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    Coronavirus FAQ: How long does my post-COVID protection last? When is it booster time?

    How long does immunity last after an infection? Are rapid tests always accurate? How often is a booster in order? In this installment of our FAQ series, we look into questions about "COVID time."
    by Max Barnhart Jan 28, 2024 5 minutes
    Source: Marc Silver/NPR

    We regularly answer frequently asked questions about life in the era of COVID-19. If you have a question you'd like us to consider for a future post, email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject line: "Coronavirus Questions." See an archive of our FAQs here.

    Readers asked us: How long does it take after getting infected to test positive? When can you unmask after testing negative? And when should I get my booster? And if you do get sick, does that give you months of protection against another infection?

    For this edition of the FAQ, we're trying to wrap our heads around the mysteries of COVID time and more.

    I tested positive for COVID around Halloween. Now I'm feeling sick and testing positive again. How long is immunity from infection supposed to last?

    Getting COVID is no fun, but if there's any silver lining to a case of

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