Is it possible to get COVID-19 within 3 months of my last infection?
posted
The short answer is yes, though it’s not common.
We’ve known for some time that reinfection of COVID-19 is possible, and you probably know someone who has had COVID-19 more than once. Having had COVID-19 before and vaccination each provide protection against getting COVID-19 again. However, your risk of getting COVID-19 again depends on which variants are circulating through our community. This is why it’s so important to get your bivalent booster to further protect yourself against the Omicron variants!
The majority of reinfections occur at least 90 days after the initial COVID-19 infection. But through genomic sequencing, scientists learned that early reinfection—getting COVID-19 again within 90 days—is possible. With genomic sequencing, scientists analyze the genetic material of the virus that made a person sick. In this study, which included participants from Wisconsin, scientists learned several people were infected with two different variants with less than 90 days between their infections.
It’s been less than 90 days since I had COVID, but I have symptoms again. What do I do?
We count “less than 90 days” from the day your symptoms first started or if you never had symptoms, from your test date.
You can get tested to see if you have COVID-19 again. Molecular tests (like PCR or NAAT tests) can detect past infections for up to 90 days, so we don’t recommend them if this is your situation. If you took a molecular test right now, we wouldn’t know if you’re still testing positive from your first infection or a new infection.
If it’s been less than 30 days since your last infection
- It may be difficult to tell if another positive test within 30 days of being sick with COVID-19 means you have a new infection. Antigen tests, including home tests, can sometimes detect an infection for several weeks after you have recovered. If you took an antigen test now, it could still be positive from your first infection.
- If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 within 30 days of your last infection and have symptoms, we recommend:
- Staying home until your symptoms begin to improve (if you had a fever, wait at least 24 hours after you are fever free to be around others) and
- Wearing a high quality, well-fitting mask when around others for 10 full days after your exposure.
- Talking to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your individual circumstances.
If it’s been more than 30 days since your last infection
- Use an antigen test (such as a rapid home test) if it has been more than 30 days since your last infection.
- You may need to take more than one antigen test to get an accurate result. When using home tests, you may need to take more than one test—the FDA explains why.
- You can read more about choosing a test on the CDC’s COVID-19 Testing page.
What should I do if I am exposed or reinfected within 90 days of my last infection?
Regardless of whether you’ve been exposed or infected in the past, if you have a new exposure to someone with COVID-19, you should wear a high quality, well-fitting mask when around others inside your home or in indoor public spaces for 10 full days after your exposure.
If you’re exposed to someone with COVID-19 and…
- It has been more than 30 days since your last infection, take an antigen test (such as a rapid home test) at least 5 days after your exposure.
- It has been more than 90 days since your last infection, take an antigen or molecular test at least 5 days after your exposure.
- If you develop symptoms at any time after a recent exposure, isolate at home and get tested. When using home tests, you may need to take more than one test—the FDA explains why.
- If it’s been 31-90 days since your last infection, and you test positive for COVID-19 with an antigen test or your doctor diagnoses you with a COVID-19 reinfection, isolate at home for 5 full days (day 0 being the day your symptoms started or the day you were tested if you had no symptoms). After ending isolation, wear a high quality, well-fitting mask when around others through day 10.
You can read more on our What to Do if You’re Sick or Were Exposed page.
Subscribe to Public Health Blog Updates
Archive
- The New "CovidConnect"
- Is it possible to get COVID-19 within 3 months of my last infection?
- Bivalent Boosters have Arrived! Why They’re Important & Where to Find Them
- COVID Data Notes for the Week of September 15, 2022
- Does Changing CDC Guidance Mean the COVID Pandemic is Over?
- COVID Data Notes for the Week of September 1, 2022
- The New Vaccine on the Block: Novavax Now Authorized for Everyone 12+
- COVID still exists & I’m worried about my kid going back to school. What can I do?
- There’s New Advice about Testing and Quarantine: What Do You Need to Know
- Let’s not go back to a time where polio and other preventable diseases were common
- COVID Data Notes for the Week of August 18, 2022
- We Hit "High" Again: What Does That Mean?
- COVID Data Notes for the Week of August 4, 2022
- The Latest on Monkeypox in Dane County
- Why Universal Basic Income Could Change the Public’s Health (and how to apply for it in Madison)
- Public Health Madison & Dane County Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Abortion Rights
- Q&A: Children 6 months & up now eligible for vaccine
- Did you test negative when sick or exposed to COVID? Here’s what it means
- Data Notes for the Week of June 16, 2022
- Booster Update: 5-11 Year Olds Now Eligible
- Data Notes for the Week of June 2, 2022
- Data Notes for the Week of March 31, 2022
- Data Notes for the Week of March 24, 2022
- LGBTQ+ Inclusive Services at Public Health Madison & Dane County
- Data Notes for the Week of March 17, 2022
- Where We Are in the COVID Pandemic
- Thank You Tour: Moving Forward Together
- Data Notes for the Week of March 10
- When a Dog Bites: How We Investigate to Prevent Further Aggression
- Data Notes for the Week of March 3, 2022
- Our 2021 Annual Report
- Data Notes for the Week of February 24, 2022
- If You’re Worried About the Mask Order Ending, Read This
- Data Notes for the Week of February 17
- In Their Own Words: Young Kids Tell Us About Their Experience Getting the COVID Vaccine
- Data Notes for the Week of February 10, 2022
- Is COVID Endemic Yet?
- Why We Chose to Vaccinate Our Young Kids Against COVID
- Data Notes for the Week of February 3
- Free COVID-19 Testing Options Continue to Expand
- Data Notes for the Week of January 27
- Getting Vaccinated While Pregnant was the Most Important Thing I’ve Done for My Baby
- Data Notes for the Week of January 20, 2022
- How to Get the Most Out of Your Mask
- Data Notes for the Week of January 13
- What do I do if I’m exposed to COVID-19?
- Am I Up to Date on My COVID Vaccinations?
- Data Notes for the Week of January 6, 2022
- What to do if you test positive for COVID-19?
- Data Notes for the Week of December 23
- Why Should I Get a Vaccine or Booster Now That Omicron Is Here?
- Data Notes for the Week of December 16
- Data Notes for the Week of December 9
- Data Notes for the Week of December 2
- COVID Spreads Easily Between Schools and Families: Getting 5-11 Year Olds Vaccinated is Important
- Omicron Variant: Info as of December 1, 2021
- Data Roundup: COVID Prevention in Schools
- Data Notes for the Week of October 28
- Who can get a booster dose of COVID-19 Vaccine: Eligibility Expansion
- Data Notes for the Week of October 21
- Protecting Our Water and Our Environment: A Day in the Life of our Well and Septic Team
- Data Notes for the Week of October 14
- Step-by-step of COVID-19 Testing at Public Health South Madison Clinic
- COVID News Roundup
- Data Notes for the Week of October 7
- Data Notes for the Week of September 30
- Who Should Get a Booster Shot in Dane County?
- Understanding Close Contact - Fall 2021 Update
- Booster Shots Authorized by CDC for Certain People Who Previously Received Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
- Data Notes for the Week of September 23
- The State of COVID-19 in Schools
- Data Notes for the Week of September 16
- Aurielle Smith Recognized by the de Beaumont Foundation as a Leader in Public Health
- Face Covering Emergency Order #2 Issued
- Data Notes for the Week of September 9
- Vaccine News Roundup
- Data Notes for the Week of September 2
- Breakthrough Infections and Impact of the Delta Variant
- Back-to-school Q&A for Parents
- Data Notes for the Week of August 26
- FDA grants full approval for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
- Data Notes for the Week of August 19
- Face Covering Emergency Order Issued
- CDC Announces Small Group of Severely Immunocompromised People Eligible for Additional Dose of Vaccine
- Data Notes for the Week of August 12
- How to Be a Vaccine Champion
- Data Notes for the Week of August 5
- The Latest Guidance & News from Public Health
- Data Notes for the Week of July 29
- Data Notes for the Week of July 22
- What You Need to Know About the Delta Variant
- Day in the Life: Beach Testing
- This is Public Health
- Data Notes for the Week of July 15
- Understanding Breakthrough Infections
- Data Notes for the Week of July 8
- Where Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine?
- We've Come So Far: A Look Back at the COVID Pandemic Compared to Today
- Where Can I Get Tested for COVID-19?
- Data Notes for the Week of July 1
- Data Notes for the Week of June 24
- Data Notes for the Week of June 17
- Statement: Supreme Court Decision Striking Down Authority to Close Schools
- Data Notes for the Week of June 10
- What it Takes to Host a Mobile Vaccination Clinic: From Initial Outreach to Getting Vaccinated
- Data Notes for the Week of June 2
- Data Notes for the Week of May 27
- Reminders Ahead of Your Memorial Day Weekend
- How Can I Talk to Someone About Getting Vaccinated?
- Data Notes for the Week of May 20
- With Orders Ending June 2, What About My Unvaccinated Kids?
- Public Health Will Lift All Dane County Orders June 2
- Data Notes for the Week of May 13
- Data Notes for the Week of May 6
- Getting Your 12-15 Year Old Vaccinated
- Celebrating Safer this Weekend
- Fully Vaccinated & Masks: What are the Rules?
- Data Notes for the Week of April 29
- Dane County Public Health Requirements for May 5, 2021
- How Variants Affect COVID Risk For Children And Adults
- Data Notes for the Week of April 22
- Herd Immunity and Vaccine Equity: How We Look at Vaccine Coverage in Different Ways
- Childcare Center Outbreak: Understanding How it Spread
- Data Notes for the Week of April 15
- How Can I Get an Appointment at Alliant Energy Center For a Vaccine?
- Data Notes for the Week of April 8
- What Can You Do Once You're Fully Vaccinated for COVID-19?
- Dane County Public Health Requirements Starting April 7, 2021
- Data Notes for the Week of April 1
- Dane County COVID-19 Data Continues to Improve
- Data Notes for the Week of March 25
- Data Notes for the Week of March 18
- What’s Allowed in Emergency Order #14 Amendment?
- Unpacking Gathering Requirements and How They Apply to Businesses
- Data Notes for the Week of March 11
- Why are We Opening Up When Not Everyone is Vaccinated?
- Data Notes for the Week of March 4
- Which Vaccine Should I Get? The One You’re Offered!
- What’s Allowed in Emergency Order #14?
- Data Notes for the Week of February 25
- Lowering Your COVID-19 Risk
- Data Notes for the Week of February 18
- Data Notes for the Week of February 11
- What’s Allowed in Emergency Order #13?
- New Vaccination Data on Dashboard and Upcoming Vaccination Town Hall
- Vaccine Supply, Demand, and Our Efforts to Ramp Up
- Data Notes for the Week of February 4
- It’s Time for a Mask Check-In!
- Data Notes for the Week of January 28
- How Will Vaccination Impact Dane County’s COVID Metrics?
- A Behind the Scenes Look at COVID-19 Testing
- Data Notes for the Week of January 21
- Data Notes for the Week of January 14
- What’s Allowed in Emergency Order #12?
- Data Notes for the Week of January 7
- Is Your Breakroom Helping Spread COVID?
- Data Notes for the Week of December 30
- A message of thanks from Public Health Madison & Dane County
- Data Notes for the Week of December 23
- How We Know the COVID-19 Vaccine is Safe
- Data Notes for the Week of December 17
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Who Gets It First And Why?
- What’s Allowed in Emergency Order #11?
- A COVID Vaccine Has Been Authorized
- Close Contacts Now have Quarantine Options
- Data Notes for the Week of December 10
- Providing Support to People in Isolation Helps Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
- Data Notes for the Week of December 3
- Tips for A Healthier Holiday Season
- Data Notes for the Week of November 25
- What COVID-19 Testing Can and Can't Tell Us
- Data Notes for the Week November 19
- What's Allowed in Emergency Order #10?
- Public Health Madison & Dane County Issues New Emergency Order #10
- Socializing More Safely This Winter: How To Form A Bubble or Pod
- How to See Family and Friends More Safely Over the Holidays
- Understanding Close Contact
- Data Notes for the Week of November 12
- When to Isolate, When to Quarantine
- Data Notes for the Week of November 5
- Employer Notification Of Employees With COVID-19
- Data Notes for the Week of October 29
- Data Notes for the Week of October 22
- Understanding ‘Clusters’
- Statewide Database Down for Planned Maintenance: October 16-18
- Data Notes for the Week of October 15
- These Next Few Weeks are a Pivotal Moment for Our County and Our State
- Data Notes for the Week of October 8
- Data Notes for the Week of October 1
- Understanding Percent Positivity
- Data Notes for the Week of September 24
- How We're Assessing if UW Cases have Spread Beyond Campus
- For Public Health, Preparing for Emergencies Never Ends
- Data Notes for the Week of September 17
- Public Health Madison & Dane County and the City of Madison Police Department are Partnering to Increase Compliance with Public Health Orders
- Statement Regarding State Supreme Court Action on Public Health Order
- Data Notes for the Week of September 10
- Community Update Following Spike in Cases of COVID-19
- UW, Public Health act to stop COVID-19 spread in fraternity, sorority houses
- Data Notes for the Week of September 3
- Data Notes for the Week of August 27
- Data Notes for the Week of August 20
- Health is a Human Right and We All Play a Role
- Data Snapshot Coming on August 20
- How We Have Made Decisions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Data Notes for the Week of August 10
- COVID-19 Contact Tracing: When Public Health Calls and When It’s a Scam
- Data Notes for the Week of August 3
- Data Notes For the Week of July 27
- Percent Positivity Updated on our Dashboard as Backlog of Negative Tests are Entered
- We Can All Be Part of the Solution to the Pandemic
- Data Notes for the Week of July 20
- Data Notes for the Week of July 13
- Put your mask on; leave the enforcing to us
- Data Notes for the Week of July 6
- How to Lower Your Risk While Celebrating 4th of July
- Protests are not currently associated with Dane County's rise in COVID-19 cases
- Data Notes for the Week of June 29
- A Day in the Life of the Data Team
- Data Notes for the Week of June 22
- Help Break the Chain of COVID-19 Transmission--Your Actions Affect Others
- Inequities Evident in Dane County COVID-19 Data
- Data Will Guide Phase 2 Public Health Order
- Understanding the Big Picture: Trends in Data Provide Perspective
- Fighting for racial justice is essential, even in a pandemic
Categories
- All Posts »
- About PHMDC (23)
- Community Initiatives (9)
- Environmental Health (16)
- Health & Wellness (271)
Tags
- Air Quality
- Animal Services
- Annual Report
- Beaches
- Boosters
- COVID
- COVID-19
- COVID-19 Data
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- drinking water
- Emergency Preparedness
- flooding
- flu
- Flu Vaccine
- Illegal Dumping
- LGBTQ
- maternal health
- menstruation
- Monkeypox
- mosquito
- Overdose Prevention
- PFAS
- Public Health
- Radon
- reproductive health
- Road Salt
- RSV
- sanitarians
- sexual health
- This is Public Health
- UBI
- Vaccine
- Violence Prevention
- Water Quality
- Well and septic
- wic