Immunity post virus "at least as good as vaccine"

[wideskies]

So the front of The Times says if you've had Covid, immunity is at least as good as having had the vaccine based on a Public Health England study. The same piece of research is reported by the BBC as "5 months of immunity".

So now I'm left wondering, do I feel positive that I've had Covid over Christmas and have some immunity, or a bit down that the immunity only lasts 5 months?? Hoping to find out more on the study today

Also some people don't catch it. We don't know why, perhaps pre existing immunity to previous coronaviruses or some such.

There are 3 adults in my household. 2 got symptoms with Covid, the 3rd stayed well. We didnt bother trying to isolate as it was too late, they had already had nearly a week of exposure before we realised so there was no point. We have all been breathing in the same air. I presume they are an asymptomatic carrier.

Surely there is now an argument for vaccinating people who haven’t had a positive test first then

Heard on the news last night that Ireland are considering this strategy, as they are struggling to get hold of enough vaccine.

At a population level, it makes sense, though not so great for some unlucky individuals. Though I can’t help wondering if people who don’t become immune after infection are largely the same people who won’t become immune after vaccination.

In fact, it’s similar to the argument about delaying second doses so that we can give first doses to more people. Those who’ve had a first dose don’t know if they personally are immune, although they probably are. Same with those who’ve had Covid.

My son was in a shared house with his girlfriend, she started feeling unwell, she went for a test which was positive, everyone in the house had a cough, my son never got it, took a test after 5 days, which was negative, never had any symptoms, had another test at 10 days, negative again 🤷‍♀️ He is also a teacher, very close contact with a student who had a positive test, again never got it, should he have the vaccine? Not that he’s on the list to have it anyway at the moment.

BBC also says that even though you'll be protected from illness, you can still catch it again and infect others.
They say this about the vaccine as well. Even though this is not the case for any other virus, because the immune system fights them off before they get to a level where you start to shed the virus to other people. Why would covid be different? I wonder if it's a way to keep vaccinated and previously infected people following the rules. If you can't get it or pass it on, what incentive is there to keep on following the rule?

@ChocOrange1

BBC also says that even though you'll be protected from illness, you can still catch it again and infect others. They say this about the vaccine as well. Even though this is not the case for any other virus, because the immune system fights them off before they get to a level where you start to shed the virus to other people. Why would covid be different? I wonder if it's a way to keep vaccinated and previously infected people following the rules. If you can't get it or pass it on, what incentive is there to keep on following the rule?

Also if this is the case doesn’t this mean we will have to keep following the ‘rules’ forever? Nhs says you still need to follow social distance guidelines so masks and 2-3m (sage now wants 3m!! Apparently) forever?! And then children going to school not vaccinated can still catch and pass it and bubbles shutting here there and everywhere forever. I know this will lessen deaths but no one seems to be talking about the fact even vaccinated or you have had the virus you need to follow guidelines. In which case when if ever will things be able to get back to ‘normal’?