Reinfected

[Flippetyflipok]

I've just had a positive test. I was ill last April, and had ongoing long covid. Ironically only chatted to GP this week who said that no one has any idea re recovery.

Has anyone else had it twice? I'm hoping second time not so debilitating - I didn't have to go to hospital or anything but felt like crap for weeks.

Did you have a positive test first time around?

No, no testing back then! My DH had a positive antibody test and I got ill shortly after his symptoms started.

I think as you never had a test in April, you can't honestly say you've been reinfected.

Sounds convincing re April. Do you have new symptoms just now?

@Justmuddlingalong

I think as you never had a test in April, you can't honestly say you've been reinfected.

🙄

Just guessing then?

I would count you as reinfected if your DH had a positive, you had symptoms at the same time and being treated by your GP for long covid. People just want to stick their fingers in their ears to justify still sneaking to let their kids play with their friends and have a cuppa. Sorry, just been hammered by Facebook feed with people posting about breaking the rules because they deserve to see people.

I know a couple who had covid months apart, doesn't mean they both had it twice

I would say that without a positive test or antibodies of your own, you can’t be sure you are reinfected. You are being treated for Long Covid because of circumstance, not because of medical certainty

How are you feeling, OP? Sorry to hear you are going through this (again).

I can say there's strong evidence of being reinfected.

My GP was clear that it's possible, some immunity only lasts 3 months. DH donated plasma and after a few times his levels had dropped off so they didn't want more. Didn't Chris Whitty warn about reinfection the other week? I'm pretty sure they are still vaccinating people who've had covid.

Symptoms - slight temp (triggered test), muscle aches, tired, headache, wierd brain fizzing, not hungry. Don't feel as poisoned as last time but not sure of timeline i.e. if the worst is yet to come, hence my post. You know, for some support.

@Flippetyflipok

No, no testing back then! My DH had a positive antibody test and I got ill shortly after his symptoms started.

Didn’t you get an antibody test as well if that’s what was available?

Unless you’ve had a positive test before I think it’s just a guess you’re reinfected - and if you are you should speak to you GP asap as it’s very rare

lalalalands

Justmuddlingalong

I think as you never had a test in April, you can't honestly say you've been reinfected.

🙄
What's with the eyeroll, @lalalalands?
I made a perfectly reasonable comment, if you don't agree with it you can say why, rather than hiding behind an emoji.

I’m pretty sure I had it twice, no proof other than a close contact ill at the same time who had a positive antibody test. First time was March/April and I was it took me a good 6 weeks to get better.
Second time I had all the same symptoms but much milder, a positive test, but was back in work on day 11 and fully recovered by day 14.

@OxoMonarch thank you for sharing your story, gives me hope!

I work in a hospital and know several people who have had it twice (proven). It is definitely possible.

I'm part of the siren research study (nurse).

Antibody levels are still good for all participants, some of whom are 9 months post positive test. A couple of people have had a positive swab again, months after their first confirmed case but neither had symptoms.

It's so fascinating! Lots of people who were convinced they had had covid have no antibodies... Including me (having worked covid front line since March and had a positive case in my household )

Sorry, meant to add hope you feel better soon

IF OP's GP says she has been reinfected, the keyboard scientists on here should probably not be saying otherwise.

I work on a hospital ward. I was on maternity leave during the first wave so I didn't test positive until November. A few of my colleagues who tested positive during the outbreak that I did had previously had a positive antibody test, so have had it twice.

Thanks @BikerWife. Is there any evidence on reinfection with a different strain or is it too soon?

Thanks @IceIceBebe love the "keyboard scientists" phrase! I wonder if the same people were on the coronavirus threads last march telling everyone with symptoms but no positive test that they couldn't possibly have it...

There has been a large-scale study of frontline staff which found no cases of reinfection: www.journalofinfection.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0163-4453%2820%2930781-7

It might be a flare-up if you're feeling run down?

@PolytheneHam thanks for your input. Did your colleagues have an easier time of it second time round?