Connect
← Return to Heard something about COVID and reinfection
Discussion
Heard something about COVID and reinfection
Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 | Last Active: Jul 14, 2020 | Replies (18)Comment receiving replies
@cindiwass I'll add a bit to what @merpreb had to say - Everything about Covid-19 is new and more is NOT known for sure than is known at this time. All aspects of the virus are being studied in teaching hospitals and universities worldwide, but much of what the "talking heads" (including many "experts" being interviewed) in media have to say is based on the tiniest snippets of a news release. The best way to get good information is to look for peer-reviewed research-based information. Here is one good place to start: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/category/covid-19/
As to the news you were referring to, you may be confusing two pieces of info that have been circulating in the media this week. The first, whether one can be reinfected, is speculation based on the fact that Covid-19 is a Corona class virus, like the common cold. It is possible to become reinfected with a cold virus (perhaps a mutated version of the original one you had) so there is thought you MIGHT be able to be reinfected with Covid-19. It is being studied at the U of MN and other places now. No conclusions have been reached.
The second, about Covid-19 in feces, is based on a study of toilet flushing that showed fecal matter can "aerosolize" and float in the air when the toilet is flushed. There has been NO evidence yet of viral transmission in this manner. The solution is to close the lid before flushing to contain any droplets, which will then fall harmlessly back into the toilet. If there is no lid, don't lean over the bowl while it is flushing - push the lever and turn away.
As with all things Covid-19 related, the risk of infection is all about the combination of proximity, time, and amount of exposure. The way to limit those is distance, handwashing, and limiting time of exposure. Here is an excellent, if long, interview with a respected epidemiologist about staying safe: https://www.bluezones.com/2020/06/covid-19-straight-answers-from-top-epidemiologist-who-predicted-the-pandemic/
I hope these bits of information help ease your mind.
Sue
Replies to "@cindiwass I'll add a bit to what @merpreb had to say - Everything about Covid-19 is..."
Connect
Hi, and I thank you for your information. Naturally I hope I don't get the virus but I do go out shopping from time to time. I try to stay away from people, but sometimes it is hard not to say anything when shopping, at least for me it is. I always wear a mask and am careful to keep my hands away from my face when I'm out. I agree about the aerosolized matter from toilet flushing. I am not particularly afraid, but I am cautious. We do have a health aide that comes to our house 2x a week to help my husband, she appears to be ok, but doesn't wear a mask and I'm not pushing it. She is supposed to take her temperature every day, but who knows? I am not testing her, I'm glad to have her, she's a terrific aide, but like I say, every time I think I have a sore throat I hope it's not the CV19. She is employed by a hospital system around here. Now there is something on the news about a teacher in Arizona who got infected and she took all the precautionary measures. She did, however, have diabetes, and asthma. I think we're going to be wearing masks for a long time.