Zane Baker thought he was spending his time in the… Covid cave – young, fit and had the virus 31 days earlier, the two lines on his RAT test came as a big surprise.
The 26-year-old Tītahi Bay man discovered that he had become infected again in June when he took a test before going to visit his grandmother. He had originally picked up the virus in May and thought he was free, but a second set of symptoms put him out of action again.
“I still tested a strong positive for nine or ten days” [after reinfection]† It was a completely different set of symptoms – I was short of breath and really flu. The first time I was hot and cold, had no energy, no appetite and lost my taste and smell.
“I just thought, ‘You’re kidding’.”
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† ‘Stay very careful’: Christchurch woman’s advice after battling Covid symptoms twice in four weeks
† Omicron NZ: I’ve had Covid! Can I get it again?
† Warning from woman who has contracted Covid twice in two countries
Last month, the Ministry of Health the reinfection window reduced from 90 to 29 days† Now everyone who has recovered from COVID-19but experience symptoms 29 days or more after that infection, should test and will need to isolate if positive.
Professor Graham LeGros, director of the Malaghan Institute and Vaccine Alliance Aotearoa, said reinfection was made more likely by the multitude of circulating Covid strains.
KEVIN STENT/Things
Zane Baker got Covid twice in 31 days. His experience reflects the latest advice from the Ministry of Health that has reduced the reinfection period from 90 to 29 days.
“It can absolutely happen… in fact we have seven or eight different viruses – yes, they are all Covid, but they are quite different.”
Baker didn’t think he fit the profile of someone prone to reinfection so quickly. He goes to the gym at least six times a week and besides hunting and diving he considered himself very active, but his double infection showed that it can happen to anyone.
Jericho Rock Archer
Professor Graham Le Gros, director of the Malaghan Institute and Vaccine Alliance Aotearoa, says reinfection has been made more likely by the multitude of circulating Covid strains that do not necessarily protect against each other.
Aside from the symptoms that made him feel awful, it was frustrating to see his life disrupted twice in quick succession
“I work in the hospitality industry, so it was not being able to work and not see my colleagues or my friends. I also missed my father’s birthday.”
Le Gros said the best advice for people was to stay up to date on their vaccinations.
“Get your booster, and when you have your booster, buy another one.”
He said current vaccines provide broad immunity against Covid strains and are the best choice for limiting the impact of the virus until more effective vaccines are developed.