NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — As positive COVID-19 cases in our state continue to climb, some who have already been infected are asking if they can get the coronavirus a second time? The simple answer is yes. Although rare, medical experts confirm it is possible.
Carter Wright, 29, a Nashville photographer, claims that he recently tested positive for COVID-19 twice for the virus recently.
He says tested positive for the coronavirus in March after taking a trip to New York City. He says he spent the next few months under the assumption that he's better and could possibly be immune to the virus. But he says he has tested positive again for COVID-19 for a second time, four months after he first got the virus.
Unfortunately, this isn't unheard of.
"Well we think that actually second cases of COVID are biologically possible, but they must be wonderfully rare," said Dr. William Schaffner, Vanderbilt infectious disease specialist.
Dr. Schaffner says there are still so many unknowns with this virus, which means we are learning as we go.
"We think once you become infected, you are then protected, and you’ve developed some immunity," Dr. Schaffner said, "How long that immunity lasts is not certain how strong the immunity is, we’re still not certain."
Because of the uncertainty, Dr. Schaffner says its best to continue being cautious.
Metro health marked today as the highest single-day increase since the pandemic began.
