You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometime, you’ll find, you get what you need.
– Rolling Stones, English rock band
Can we catch COVID-19 multiple times?
I asked a doctor and his answer was in the positive. My friend suffered from the virus not twice but three times. The first time she got it was in August 2021, then sometime in May last year she was down with COVID again. Recently she called up to say she contracted the disease again – for the third time!
She took a self-test with the Antigen Rapid Test Kit (RTK-Ag) to determine if she had contracted the virus; she tested positive. She waited for a day before taking the more comprehensive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and her worst fears were confirmed.
The doctors said she was COVID-19 positive, again!
My poor 40-something friend from Petaling Jaya is having breathing difficulties, coughing badly, experiencing body aches and fatigue, not to mention headache and fever, and loss of taste. This time though, her illness appears to be more serious.
Fortunately, she says she is recovering and responding to medication.
I am writing about my friend’s case with her permission, hopefully to create an awareness among us that COVID can strike any individuals multiple times, especially those with comorbidities. Don’t take things for granted that the virus will not strike twice.
As the country transitions towards the endemic stage, Malaysians are throwing caution to the wind, judging from their lax attitude.
According to recent foreign medical reports, there have been cases of people contracting the virus three or even four times, regardless of the variant involved. Not only adults, but children too have suffered from reinfections.
Experts say infection risks depend on several factors. Unvaccinated persons are at higher risks, including those with lower immune response and who previously suffered mild infection.
Apparently, reinfection also depends on the type of coronavirus. For example, the risk of reinfection with one variant – say Omicron, soon after a first Omicron infection – is likely to be lower than say, with the Delta variant, followed by Omicron. The duration of the vaccination is also another factor.
Foremost on one’s mind is the question if reinfections are milder.
“Yes, it should in many cases,” according to my doctor. The amount of virus in an infected person’s blood system in reinfections appears to be lower than in primary infections, which indicates that the disease is less severe. But then again, the severity depends on the variant involved, the existing health conditions of the patient and his or her vaccination status.
In the meantime, the onus is on us to ensure we take care of ourselves by sticking to the various SOPs put in place during the height of the pandemic. Health authorities have renewed their appeal to the people to ensure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Sadly, many of us adopt a nonchalant attitude when it comes to playing our role in preventing the spread of the disease. Take some parents, for example, who allow their children, some as young as three or four years old, to tag along in crowded areas, including open-air functions.
Worse still, they do not mask up! Of course it’s no longer mandatory to wear masks but in view of reports that coronavirus is making a return in several countries, wouldn’t it be wise on our part to take precautionary measures? We have nothing to lose!
Just last week, Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian reminded Sarawakians to adopt proactive measures against COVID-19 for the Chinese New Year celebration which falls on Jan 22, instead of overly depending on the government.
“In the last two years, it was the government protecting you with a lot of restrictions. Now that we are living with the virus, the responsibility comes back to the individuals for self-protection.
“And those with low immunity should wear masks when going to temples or visiting, and everyone should continue to practise hand hygiene,” he said.
Other self-protection measures suggested by Dr Sim include taking a second booster jab and getting tested regularly if there are any symptoms of the illness.
Meanwhile, Putrajaya is confident that a surge in COVID-19 cases is unlikely during the Chinese New Year season. Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah announced that the number of cases and hospitalisation rates are showing a downward trend.
Nevertheless, Dr Noor Hisham has assured us stricter mitigation measures will be taken if the number of imported cases go up, new variants are detected and if there is an increase in coronavirus cases.
While the authorities are coming out with several measures, let us do our part.
We can protect ourselves and others by following these precautions: get all the recommended doses and booster shots of COVID-19 vaccine; wear masks if you are or those around you are at high risk of severe illness; keep a safe distance from others; avoid crowded spots and poorly ventilated premises; cover coughs and sneezes; and stay home when feeling unwell.
Finally, be honest and inform those around you if you have signs of the disease. Sadly, many of us choose to conceal our illness.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
