In what feels like good news/bad news week, Science released an article today (11/19/2020) about Covid reinfections. Though rare, people can be infected twice. Typically, the second infection is milder than the first — but not always.
Reinfections are common with many illnesses. So called sterilizing immunity, where the body prevents reinfection entirely, is rare. The usual scenario is reinfection, with mild or no symptoms, followed by rapid recovery. Reinfected patients are usually not contagious.
The immune system is not perfect, nor does it work instantly. Recovery from Covid mitigates any subsequent reinfection but may not prevent it entirely.
All this reminds us to take precautions — masking, distancing, etc. — even for those who have recovered from Covid-19.
— Nelsonia