How does measles infection affect immune memory and the need for booster shots?

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In summary, viruses can mutate and change their external building blocks, which can trick our immune system into not recognizing them. This is why some viruses can cause repeat infections even if we have previously been exposed to them. However, for other viruses, such as measles, the infection can remove immunity for an array of diseases, leading to the need for booster shots. This can happen because the virus targets cells responsible for antibody production and memory cells that retain the immune response. The weakened virus used in vaccines does not have this capability.
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JonnyG
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TL;DR Summary
Not losing immunity when virus mutates
I once read that just because a virus mutates doesn't mean you lose immunity to it. I do not know much biology, but could one of you please explain how that is possible?
 
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Short answer - virus is made of different building blocks - the ones on the outside of the virus count for immunity. Our immune system cannot "see" into the inside of the virus and look at internal building blocks.
So the internal ones can change (mutate) and our immune system will still see it as a bad guy.

Change the outside building and it fakes out the immune system. So that kind of mutation does not trigger an immune response. It is like the joke:
What did Tarzan say when the elephants came by?
Here come the elephants.
What did Tarzan say when the elephants came by wearing sunglasses?
Nothing. He did not recognize them.
It always helps us to help you if you can tell us pretty exactly where you got something from. This comment has been all over the internet, so let's let it slide.

Next time, help us out, okay?
 
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Thank you!
 
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Me Tarzan. You, um, not sure. Nice sunglasses though... :cool:
 
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Also, for some viruses we never develop immunity, and for others, immunity wanes over time despite no significant mutations. How long immunity lasts (assuming the virus doesn't change) varies a lot.
 
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A measles infection can "wipe out immune memory" of 20% to 50% of previous infections, effectively removing immunity for an array of diseases, including immunizations. I was told that this was one of the reasons for children getting booster shots.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191031204630.htm
 
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jim mcnamara said:
A measles infection can "wipe out immune memory" of 20% to 50% of previous infections, effectively removing immunity for an array of diseases, including immunizations. I was told that this was one of the reasons for children getting booster shots.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191031204630.htm
Yes, apparently the virus targets the cells responsible for antibody production and also the memory cells that are retained following recovery from an illness, this can in some people suppress the immune response for up to two years. The vaccine virus is severely weakened and doesn't seem capable of causing this sort of damage.
 

1. Why do we lose immunity to a virus?

Immunity to a virus can be lost due to a variety of reasons. One common reason is that the virus mutates, making it unrecognizable to the immune system. Additionally, the immune response to a virus can weaken over time, leaving the body vulnerable to reinfection.

2. How long does immunity to a virus last?

The duration of immunity to a virus can vary greatly depending on the virus and the individual's immune system. Some viruses, such as the common cold, may only provide temporary immunity, while others, like measles, can provide lifelong immunity.

3. Can you regain immunity to a virus?

In some cases, it is possible to regain immunity to a virus. This can happen through natural exposure or through vaccination. However, it is important to note that not all viruses can be prevented through vaccination and immunity may not be permanent.

4. Can you get reinfected with a virus you were previously immune to?

Yes, it is possible to get reinfected with a virus that you were previously immune to. As mentioned before, immunity can weaken over time and viruses can mutate, making them unrecognizable to the immune system. Additionally, if the initial infection did not provide a strong immune response, it may not have provided long-term immunity.

5. How can we prevent losing immunity to a virus?

There is no surefire way to prevent losing immunity to a virus, but there are steps that can be taken to help maintain immunity. These include practicing good hygiene, getting vaccinated, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support a strong immune system.

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