Study: Covid-19 reinfections likely have similar severity to original infection

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed health data from nearly 213,000 Americans who experienced reinfections of COVID-19. The research found that severe infections from the virus tend to result in similar severity during reinfection. Long COVID was more likely after the first infection compared to reinfection. The study, part of the NIH's RECOVER Initiative, used data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) and highlighted that severe cases often led to hospital care for both the initial infection and reinfection. Reinfections occurred most frequently during the circulation of the omicron variant, possibly due to waning immunity and increased exposure to the virus. Researchers also noted that long COVID cases were more common after the first infection. Lower levels of albumin, a liver-produced protein, were associated with a higher risk of reinfection, suggesting it as a potential risk marker. The study emphasizes the importance of further research, including potential trials to test nutritional interventions to prevent reinfection or reduce its severity.