Can You Get COVID-19 Again After Recovering? How Scary Is Lung Infection and What Are the Causes of Death?
Many people currently have questions about the COVID-19 virus. One of the common inquiries is about the severity of the disease, which can lead to death. It is said that the virus can infect the lungs, causing irreversible damage. Today, we have comprehensive answers from Dr. Saristha Somsub, a physician at the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health.
Who Is Most at Risk of Contracting COVID-19?
The risk depends on an individual's ability to develop immunity. Older adults (over 60 years) may have a reduced immune response, but not 100% of the time. In reality, working-age individuals tend to have better immunity, provided they do not have underlying conditions that weaken their immune system. Children also recover faster due to their developing immune systems, such as the thymus, lymph nodes, and tonsils. However, infants may not fare as well since their immune systems are still maturing.
All of this also depends on other behavioral factors. Maintaining good health can enhance immune function, while neglecting health, staying up late, and poor nutrition can weaken the body and lower immunity.
The Process of Contracting COVID-19
Initially, one may experience a high fever or no fever at all. Once infected, the virus damages the respiratory mucosa, including the nose and throat, leading to irritation such as a dry cough. As the respiratory lining is further damaged, the body releases anti-inflammatory substances, resulting in mucus production, but this is usually less than what is seen in a common cold. If the virus reaches the lungs, it can cause pneumonia, which can be fatal.
Is There a Chance for the Lungs to Return to Normal After Damage from Infection?
For individuals whose lungs have been damaged by infection, the extent of the damage needs to be assessed. Our organs have the ability to repair themselves, but the capacity for self-repair varies among individuals. Therefore, whether damaged lungs can return to their original state depends on lung condition after the COVID-19 virus has caused damage. Recovery takes time, and whether lung function returns to normal depends on the assessment of lung recovery, which measures how much function has been lost. It is unlikely that lung function will return to 100% normal. Age plays a role; younger individuals tend to have better repair rates and immunity, increasing the chances of recovery. However, older adults, smokers, or those with respiratory conditions may not recover fully.
Is There a Chance of Reinfection After Recovery?
Reports from China indicate that some individuals have been reinfected after recovering. There are two hypotheses: 1. They were truly reinfected after recovery due to an underdeveloped immune response, or 2. They were still not fully recovered from the initial infection.
There have been cases in China where patients were treated for 14 days and tested negative, only to test positive again five days later, suggesting they may not have fully recovered. Therefore, even after receiving treatment and testing negative for more than 14 days, individuals should continue to take care of themselves and avoid close contact with others for about one month for safety.
Currently, in China, even those who have recovered are advised to remain cautious to prevent 1. Reinfection and 2. Recurrence of symptoms if they have not fully recovered. The recommended observation period is between 14 days to one month.
