Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 60% Americans have signs of previous COVID-19 infection

Arkansas – According to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 6 in 10 Americans have signs of previous COVID-19 infection, showing the widespread reach of the virus.

The percentage of people testing positive for antibodies – an indication of previous COVID-19 infection – increased from about 34 percent in December to about 58 percent in February, the CDC study showed.

According to one CDC official, a forthcoming estimate will show that at some points there were as many as three total COVID-19 infections for each case that was reported.

CDC officials stressed that having previously been infected does not necessarily mean that someone is protected going forward, given that immunity can wane over time. Vaccination also provides additional protection when added to immunity from infection.

According to health officials, all eligible people should get vaccinated and boosted even if they have previously had the virus.

The rate of the previous infection was even higher among children, at 75 percent among those ages 11 years and under. The level was much lower, around 33 percent, among those over 65.

“These findings illustrate a high infection rate for the Omicron variant, especially among children,” the study states. “Testing positive for antibodies] should not be interpreted as protection from future infection. Vaccination remains the safest strategy for preventing complications from COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization among children and adults.”