Contrary to general perception, having Covid multiple times does not build up resistance or immunity. In fact, it may instead increase people’s risk of long Covid. Because the virus is always changing, argued David Nabarro, WHO’s special envoy for Covid-19.
According to Nabarro, "Having Covid multiple times does not build up resistance or immunity because the virus is always changing. It is more likely to increase your chances of getting long Covid.”
"The more times you get it, the more likely you are to be unlucky and end up with long Covid -- which is the thing that none of us want because it can be so serious. It can knock people off their stride for several months," Nabarro said.
Long Covid is defined as having new or ongoing symptoms four weeks or more after the start of disease. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of concentration, and joint pain. The symptoms can adversely affect day-to-day activities, and in some cases can be severely limiting. It can linger for months and years after an infection.