Originally Posted by
Bignose101
Awesome.... Shame people can catch Covid-19 twice (or more) 'that’s the emerging consensus among health experts who are learning more about the possibility that those who’ve recovered from the coronavirus can get it again'
I'm only aware of reports of this occurring in rare cases where there remains conjecture about what recurrence is indicating, and where symptoms are mild. If there is a considerable swing towards reinfection, then vaccination programs like Australia's proposed one that don't get everyone done in a short period (rather, less than a third annually), are in trouble. In the worst case we're back at an exclusion strategy again.
Even PCR (swab) tests are maximum just over 75% reliable (!!) and so people as potential recurrence cases would need blood analysis done in order to be confirmed. Pseudo-reinfection, or long-running infection that was never fully cleared, masked by dud PCR tests is an option that remains in play at least in theory.
Immunized people present surfaces for transporting the virus, and some people might have a residual susceptibility (what infectivity that will relate to is unknown), So some precautions may remain necessary. Nevertheless these previously-infected people are an asset that at least in Australia don't seem to be being utilized, and this is inconsistent other strategy elements. Aircrew going o/s still have to isolate for two weeks despite their personal COVID history
afaik.
There was a philosophical decision early on to dismiss the idea of an immunity passport for those that caught the virus naturally. Maybe this was because there'd then be a whole lot of frustrated under-30s licking each other with the intention of gaining freedom? This policy has stuck and also remains at odds with the vaccination orientation. I am cynical and put it down to medicine's god-complex mixed-in with a lack of imagination and innovation of behalf of our governments.