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Reinfected: meaning, definitions and examples

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reinfected

 

[ riːɪnˈfɛktəd ]

Verb
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

Translations of the word "reinfected" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reinfectado

🇮🇳 फिर से संक्रमित

🇩🇪 wieder infiziert

🇮🇩 terinfeksi ulang

🇺🇦 повторно інфікований

🇵🇱 ponownie zainfekowany

🇯🇵 再感染した (さいかんせんした)

🇫🇷 réinfecté

🇪🇸 reinfectado

🇹🇷 yeniden enfekte

🇰🇷 재감염된 (재감염된)

🇸🇦 مصاب مرة أخرى

🇨🇿 znovu infikován

🇸🇰 znovu infikovaný

🇨🇳 再次感染 (zài cì gǎn rǎn)

🇸🇮 ponovno okužen

🇮🇸 aftur smitaður

🇰🇿 қайта жұқтырған

🇬🇪 მეორედ ინფიცირებული

🇦🇿 təkrar yoluxmuş

🇲🇽 reinfectado

Etymology

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.