Ex-Covid-19 patients can be infected again within 20 days after first infection
SHAH ALAM - Ex-Covid-19 patients are not "immune" and can even be infected again within three months after their first infection.
This is based on a study conducted in Denmark, where a total of 17 out of 64 individuals experienced re-infection within 20 days.
Apart from Denmark, reinfection is detected to be a trend in two other countries namely the United Kingdom and the United States.
However, most of those who were re-infected during that period only experienced mild symptoms and only needed isolation.
Due to this trend, the Health Ministry is studying cases of reinfection, especially among young people.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said so far there is no vaccine that could prevent all Covid-19 infections.
In another development, Khairy said the elderly with high-risk comorbidities are suggested to get a second booster dose with an interval of at least four to six months after the date of their first booster dose.
He added that the decision was made after the Technical Working Group Panel (TWG) examined scientific studies as well as Malaysian cohort studies which showed that individuals aged 60 and above with comorbidities such as lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease. and diabetes was at higher risk of developing serious symptoms as well as death from Covid-19.
Those who are eligible are encouraged to take booster doses to further enhance the immune system of their body.