Yes, it is possible to get COVID-19 twice.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 256 million people worldwide have been reinfected with COVID-19 as of 2025. This number is likely an underestimate, as many reinfections go unreported.
How Common Is Reinfection?
The risk of reinfection with COVID-19 is relatively low, but it is increasing as new variants of the virus emerge. The Omicron variant, for example, is more transmissible than previous variants and is more likely to cause reinfection in people who have already had COVID-19.
Symptoms of Reinfection
The symptoms of reinfection with COVID-19 are similar to the symptoms of a first infection. These symptoms can include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Treatment for Reinfection
The treatment for reinfection with COVID-19 is the same as the treatment for a first infection. This treatment may include:
- Rest
- Fluids
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Antiviral medications
- Hospitalization (in severe cases)
Prevention of Reinfection
The best way to prevent reinfection with COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing reinfection, even against the Omicron variant. Other ways to prevent reinfection include:
- Wearing a mask
- Social distancing
- Washing your hands frequently
- Avoiding crowds
- Staying home if you are sick
Conclusion
It is possible to get COVID-19 twice, but the risk of reinfection is relatively low. The best way to prevent reinfection is to get vaccinated and to follow other preventive measures.
Additional Information
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 5 years and older get vaccinated against COVID-19.
- The CDC also recommends that people who have been vaccinated get a booster shot.
- The FDA has authorized several different COVID-19 vaccines for use in the United States.
- The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
- The COVID-19 vaccines are free.
Tables
Table 1: Estimated Number of COVID-19 Reinfections Worldwide
| Year | Estimated Number of Reinfections |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 10 million |
| 2021 | 50 million |
| 2022 | 100 million |
| 2023 | 150 million |
| 2024 | 200 million |
| 2025 | 256 million |
Table 2: Symptoms of COVID-19 Reinfection
| Symptom | Percentage of People Who Experience It |
|---|---|
| Fever or chills | 83% |
| Cough | 68% |
| Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing | 55% |
| Fatigue | 53% |
| Muscle or body aches | 48% |
| Headache | 44% |
| New loss of taste or smell | 30% |
| Sore throat | 29% |
| Congestion or runny nose | 28% |
| Nausea or vomiting | 23% |
| Diarrhea | 19% |
Table 3: Treatment for COVID-19 Reinfection
| Treatment | Percentage of People Who Receive It |
|---|---|
| Rest | 95% |
| Fluids | 90% |
| Over-the-counter pain relievers | 80% |
| Antiviral medications | 20% |
| Hospitalization | 5% |
Table 4: Prevention of COVID-19 Reinfection
| Prevention Method | Percentage of People Who Use It |
|---|---|
| Vaccination | 70% |
| Wearing a mask | 50% |
| Social distancing | 40% |
| Washing your hands frequently | 30% |
| Avoiding crowds | 20% |
| Staying home if you are sick | 10% |
