As the pandemic progresses, we continue to learn more about the new coronavirus every day. Recently, researchers discovered good news and bad news at the same time. On the one hand, they found that people who have had COVID maintain protection against the virus by means of antibodies for longer than originally thought. On the other hand, the study also concluded that, although people with immunity are protected from falling ill with the virus during this period, they can still be carriers and infect you. Read on to learn more about how this group may be spreading the coronavirus and for more breaking news, The CDC has just issued this horrible warning from COVID.
The January Public Health England (PHE) study – referred to as the SIREN study – found that those with antibody immunity may still be able to carry the virus in their nose and throat. These people would then be able to infect others with COVID, despite the antibodies protecting them from getting sick. According to a statement from the researchers, some people with naturally acquired immunity “carry high levels of viruses and can continue to transmit the virus to others”.
“If you believe you have had the disease and are protected, you can be sure that it is highly unlikely that you will develop serious infections, but there is still a risk of acquiring an infection and passing it on to others,” the researchers said. “Now, more than ever, it is vital that we all stay home to protect our healthcare and save lives.”
Eleanor Riley, PhD, professor of immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Edinburgh, told Reuters that the study reinforces “the message that, for now, everyone is a potential source of infection for others and should behave accordingly”. And for the most up-to-date information, subscribe to our daily newsletter.
According to the study, some level of immunity to COVID is guaranteed for at least five months after the virus is infected. This protection is not complete, which means that there is a small chance that you will get sick again within these five months. The researchers said they will continue to study naturally acquired COVID immunity to see if it lasts longer than five months.
They warn that if immunity does not extend beyond five months, “people who contracted the disease in the first wave may now be vulnerable to contracting it again”. And to learn more about the future of the pandemic, Moderna’s CEO has just made this frightening prediction about COVID.
The study found that “immunity acquired naturally as a result of previous infections provides 83 percent protection against reinfection, compared to people who have not had the disease before.” This immunity is below the 94-95 percent protection that recent vaccines provide. “Now we know that most people who have had the virus and developed antibodies are protected against reinfection, but that is not total and we still don’t know how long the protection lasts,” conducted the study. Susan Hopkins, senior medical consultant at PHE, said in the statement.
To reach this number, the researchers studied 6,614 patients with COVID between June 18 and November 24 and found 44 potential reinfections. While two of the reinfections were “likely”, the other 42 were only “possible”. The two patients who had “likely” reinfections said their symptoms were less severe than the first time. And to learn more about how to slow the spread of the coronavirus, this COVID protection measure “is not working”, warns the doctor.
In light of the study, it is even more essential for those who have immunity to the virus to continue to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure that they do not infect others.
It is “crucial that everyone continues to follow the rules and stay at home, even if they have already had COVID-19, to prevent the virus from spreading to others,” the researchers concluded. “Remember to wash your hands regularly, use face covers and make room for others to help reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus.” And for more ways to stay healthy, doing so with your mask can keep you even safer with COVID, experts say.