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Reinfected Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reinfected

[riหษชnหˆfษ›ktษ™d ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

medical infection

Reinfected refers to the state of being infected again by a pathogen after having previously recovered from a similar infection. This can occur with various microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, and is often seen in diseases where immunity is not long-lasting. For example, after recovering from an illness, such as COVID-19 or influenza, a person may become reinfected if exposed to the same or a different strain of the pathogen. Factors such as waning immunity, new variants, or insufficient immune response can contribute to reinfection.

Synonyms

recontaminate, reestablish infection, reinfect.

Examples of usage

  • She was reinfected with the flu after returning from vacation.
  • Patients can become reinfected with COVID-19, especially with new variants.
  • Reinfected individuals may show different symptoms compared to their initial infection.
  • Reinfected cases are concerning for public health authorities.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Certain viruses, like the flu, can change every season, making it possible for someone to be reinfected.
  • The immune systemโ€™s memory can fade over time, which may lead to reinfection if the body doesn't remember how to fight the virus.
  • Some diseases can change so much that the body can't recognize the new version, so it has to start fighting it again.

Public Health

  • Reinfection is a significant concern during pandemics, as new variants of viruses emerge.
  • Health experts often study reinfection rates to understand how well a vaccine works and the duration of immunity.
  • Preventative measures, like wearing masks and social distancing, help reduce the risk of getting reinfected with many contagious diseases.

Psychology

  • The emotional impact of becoming reinfected can include feelings of anxiety or frustration, as individuals worry about their health.
  • People who have been reinfected may experience a shift in trust towards health guidelines or vaccine effectiveness.

In Popular Media

  • Reinfection stories are common in movies about pandemics, showing characters who must confront their fears when falling ill again.
  • Video games often depict reinfected characters as 'zombies', emphasizing fear and the struggle of facing an old enemy.

Origin of 'reinfected'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 're-' means 'again', and 'infected' comes from a word that means 'to harm or affect'.
  • The word has roots in Latin, where 'infectus' means 'to taint or stain', which relates closely to diseases.

The term 'reinfected' is derived from the prefix 're-', which means 'again' or 'back', and the root word 'infected', which comes from the Latin 'infectus', meaning 'to taint' or 'to spoil'. The evolution of the term reflects a growing understanding of infectious diseases and the various factors that can lead to reinfection, particularly in relation to the immune response. The prefix 're-' is commonly used in English to indicate repetition or return to an earlier state. Usage of 'reinfected' has increased in the 21st century, particularly with the emergence of new infectious diseases and the recognition that immunity may not always be permanent or complete, leading to increased instances of re-exposure and subsequent illness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,944, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.