COVID-19 recovery not an immunity pass, says DOH on Año’s 2nd infection

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) said Monday that recovered COVID-19 patients should remain vigilant and cautious as they are not ensured of protection from a second infection, even with elevated antibodies brought by their previous coronavirus infection.

The DOH issued the statement as health authorities take a look into the case of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año who announced over the weekend that he once again tested positive for COVID-19.

“Kahit na ‘yung mga naging positive na at nakarecover na, wala po tayong immunity passport,” Vergeire said in an online press breifing.

“Kahit na po gumaling na tayo sa sakit na ito, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ating pag-iingat sa ating sarili pati po sa ating pamilya and the community as well,” she added.

Vergeire said experts will study Año’s lab results, clinical symptoms, and his past infection. “We will be giving information in the coming days pagkatapos ng pag-aaral ng technical advisory group.”

In a statement on Sunday, Año announced he got tested for the novel coronavirus last August 14 and received a positive result the following day.

Año first tested positive for COVID-19 last March 31. He eventually recovered and got a negative PCR result on April 13.

Vergeire noted that Año was asymptomatic when he was first infected with the disease in late March, unlike his second infection where he complained of “experiencing flu-like symptoms including a sore throat and body aches.”

She also pointed out that it is still uncertain how long antibodies stay in the body of recovered COVID-19 patients.

However, the Health official refused to acknowledge the term “reinfection” as she noted that the medical community has yet to accept it.

“Wala pa tayong evidence na malaki para diyan. Kailangan pang pag-aralan,” Vergeire said.

EDC