Viral Load

[starshipcat]

It appears that initial viral load may play a significant role in how a COVID-19 case progresses. A small, brief exposure may give the body enough time to mobilize its defenses and produce antibodies, while massive or sustained exposure can overwhelm the immune system's defenses. This would explain why so many health care workers develop serious cases in the absence of other health issues, and has profound implications for public policy (including the possibility that extending the lockdown beyond the initial "what is going on here?" period may have been a big mistake).

Hat tip to Rand Simberg at Transterrestrial Musings.