Two separate studies say coronavirus immunity can stop reinfection

• Coronavirus immunity is still not fully understood, but an increasing number of studies indicate that protection after infection might last longer than initially expected. The hope is vaccines will elicit the same kind of immunity.
• Two independent research teams discovered that people who developed neutralizing antibodies after beating COVID-19 were significantly less likely to get sick upon reinfection.
• Teams from Oxford and the U.S. National Cancer Institute independently found that COVID-19 survivors are 10 times less likely to be reinfected.

About a year ago, the novel coronavirus was already spreading quietly in Wuhan, though back then it was referred to as a new type of pneumonia that had no known cause. What followed has been the world’s worst pandemic in a century. About 80 million people will have been infected with the virus by Christmas 2020, and more than 1.75 million of them will have died. These are only the infections that were confirmed with proper PCR testing. Many people have survived the illness without getting a test, either because tests weren't available, they didn't bother to get tested, or they had an asymptomatic version of COVID-19. Many people could have even died of COVID-19 complications without ever getting a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

But a year later, the world now has its first COVID-19 vaccines. They’re highly effective, according to Phase 3 trials, and they can prevent severe COVID-19. The drugs can help the world beat the pandemic, but the return to normal will take several months — and that’s only if a large enough percentage of the population gets inoculated. Vaccines showed they induce an immune response comparable to or better than the immune response observed in COVID-19 survivors. What researchers can’t fully explain is coronavirus immunity because the virus is still too young.

The best COVID-19 immunity study we have so far tells us that patients who survived the illness eight months ago are still protected against reinfection. The hope is that vaccines will generate a similar immune reaction that might be followed by long-lasting protection against severe illness. Now, a couple of new studies offer great news right in time for Christmas, further fueling hopes that coronavirus immunity might be better than expected. Independent teams have found that people who had COVID-19 are less likely to be reinfected.

Today's Top Deal

Best-selling respirators are on sale for just $2.12 each thanks to this Amazon coupon

Price: $42.49
You Save: $7.50 (15%)
Buy Now

Continue reading...

Today's Top Deals

1. This $34 purchase will completely transform your Instant Pot
2. Apple Watch Series 6 is $175 off at Amazon, and it’s one of 2020’s hottest gifts
3. Only Prime members can get these 10 great Amazon deals

Trending Right Now:

1. Dr. Fauci reveals the one side effect he felt from his coronavirus vaccine
2. If you have this popular painkiller, throw it away
3. Republicans just blocked the $2,000 stimulus checks Trump demanded

Two separate studies say coronavirus immunity can stop reinfection originally appeared on BGR.com on Thu, 24 Dec 2020 at 17:40:08 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.