Can you catch corona twice? 

Results of a recent study dated 7-12-2020

Source :https://www.pexels.com/

I know you've tired of hearing news of the Corona pandemic over the past eight months, but believe me: what you hear today may save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

While there is still a lot we do not understand about immunity to this new virus, there is a small - but growing - number of cases indicating that the answer to the above question is yes!

The frightening thing is that catching COVID-19 may also be worse the second time around. During his first injury, one of Dr. Clay Akerley has a mild cough and sore throat. In contrast, his second illness was marked by high fever, shortness of breath and hypoxia, which led to several trips to the hospital.

Recent reports and conversations with fellow physicians indicate that this patient was no exception. For example, two patients in New Jersey appear to have contracted (Covid-19) for the second time, nearly two months after making full recovery from the first infection.

I know you've tired of hearing news of the Corona pandemic over the past eight months, but believe me: what you hear today may save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

While there is still a lot we do not understand about immunity to this new virus, there is a small - but growing - number of cases indicating that the answer to the above question is yes!

The frightening thing is that catching COVID-19 may also be worse the second time around. During his first injury, one of Dr. Clay Akerley has a mild cough and sore throat. In contrast, his second illness was marked by high fever, shortness of breath and hypoxia, which led to several trips to the hospital.

Recent reports and conversations with fellow physicians indicate that this patient was no exception. For example, two patients in New Jersey appear to have contracted (Covid-19) for the second time, nearly two months after making full recovery from the first infection.

Source :https://www.pexels.com/

The test results are not perfect!

First, how do we know if a person has been infected twice with corona? In the case of a patient Dr. Clay Ackerley, was sick with Corona-like symptoms and had a positive test result; Then he felt better and got 2 negative test results; Then he fell ill again, and the result was positive again.

These tests were all of the type of " polymerase chain reaction " based on a nasal swab (as opposed to antibody tests, which differ entirely from them). This type of test is fairly accurate in showing positive results, but errors in the case of negative results are very common.

One study found that 21 days after symptoms began, 66% of patients had a "false" negative.

So it is possible (albeit a low probability) that the initial test turned out false positive, and the patient may have had a chronic disease and the negative tests were false. We know that some infections can last for months. (Again, this possibility is low, but it certainly does.)

Regardless, the limited research - until now - on those recovering from Covid-19 shows the inability of some patients' bodies to develop antibodies after infection. On the other hand, the bodies of some patients - especially those who never show symptoms - show an immediate antibody response after infection and disappear quickly afterwards, a matter of growing scientific concern!

Worse, recurrence in a short period of time is a feature of many viruses, including other coronaviruses. So, it is very possible that some Covid-19 patients will become ill more than once.

Source :https://www.pexels.com/

Immunity to infection (herd immunity) is not a viable solution!

In general, what we do not know about the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus ( long name? ) Currently outweighs what we know:

• We don't know how much immunity can be expected once a person is infected with the virus.

• We don't know how long this immunity might last.

• We don't know how many antibodies are needed to form an effective response.

Although there is some hope regarding cellular immunity (including T-cell responses) in the absence of a permanent antibody response, the emergence of proven cases of disease recurrence puts the efficacy of these immune responses into question as well.

But what about herd immunity (or so-called herd immunity)?

Herd immunity is based on the theory that our immune systems, once exposed to pathogens, will collectively protect us as a community from reinfection and thus limit the spread of disease.
Experts consider natural herd immunity a backup plan for the worst-case scenario. A mass infection (and, in the case of Covid-19, a massive loss of life due to the death rate from the disease) takes before it can show its true effect.

Herd immunity was promoted by experts in Sweden and (early in the epidemic) in the UK, with devastating results!

In recent weeks, prominent medical experts have indicated that the current increase in cases may lead to herd immunity by early 2021, and an opinion piece (dated July 6 in The Wall Street Journal) likewise.

It is suspicious that no one realizes the danger of this line of thinking. It is a reason to stimulate more bad behavior: Some consider “CoronaVirus Parties”, where people gather to intentionally contract the virus, and large gatherings without masks, are considered by some as the fastest way out of the epidemic.

The danger still exists

In my opinion, the case of Dr. Clay Ackerley (which we mentioned at the beginning of the article) serves as a warning sign on several fronts:

First, the course of the initial “moderate” infection followed by a vigorous recurrence indicates that the new virus may share some trends of other viruses such as dengue (where you can experience more severe symptoms each time you become ill.

Second, despite scientific endeavors in cellular immunity or antibodies, the severity of a second episode of Korna suggests that these responses may not be as robust as we hope.

Third, many people may give up their guard after infection, believing that they are either immune or have no influence over the spread of the virus. Obviously, these assumptions jeopardize their health and the health of those close to them.

Finally, if reinfection within this short time is likely, this challenges the effectiveness of vaccines developed (so far).

Finally

With any doubts about personal immunity or saving the world according to herd immunity, the hard work must continue to crush this epidemic. Our efforts must go beyond just waiting for effective treatments and vaccines. It should include ongoing prevention through the use of clinically proven face masks , hand washing, and social distancing, as well as widespread testing, tracking and isolation of new cases.

This is a new disease: the learning curves are steep, and disturbing facts must be heed as they arise. And natural herd immunity is almost certainly beyond our reach. Hence, we cannot place our hopes on it.