I was vaccinated against Covid-19. Later I got in contact with someone who had Covid-19 and the virus was passed on to me. Question: Am I still a danger / contagious to other people?
Answer: That is still unknown. The vaccinations seem to be very effective in protecting against disease, but whether and how well they prevent transmission is still completely open.
Can conclusions be drawn about past, personal colds / flu infections, how the current corona infection could develop (asymptomatic, mild, severe)? For example, if I (m, 39) am almost never sick and if I only have mild symptoms? Are there at least assumptions here? Thank you very much.
Carlo Cervia: Due to past infections, it is currently not possible to make any predictions about the severity of a COVID-19 infection. Due to your young age and the absence of any comorbidities, you have a lower risk of becoming seriously ill.
It is obvious that when dealing with the corona pandemic, both the BAG and the media hardly ever talk about strengthening one’s own immune system. That is astonishing because, as far as I know, we can very well contribute something. One-sided reporting is probably not one of them, as it tends to stir up fear and concern. – What are your tips for strengthening the immune system? – What basic findings and scientific data on this topic provide?
Dennis Arnold: A balanced diet is definitely part of providing enough energy and the necessary vitamins and minerals for the immune system. You should also ensure that you get enough sleep. At night, during sleep, the body regenerates itself by lowering the cortisol level and boosting the immune system. In addition, regular sporting activity can strengthen the blood flow to the mucous membranes and thus the body’s own defense mechanisms.
My family, nephew 49, his wife and the two children 13 u. 17 years old, had Covid disease in mid to late October. The father tested positive at the time. They all had moderate discomfort with the usual symptoms. May I celebrate Christmas with you as a risk person, assuming that you are temporarily immune? Thanks for the answer
Urs Karrer: If all family members have tested positive: They are certainly no longer infectious and it is very likely that they will be largely immune in the next few months. However, there is no such thing as absolute security, so hygiene measures should not be completely dispensed with. So no physical contact and 1.5m distance, whenever possible. But you can do without masks. If only the father tested positive, I would recommend consistent compliance with the applicable hygiene rules.
maybe very off-topic but: i stumbled upon your “expert chat” by chance & the question simply arises why in 2020 only male practicing doctors are invited to an “expert chat” … just once as a food for thought …
Chat Admin: Thanks for your question. Of course, we always try to win a mixed round for the live chat. Unfortunately, this is not always possible.
I (77) have had rheumatoid arthritis for 13 years and take 10 mg methotrexate a week. I have also been suffering from an extranodal marginal zone lymphoma for 5 years, currently in remission. I always have too few lymphocytes, but I do not suffer from increased infections. I’m fine. When I was vaccinated a year ago, a polyneuropathy broke out that I used to have from chemotherapy. My question: Can I get vaccinated against Covid19? Many thanks
Lukas Frischknecht: Good evening. In principle, there is nothing to be said against vaccination with a dead vaccine under immunosuppression. Therefore, the COVID-19 vaccines under development are dead vaccines, so you could be vaccinated with them. At most, you might have a slightly weakened antibody response to it.
I found out that I had Polimiosite. At the moment I’m still taking 7.5 mg of Prednisone in the morning and Imurek 50 mg in the morning and evening. Do I (60 years) belong to the high-risk group? I strengthen my immune system with a healthy diet and Kneipp water therapy. Is that a good thing or is it even counterproductive for this disease? Thank you for your answer.
Urs Karrer: Yes, you have an increased risk. In particular, the Imurek suppresses the immune response in a relevant manner.
I have never been seriously ill for the past 20 years, apart from 1-2 colds a year. So I would say I have a very good immune system. Could it still be that I am seriously ill with Covid 19?
Carlo Cervia: Unfortunately, everyone can get seriously ill with COVID-19. Known risk factors are old age and various comorbidities such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It is currently unknown whether and how the number of colds had had an impact in recent years.
Our grandchildren will end a 10-day quarantine next Sunday. Can we again look after the children with a clear conscience on the following Monday?
Urs Karrer: If no symptoms really occurred during the quarantine, then the probability is extremely low that they are currently infectious.
Where does the hype suddenly come from regarding the combination preparation vitamin D and vitamin K? And then it has to be the right number after the K. As a consumer, I can no longer see through that. Thank you for further feedback.
Lukas Frischknecht: Associations with the levels measured in the blood and various diseases of civilization have been found for these vitamins (especially vitamin D), which unfortunately could mostly not be confirmed in large randomized studies.
I (f, 38), my son (3) and partner (39) are all three infected with Covid-19. What can you tell us about immunity and the rules that now apply to us as an immune system?
Dennis Arnold: According to initial findings, immunity can vary from person to person. Unfortunately, exact data are not yet available, but it is assumed that the degree of symptoms correlates with immunity. The first antibodies against COVID-19 can already be partially detected approx. 1 week after the onset of symptoms. How long that these antibodies exist in the body and whether they also protect against further infection is unfortunately still unclear and therefore we cannot currently speak of protective immunity. As a result, we continue to advise adherence to the hygiene measures of the BAG.
If a strong immune system causes an autoimmune disease and immunosuppressants are taken after an organ transplant (myfortic and prograf) can vitamin d3 (70 kg / 4000 units = approx. 40-50 ng) strengthen the immune system? In combination with C and zinc.
Lukas Frischknecht: Good evening. A balanced diet does not require additional intake of vitamin C or zinc. For vitamin D, too, there are no major studies that have confirmed a lower susceptibility to infection. However, taking 800 IU of vitamin D daily over the winter will certainly not do any harm.
Can immunity be assumed after a Covid infection? if so, how long? if so, can you still be a carrier of the virus and thus a danger to others? does the quarantine still have to be adhered to in the event of further contact with an infected person?
Carlo Cervia: Studies show that the more severe the disease, the stronger the immune response and possibly also the immune memory. How well and in whom this memory protects against re-infection is currently being researched. With related cold coronaviruses, immunity occurs for a few months and patients can be infected again afterwards. What is certain is that you should continue to protect yourself well and follow the BAG guidelines, also because of the possibility of infecting others without becoming ill.
I have to inject the biological NUCALA because of my autoimmune disease. Am I more at risk than others as a result?
Urs Karrer: Nobody knows for sure, because not enough people have suffered from COVID while taking this drug. However, the mechanism of action of the drug is not expected to be seriously endangered. Consistent adherence to the rules of hygiene and distance is certainly indicated, but you do not have to be more anxious than people who do not have to take the drug.
Hello, Crohn’s disease (2010 stoma) has been my loyal companion for almost 30 years. TBC f was discovered in 2004 (therapy completed) I’m not sure about my immune system, flu vaccination and corona vaccine? Thank you and stay safe.
Dennis Arnold: Specific advice is certainly required for the illnesses you have mentioned. Generally speaking, however, a flu vaccination, which is administered as a dead vaccine, is also possible and useful in immunocompromised patients. With regard to the new corona vaccination, we still don’t know enough safety data, which is why it is not yet possible to make precise statements on this.
To what extent can vitamin D3 strengthen the immune system and what daily dose would it require?
Lukas Frischknecht: Unfortunately, in larger randomized studies, no positive effect of vitamin D on the immune system could be confirmed. An intake of 800 IU daily, especially in winter, is certainly not wrong.
The information provided here is a part of SRF news chat,and statements correspond to the state of knowledge during the implementation of the live chat.
