Risk and protective factors for Covid-19 reinfection: an integrative literature review

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze scientific literature on risk and protective factors for Covid-19 reinfection. An integrative literature review was conducted in five databases [Virtual Health Library (VHL), Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHIL), and PubMed] with publications between 2021 and 2025. Fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria, and their results indicated the following as risk factors for Covid-19 reinfection: female gender, living in urban areas, living in long-term care facilities, being a healthcare professional, having chronic comorbidities, being immunocompromised, and the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the first infection. On the other hand, vaccination was a relevant protective factor. The conclusion is that the main risk factors for Covid-19 reinfection include sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological factors. However, lifestyle variables, particularly dietary intake, have been explored little, reinforcing the need for further studies with this focus. Furthermore, full vaccination is an important protective factor and should be the focus of strategic actions in health policies and programs.