A man in Hong Kong caught COVID-19 a second time. Here’s why that’s not surprising (and there’s no need to panic)

[2greys]

A man in Hong Kong caught COVID-19 a second time. Here’s why that’s not surprising (and there’s no need to panic).

This is not necessarily unexpected, because very few natural infections generate an immune response that completely prevents reinfection. Instead, what generally happens after an infection is that the body’s immune response gradually declines over months after the infection is cleared.

Specialised immune cells in the body are tasked with remembering each particular infection, so if you get infected again your body quickly starts producing the relevant antibodies and other immune cells (called T cells) in large numbers. This helps clear the new infection more rapidly and effectively. So you can still get reinfected, but you’re more likely to have fewer symptoms or be asymptomatic.

theconversation.com/a-man-i...

[SquirrelsHolt]

Good afternoon 2greys and I suppose this is of some comfort to know but im not totally convinced as each person reacts differently to the next etc. etc. However I'll go with this until the next "find" of the month - sorry but it's gradually wearing me down and I'm not so optimistic.....more pessimistic!🐿🌈

[Maverick2]

Every time the research community tries to allay the fears, they sound more and more unconvincing.

Reinfection with different strains is easy to identify but reinfection with the same strain is practically nonresolved, which poses more risk at the population level.

The claim of natural infection does not generate sufficient immune response is not in tune with the chemistry, as natural infection provides the best antigen matching consequently should impart maximum immunity. The vaccine cannot provide better immunity than natural infections.

Finally, they simply talk about mutation to insert a failure clause.

[2greys in reply to Maverick2]

You have already replied to this link.

healthunlocked.com/blf/post....

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The point in the Conversation article being broadly what I have already surmised. That the lack of antibodies allowed the re-infection but the T cells kicked in and a short time afterwards they were protected. Watching Dr John's video might enlighten you he has the knack of explaining things simply:

healthunlocked.com/blf/post....

[Davegt in reply to 2greys]

The action of T cells is not yet fully understood.

A very interesting article on that very subject below.

bbc.com/future/article/2020...

[2greys in reply to Maverick2]

scientificamerican.com/arti...

[ninelives]

Thank you

[Mavary]

I imagine it’s a bit like the common cold. Sometimes you can have that two or three times a year but our bodies have learned to deal with them and we can carry on with everyday things. This being a new virus is more potent simply because our bodies have never had to deal with it. I’m sure if we all had Covid we would get that we wouldn’t be so vulnerable to it and build up a resistance. But I’m certainly not going to set out in the first place to get it. It’s scary when you’re both older and have dodgy lungs.