When someone like me, who has worked for 20 years in extremely busy emergency departments, says that we have never seen this many sick patients with viral infections before, please listen. This tsunami of illness is NOT typical and is the worst I have ever experienced. Sadly, unless we institute decisive public health measures, this viral surge of Covid, influenza and RSV will worsen. The more people who get infected, the more who will get very sick and die from these infections, including children. Universal mask mandates are needed now.

Often when I talk to patients in the emergency department, I feel like no one has ever actually talked to them about Covid, masks, vaccinations or how to protect themselves and their families from viral illnesses. Some patients are surprised to learn that Covid is still spreading through our communities. They’ve never heard of long Covid, and they believe that the virus is “just a cold.” No one has ever told them that repeat Covid infections could have profound health implications.

Should you get vaccinated after you have had Covid-19?

Yes. Absolutely. Both shots.

Why? Because immunity to covid is not guaranteed after infection. Those who have had covid are twice as likely to catch it again than those who are vaccinated. Natural immunity is a myth. 🧵 You may not be protected from getting covid again, even after an infection, because you might not make enough protective antibodies.
With any infection you will make antibodies. Antibodies stay in your body, and will try to protect you from (re)infection if you are exposed.