best At-Home COVID-19 Tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/at-home-coronavirus-test?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [The market for at-home coronavirus tests focused on COVID-19 is changing from week to week. 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We’ve rounded up the 10 best masks.](https://www.healthline.com/health/best-face-masks-covid-specific?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/best-face-masks-covid-specific?utm_source=ReadNext) - [How to Prepare for a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prepare-for-covid-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [Some behaviors may help support vaccine effectiveness and reduce potential side effects. Learn how to prepare for the COVID-19 vaccine.](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prepare-for-covid-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prepare-for-covid-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext) - [FDA OKs New Drug To Boost COVID-19 Protection for Immunocompromised People](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fda-oks-new-drug-to-boost-covid-19-protection-for-immunocompromised-people?utm_source=ReadNext) [The FDA granted an emergency use authorization for Pemgarda, a monoclonal antibody for people who are immunocompromised to provide protection from…](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fda-oks-new-drug-to-boost-covid-19-protection-for-immunocompromised-people?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fda-oks-new-drug-to-boost-covid-19-protection-for-immunocompromised-people?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What to Know About COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccines](https://www.healthline.com/health/vaccinations/what-is-bivalent-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext) [COVID-19 bivalent vaccines have two components: one protecting from the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and another protecting from more recent…](https://www.healthline.com/health/vaccinations/what-is-bivalent-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/vaccinations/what-is-bivalent-vaccine?utm_source=ReadNext) - [WHO and US Have Ended COVID-19 Emergency Declarations, What Happens Now?](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/who-and-us-have-end-covid-19-emergency-declarations-what-happens-now?utm_source=ReadNext) [The World Health Organization (WHO) is ending the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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Readable Markdown	Researchers are still studying how quickly you can be reinfected with COVID-19. Factors that may contribute to reinfection include waning immunity and emerging new variants. Cough, sore throat, fever, and chills: Not again! When a positive COVID-19 test comes back, you may feel like you just had it. As time passes, immunity wanes, and new virus variants emerge. So, reinfections are certainly possible. But can you get [COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-covid-19) twice in just 1 month? While that specific scenario is pretty unlikely, the risk of reinfection is increasing. In this article, we discuss what we know so far about COVID-19 reinfections. Generally, a number of factors contribute to [COVID-19 reinfections](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/covid-19-reinfections-more-common-now-heres-why). These include the: - emergence of new coronavirus variants - natural waning immunity gained from vaccination or previous infections - decrease in COVID-related precautions like mask wearing and physical distancing Before the arrival of the Omicron variant, reinfections weren’t that common. Researchers in a May 2022 study looked at reinfections from the start of the pandemic until Omicron. Overall, they found that reinfection risk was [6\.7%](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.884121/full) in the 18 to 22 months after a first infection. However, now Omicron and its subvariants have changed the landscape of reinfections. Here’s what the research has found. Pre-Omicron reinfections Reinfections weren’t that common before Omicron. Research found that protection from reinfection typically lasted for at least several months. A 2021 study looking at [PCR testing](https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-covid-tests) data from 2020 found that a prior infection still gave about [80%](https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736\(21\)00575-4/fulltext) protection 6 months after a first infection. A [February 2022 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8908850/) brought vaccination into the mix. Researchers looked at the effect of vaccination on reinfection from December 2020 to September 2021. Immunity from a prior infection waned after 1 year in unvaccinated people. However, in people vaccinated after having COVID-19, immunity stayed high, even if a prior infection was over 18 months ago. Post-Omicron reinfections [Viruses](https://www.healthline.com/health/viral-diseases) can change over time, and that’s certainly been true with this coronavirus. As changes accumulate, they can make it easier for a virus to escape immunity generated by vaccination, a previous infection, or both. A [July 2022 study](https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.06.22277306v1), still in preprint, looked into the qualities of protection that a pre-Omicron infection provided: - Reinfection with another pre-Omicron virus: The effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against another pre-Omicron infection was 85.5%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 32 months. - Reinfection with Omicron: The effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against an Omicron infection was significantly lower at 38.1%. Researchers estimated this would reach less than 10% by 15 months. A [June 2022 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9258753/) looked at the protection previous infection and vaccination provided on symptomatic infections with the “original” Omicron variant (BA.1) or its first subvariant, BA.2. Overall, there was no difference in protection between people who were vaccinated, who had had a previous infection, or both. Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 A [July 2022 study](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867422007103) looked into the neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 by [antibodies](https://www.healthline.com/health/infection/antigen-vs-antibody) from vaccination or a previous COVID-19 infection. Neutralizing antibodies prevent the virus from binding to a host cell. Antibodies from vaccinated people had a harder time neutralizing these subvariants. Neutralization was also lower with antibodies from people with a prior infection, including BA.1, the “original” Omicron variant that was dominant in late 2021 and early 2022. Another [July 2022 study](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2206576) supports this. Researchers found that neutralization of BA.4 and BA.5 was lower than that of BA.1 or BA.2 in both vaccinated people and those with a prior infection. What this means is that if you had COVID-19 during the first or most recent (BA.2) Omicron wave, reinfection with BA.4 or BA.5 is possible now. However, it’s still pretty likely you’re well protected at this point in time. Researchers in a [July 2022 study](https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.11.22277448v1.full), still in preprint, found that while the effectiveness of a pre-Omicron infection against symptomatic BA.4 or BA.5 infections was only 15.1%, it was still rather high (76.1%) if you had a previous Omicron infection. COVID-19 reinfections appear to be less severe than first infections. A 2021 study looked at the risk of serious illness or death from reinfections. Compared with first infections, reinfections had a [90%](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmc2108120) lower risk of serious illness or death. An [April 2022 study](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016344532200010X) also found that COVID-19 reinfections carried a lower risk of death than first infections. Similar to first infections, age, sex, and underlying health conditions were risk factors for severe illness from reinfection. However, there’s some evidence that reinfections may increase the risk of lasting health effects. A [June 2022 study](https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1749502/v1/499445df-ebaf-4ab3-b30f-3028dff81fca.pdf), still in preprint, found that, compared with first infections, reinfections boosted the risk of: - problems with: - [fatigue](https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue) - the lungs, cardiovascular system, and many other organ systems - [diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine/coronavirus-and-diabetes) - hospitalization - death from any cause These effects were seen regardless of vaccination status. The level of risk was also found to increase in line with the number of infections study participants reported. One limitation of this study is that it may not reflect risk in the general population. Researchers focused on people using Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare resources. As such, the study population is more likely to be older and male, and have poorer health. [Paxlovid](https://www.fda.gov/media/155050/download) is an antiviral drug doctors prescribe to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people at high risk of severe illness. To be effective, Paxlovid needs to be started within 5 days of symptom onset. Rebounds of COVID-19 have been [reported](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/can-covid-19-symptoms-come-back-after-using-paxlovid-what-we-know) after Paxlovid treatment. While it’s still unclear why this happens, it’s possible that the coronavirus isn’t completely cleared from the body while taking Paxlovid, allowing it to replicate again after treatment ends. Increasing reports of these rebounds prompted the CDC to release a [health advisory](https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/pdf/CDC_HAN_467.pdf). In this advisory, the CDC noted that Paxlovid rebounds: - can occur in anyone, regardless of vaccination status - typically happen between 2 and 8 days after Paxlovid treatment - are characterized by a new positive COVID-19 test after previously testing negative, which can also include a return of [mild symptoms](https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-symptoms) - often resolve on their own after a median of 3 days without additional antiviral treatment Rebounds after Paxlovid are rare. A June 2022 study found that, of 483 people treated with Paxlovid, only 4 ([0\.8%](https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/cid/ciac481/6607746)) had a rebound. Another June 2022 study, still in preprint, found a higher rebound rate: about [3\.5%](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9258292/) in the 7 days after treatment. People experiencing COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid may also be able to transmit the infection to others. A [small May 2022 study](https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1588371/v3/f15b8302-4fee-469a-8925-ad9d1a7ed327.pdf), still in preprint, involving 10 people documented transmission to family members during rebounds. The amount of virus during a rebound was also similar to where it was before Paxlovid treatment. Researchers stated that these findings support that people who are having a rebound should [isolate](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html) until their symptoms go away. COVID-19 rebounds may also happen without taking Paxlovid. A [June 2022 research article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2793357) mentions anecdotal reports of rebounds in people who never took Paxlovid. Authors note that perhaps Omicron takes longer to clear in some people than earlier virus variants. Can you get COVID-19 a third time in a row? Yes. A [study](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn4947) published in March 2022 signaled an increased risk of reinfections due to Omicron. Within the study population, researchers noted that an increase in third infections was seen beginning in November 2021. Researchers stated that people who had third infections had their first infection early in the pandemic and a second infection during the Delta variant wave. Their third infection was from Omicron. What’s the best way to prevent reinfections? The best way to prevent getting COVID-19 reinfections is to continue to take steps to protect yourself, including: - staying [up to date](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) on your COVID-19 vaccines - wearing a well-fitting mask when you’re out in public, especially in indoor places - [washing your hands](https://www.healthline.com/health/7-steps-of-handwashing) frequently - avoiding crowded areas or poorly ventilated spaces - trying to stay a distance of 6 feet apart from others outside your household How long should you quarantine after a COVID-19 reinfection? According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/reinfection.html), we know little about the risk of transmission during COVID-19 reinfections. Overall, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume you can transmit the virus to others. A July 2022 study found that viral shedding (aka the contagious period) among people with Omicron infections can last up to [10 days](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9287585/). So, it’s a good idea to isolate and quarantine for at least 10 days or until you are symptom-free and test negative from a [rapid COVID-19 test](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/rapid-covid-19-tests-when-to-use-them-and-how-they-work). How soon will the boosters that target Omicron variants be available? According to the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-recommends-inclusion-omicron-ba45-component-covid-19-vaccine-booster), boosters targeting Omicron are slated to be available starting in fall 2022. The FDA has also recommended a BA.4 and BA.5 component be included in this booster. [Moderna](https://investors.modernatx.com/news/news-details/2022/Modernas-Omicron-Containing-Bivalent-Booster-Candidate-mRNA-1273.214-Demonstrates-Significantly-Higher-Neutralizing-Antibody-Response-Against-Omicron-Subvariants-BA.45-Compared-To-Currently-Authorized-Booster/default.aspx) has announced that its Omicron booster yields a significantly higher neutralizing antibody response to BA.4 and BA.5 than its current booster. [Pfizer-BioNTech](https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-omicron-adapted-covid-19) stated that, compared with their current booster, their Omicron booster gave higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against BA.1. Neutralizing antibodies for BA.4 and BA.5 were present but to a lesser extent. The risk of COVID-19 reinfections is increasing. Because of this, you may hear of more and more people in your life getting COVID-19 for a second time, sometimes not too long after their first infection. The latest reinfections are largely driven by the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which can escape immunity from vaccines and prior infections. Things like naturally waning immunity and reduced COVID-19 precautions also contribute. Reinfections of COVID-19 are typically less severe than first infections. However, some research says that repeat infections increase the risk of health issues later. As such, it’s important to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19.
Shard	98 (laksa)
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