Some people may think that COVID-19 is a thing of the past. There has even been a dangerous myth that has spread, the idea that if you’ve already had COVID-19 once and recovered completely, you are safe from developing Long COVID in the future. This line of thinking seems logical, but recent studies and health data reveal a different reality.
What the recent numbers show
Recent studies have looked closely at people who have caught the virus multiple times and found: • Twice the risk: You are roughly twice as likely to develop Long COVID during a second infection compared to your first.
- The multiplying effect: The risk of long-term fatigue, heart issues, and cognitive struggles (“brain fog”) climbs even higher with a third or fourth infection.
- Compounding existing conditions: For those already living with disabilities or chronic illnesses, a repeat infection can permanently worsen baseline health and exacerbate existing symptoms.
COVID-19 is not a “one-and-done” condition. Immunity from a past infection does not guarantee safety from future infections or Long COVID.
Remember, this doesn’t mean you need to fear the disease. Just stay aware and do simple things such as washing your hands and keeping your distance from those that are infected. By protecting ourselves from repeat infections, we protect the overall health of our entire community.
Access Press provides coverage of COVID issues with support from the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL).
This activity is made possible by a grant from the Long COVID Program of the Minnesota Department of Health.
