Repeat infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus may increase the risk of organ failure and death, according to a study which suggests that people should practice vigilance to reduce their chances of reinfection.

The research, published on November 10  in the journal Nature Medicine, found that repeat COVID-19 infections contribute significant additional risk of adverse health conditions in multiple organ systems.

Such outcomes include hospitalisation; disorders affecting the lungs, heart, brain, and the body's blood, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal systems; and even death, the researchers said.