During the winter months, it can feel like someone you know is always sick. Many common winter illnesses are caused by viruses, making them extremely contagious from person to person. If you were just sick, you may be wondering whether its possible to get sick twice in a row. Learn about how long you have immunity after being sick, and whether your illness symptoms can come back after you’ve recovered. If you’re experiencing illness symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care for same-day illness diagnosis and treatment without an appointment. Available on a walk-in basis 7 days a week from 8am-8pm.
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How Long Does Immunity Last After You’re Sick?
When you’re sick, the last thing you want to think about is the next time you will feel sick after your recovery. Luckily, after you are sick, your body develops antibodies to fight off the infection more effectively next time. This means that even if you were exposed to the same pathogen again, your body would be able to quickly defend itself against the intruder, meaning that you won’t get sick again. This immunity won’t last forever though. Typically, immunity from an illness only lasts three to four months. After that period, your body no longer carries the antibodies to fight that specific infection and you could get reinfected.
Although you cannot get reinfected by the same illness twice in a row, you may be able to catch another illness right after you’ve been sick. Your body only prepares antibodies for the specific pathogen that made you sick. Therefore, if you’re exposed to a different pathogen, you could get sick again straight away if you’re unlucky.
Can Illness Symptoms Come and Go?
If you’re sick and thought you were recovering only for your symptoms to worsen again, you may be asking yourself whether this is the same illness, or if you have just contracted a new illness during your recovery. In short, yes, illness symptoms can come and go. You may start to feel better, only for a few symptoms to appear or for your current symptoms to begin worsening again. Recovery from an infection is not linear, and sometimes your symptoms will vary in how intense they are over the course of your recovery.
If you are experiencing illness symptoms, it is important that you seek medical care. Getting a medical diagnosis for what is causing your symptoms is the best way to ensure that you recover quickly. Your medical provider will be able to help you determine whether your illness symptoms are fluctuating or whether you have contracted a new illness and provide the appropriate course of treatment.
How to Prevent Getting Sick
Getting sick is never fun. However, sometimes it seems unavoidable. This is especially true if you have young children who spend time in schools, as schools have a high rate of illness transmission. During the winter illness season, it is especially important to stay vigilant about personal hygiene due to the increased risk of coming into close contact with a sick person. Always be sure to wash your hands regularly throughout the day, sanitize after touching surfaces like door knobs or faucets and avoid touching your face and potentially transferring the germs to your respiratory system. If you are feeling sick, seeking medical care while your symptoms are mild can help ensure you treat your illness effectively before it becomes worse.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Burlington for Walk-In Illness Treatment in Burlington, MA
If you’re experiencing illness symptoms, seeking medical care can help determine whether you require treatment. AFC Urgent Care Burlington offers illness diagnosis services daily using our on-site laboratory. Our dedicated medical team will evaluate your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment to ensure that you recover quickly. We never require that you schedule an appointment for fast and reliable medical care. Simply walk into the clinic, or schedule an appointment online today.
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At AFC Urgent Care Burlington, we understand that your time is valuable. That is why we maintain short wait times, so that you can get the care that you need when you need it most. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care options. Simply walk into the clinic today for rapid illness diagnosis and treatment. For more information, contact the clinic directly by calling (781) 270-4700.
