SARS-CoV-2 Caused Milder Illness the Second Time Around

In a study in Qatar, risk for severe COVID-19 was reduced by 88% in those with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, knowing whether prior infection ensures milder illness upon reinfection is important. Researchers in Qatar used a national database to investigate risk for severe disease associated with reinfection during two COVID-19 waves caused by the Alpha (B.1.1.7) and Beta variants (B.1.351). They examined outcomes among unvaccinated persons with PCR-confirmed infection from March 2020 through April 2021. Reinfection was defined as a second positive PCR test ≥90 days after the first positive test. In all, 1304 reinfections were detected (about 0.5% of all infections). Reinfection occurred a median of 277 days after primary infection.

Risk for hospitalization in the reinfection group was reduced by 88% compared with the …

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

SARS-CoV-2 Caused Milder Illness the Second Time Around

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Reviewing Author