The big question over Coronavirus - can a person get it twice?

[DrToast]

There's been a lot of confusion over this and while we don't have a definitive answer, experts believe there will be immunity after recovery.

One of the most concerning issues since the emergence of the Covid-19 virus has been whether those who have had it can get it a second time – and what that means for immunity.

On Monday, both Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser, and Prof Chris Whitty, Boris Johnson’s chief medical adviser, sought to reassure the public. Those who have had the virus once will develop some immunity, they said – and it is rare to get an infectious disease again.

(more at link)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/16/the-big-question-over-coronavirus-can-a-person-get-it-twice

[jberryhill]

1. In millions of trials, yes, sure, there are always outliers

One thing to avoid is freaking out over stuff like “there are two reported cars where..” whatever.

When something happens a couple million times, then there are a couple “one in a million” occurrences.

So, sure, if one in ten thousand people could get it twice, then it has happened quite a few times already.

“Rare” means “rare”. In a large number of trials, it also means “certain to occur”.

[DrToast]

2. Agree. Everything we know suggests there will be immunity

[PubliusEnigma]

3. It has already happened more than once, that we know of.

[DrToast]

4. Read the article. That's covered

[TreasonousBastard]

5. Since most people haven't gotten it once yet, why is this of such...

immediate concern?

[Bev54]

6. A person in Japan

just got it for the second time.

[Jedi Guy]

7. Are they immunocompromised in some way?

If not, then it may be that there are different strains floating around out there that, while similar in symptoms, are different enough that the body's immune response doesn't recognize it as something that's been encountered before.

I'd say it's more likely that it's just a statistical outlier, though. As someone upthread pointed out, given enough occurrences, X is bound to happen. In the case of most pathogens, once you fight it off, you have immunity thereafter.

[Bev54]

8. I am not sure if compromised

It was just reported that they were surprised that he got it for a second time.

[BGBD]

9. we gain immunity

after infection from other coronavirus'. This should be no different. But that's on average, there will be cases where an individuals immune system just doesn't, atleasg on the first go.

[Bev54]

10. I don't think

we should count on it at this time, until we know for sure, right now they are not sure of anything.

[Jedi Guy]

11. No, but the fact that most others who recover don't get it again is certainly suggestive.

I wouldn't read too much into this one guy getting it twice, or even a small number of people getting it twice.

[Bev54]

12. Well it has not been around that long

so you can take that chance but I am not yet willing to.

[NCProgressive]

13. No .. at least not for 5 years and perhaps longer

The immune system has "memory" and the next time it encounters the pathogen, it activates immediately, putting out antibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

This is how vaccines work.