Why Are There "NOVIDS" Who Never Get COVID-19?

I have yet to be infected with SARS-CoV-2—as far as I know, at least not to the point that I became ill. I am knocking on wood as I write this. 

Why have I not become infected? I know lots of other people who are not COVIDiots and take precautions. They are fully vaccinated and boosted (as am I). Still they've gotten infected, some of them more than once. 

What is going on with us "NOVIDS," then? Scientists are wondering this too, and over the past week this has been the subject of several articles I've run across. This one says scientists are starting to close in on some explanations for why an estimated 30% of people in this country have never gotten COVID-19.

One possibility is lucky genetic breaks. A study a couple of years ago identified a whole slew of genetic markers associated with people who've not become ill with COVID-19. Many of these are associated with "up-regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis" and "sequestration of ACE2 receptors," both of which have protective effects. I'd sure like to know if I have these genes.

A second possibility is that past infections with other coronaviruses—the kind that cause the common cold—may be protective. Immunologists think such exposures might program immune system t-cells to hunt for and destroy all kinds of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

A third possibility is that low-grade inflammation caused by allergies or asthma may increase protection. For example, having a food allergy cuts your chances of being infected by one-half, according to one study. It's not really clear to me why this would be the case, but the article says it may also have something to do with ACE2 receptors, which the virus uses to attach our cells.

A fourth possibility, and probably the main explanation, is that some people are more careful than others. Some people are diligent about keeping up with vaccinations. They also take fewer risks. For example, I will not eat indoors and frequently find myself the only person (or one of the few people) in a given setting who is wearing a mask. I use good masks too, not those leaky procedure masks.

So there are potential physical traits and processes that may prevent you from ever getting infected. But we should remember that mitigation behaviors steps really do work to prevent exposure to the virus and to prevent disease if exposure occurs. Moreover, unlike the physical factors mitigation behavior is something you can control.

So if you're a NOVID you should not assume infection is inevitable. You can and should avoid getting the disease. Then you can feel superior and lord it over your friends.

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