It was the one ray of hope for people who caught the virus: the idea that once they recovered they’d have immunity and could get on with their lives without having to worry about catching Covid-19 again.
But now this comforting theory has come into question after it emerged that a Durban woman has apparently had the virus twice.
She was diagnosed with the dreaded disease in March, then after two weeks in isolation tested negative and in July tested positive again.
There have been similar stories from around the world. But what does this mean for a Covid-19 vaccine?
Fortunately, experts believe it’s highly unlikely reinfection has occurred in these patients.
They unpack the science behind their thinking.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CATCH IT MORE THAN ONCE?
Professor Salim Abdool Karim, a clinical infectious-disease epidemiologist who serves as the chairperson of the Covid-19 ministerial advisory committee, says there has not been one proven case of reinfection anywhere in the world.
“The most detailed investigation was done in South Korea, where it shows that not a single one of the 285 cases [of people who seemed to catch the virus more than once] were evident of reinfection. There was no reinfection,” Karim tells us.
But he says more research is needed.
This story is from the 13 August 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 13 August 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DEFIANT TO THE END
He went from star athlete to Hollywood hero and ended up a reviled criminal but OJ Simpson remained unapologetic
BRING IT ON TAMMY!
Peet and Mel Viljoen arent going to let threats deter them from their fabulous life
I WILL GET YOU!
He tried to make them believe their daughter had killed herself but she wasn't buying it
ANDREW'S LONG SHADOW
The princes sordid past has made it unlikely that his daughters will be willing or able to become working royals
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems