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Is there any reason to assume that initial infection with Covid can't cause both immunity against subsequent infection AND long Covid symptoms? Think about how
by jawns 5y ago
Is there any reason to assume that initial infection with Covid can't cause both immunity against subsequent infection AND long Covid symptoms?
Think about how chicken pox works. You get infected, you deal with (usually but not always) mild symptoms, and then you don't get chicken pox again. But you are susceptible to shingles later in life.
- nradov 5y agoChicken pox is caused by varicella, a herpes virus which remains permanently in most infected people. It is in no way comparable to COVID-19.
- jawns 5y agoI'm not suggesting that Covid and chicken pox are related as viruses. I'm merely pointing out one example of how long-term symptoms are not incompatible with immunity. We know that Covid causes long-term symptoms in some people. So it would be interesting to see whether the differential between natural immunity and vaccinated immunity (if there is one) is outweighed by the acute and long-term symptoms of active infection.
- paulryanrogers 5y agoHaving gotten chicken pox intentionally then again as a teen, only to learn it significantly increases my risk for shingles later in life, I don't recommend natural infection when there is a vaccine. The second infection was particularly painful. Please vaccinate your kids.