Immunity after Infection

 

What is running through the minds of many health experts worldwide, as recently discussed at the U.N. in Geneva, is whether it is an option to acquire collective immunity just by letting the virus run through a population.

Most experts would agree that it is not an option to let the virus infect a community and hope that people in that community would then have antibodies protecting them against the coronavirus.

Health experts worldwide are not sure how long immunity does last and that the only real choice that nations (and tribal communities) face is to work to break transmission chains. That is until an effective vaccine is found.

One of the questions being asked is whether a natural immunity to the virus occurs (especially in a person who has had it) and how strong it may be compared to a good vaccine.

After the first wave of infections in Europe, in March and April of this year, scientists at Imperial College in London have tracked antibody levels in the population. What they found was that what is called antibody prevalence fell from June to September and what that signaled is that there may be decreasing population immunity and decisions were made to enforce new lockdowns as they face a second wave of infections.

This goes against what those who have been infected and have recovered are hoping, that there is protection after an infection and that is long lasting. The opposite seems to be what health experts are finding, that is even if you have been infected (and recovered), you are not as protected from being re-infected as you think.

The second wave is predicted to impact almost every region in the U.S. As we look at colder weather and move indoors, it may be a good time to revisit some habits acquired during this pandemic: wash your hands with soap and water, wear a mask, social distancing, and avoiding crowded indoor places.

The New England Journal of Medicine, and Virology Journal put out (for reference only) information for everyone on reminders of how long the coronavirus lives on surfaces: On paper including printed papers and tissue paper (3 hours); on cardboard including packaging, mail, and boxes (24 hours); on cloth, including cotton and other porous soft surfaces (14 days); on money (4 days); on glass including smartphones, computers, and tablets (4 days); on plastic including utensils, credit cards, and toys (2 to 7 days); on metal , including stainless steel, iron, and aluminum (3 to 7 days); and finally on copper including pennies and some home fixtures (about 6 hours). It is good to remember how effective soap, water, and bleach are. It is better to prevent transmission where it matters, in your home and community and to protect yourself and those in your care.

Delphine Red Shirt (Oglala) can be reached through email redshirtphd@gmail.com