Reinfection

Studies suggest that reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 with the same virus variant as the initial infection or reinfection with a different variant are both possible; early reinfection within 90 days of the initial infection can occur.^99-101 Symptoms during reinfection are likely to be less severe than during the initial infection, but some people can experience more severe COVID-19 during reinfection.^{99,100,102,103} Both previous infection and vaccination have been shown to provide some protection against infection, although risk of reinfection varies by circulating variant.^104-107 Although rates of reinfection might change as new variants emerge, vaccination remains the safest strategy for preventing future SARS-CoV-2 infections, hospitalizations, long-term sequelae, and death. Staying up to date on primary vaccination, which may include >2 doses, and booster doses, is recommended for all eligible persons. Strategies to diagnose and treat reinfection are no different than those used to diagnose and treat initial COVID-19 infection; early testing, isolation, and treatment as indicated are recommended for all people who experience symptoms of COVID-19.

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