Edit: I think I haven’t been clear.
So, uh, let me be clear: Let’s say you’re fully vaccinated, wearing an n95 in public, and living with children that are fully vaccinated, but the children cannot wear masks and they go to schools without mask or vaccine policies.

So, are you safer if you get exposed to small amounts of Covid? My thinking was that otherwise you’re letting your vaccine wear off just hoping the kids don’t bring it home.

I’m certainly no expert on immunity, but I think there’s something about increased response to something frequently seen. And I’m wondering if the immune system will sort of build a better sketch of the suspect with repeated viewings.

Original post: We want to avoid infection, and breakthroughs happen, but concentration and duration of exposure affect likelihood and severity of infection.

So should the vaccinated avoid all exposure? Or is there any benefit to letting your immune system see some Covid occasionally?

Is my immune system like “Oh hey, these look a little like those ones I was warned about, I’ll add them to the list and keep that whole family on my radar for a while longer”

  • Aryuproudomenowdaddy [comrade/them]
    ·
    2 years ago

    I'm unsure how you would only get a little Covid, you're probably exposed to small amounts that aren't enough to cause you to fall ill everytime you shop for groceries.

    • learntocod [they/them]
      ·
      2 years ago

      That’s exactly what I mean. Not enough to cause infection, but enough to interact with your immune system somewhat. The grocery story example is prescient because I’m wondering if one should eliminate those situations completely. Or, maybe the little bit that slips past your mask keeps your immune system ‘up to date’. I worry about taking too thorough precautions while the world just stirs the pot until I eventually do need to go outside, at which point I find a variation that my vaccine doesn’t cover.

        • learntocod [they/them]
          ·
          2 years ago

          It’s that post and the recent policy shift in China that has me wondering about this. Should I be even more strict and avoid breathing the same air as anyone else? Or, is my vaccine-provided immunity better when it is occasionally tested by a few :covid-cool: particles that get past my n95.