On: Evidence that the shingles vaccine prevents a good chunk of dementia cases

[hhjinks]

Haven't our digestive system co-evolved with a ton of bacteria? Wouldn't we be pretty boned if we just kicked them to the crub?

[debacle → hhjinks]

Yes, and having the right bacteria in the wrong place, or too much of the right bacteria, can be life threatening.

[permo-w → hhjinks]

going beyond this, complete speculation but I wouldn’t be surprised if there can be benefits to these long-term viral infections alongside their harms

perhaps improving immune protection against more immediately harmful viruses, for example

IANAD though. I could be completely wrong