By James Gallagher<\/strong>\nHealth and science correspondent<\/p>\n\nPublished<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n14 January<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\nRelated Topics<\/span><\/p>\n\n\nCoronavirus pandemic<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n<\/span>image copyright<\/span>Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nCoronavirus is a completely new infection in people. <\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNobody had immunity at the start of the pandemic – and knowing more about immunity is crucial for understanding what happens next.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow do you become immune to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOur immune system is the body’s defence against infection and it comes in two parts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe first is always ready to go and leaps into action as soon as any foreign invader is detected in the body. It is known as the innate immune response<\/b> and includes the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and white blood cells that can destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut this system is not specific to coronavirus. It will not learn and it will not give you immunity to the coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nInstead you need the adaptive immune response<\/b>. This includes cells that produce targeted antibodies that can stick to the virus in order to stop it – and T cells that can attack just the cells infected with the virus, called the cellular response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan you become immune to coronavirus?<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis takes time – studies suggest it takes about 10 days<\/a> to start making antibodies that can target the coronavirus and the sickest patients develop the strongest immune response<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the adaptive immune response is powerful enough, it could leave a lasting memory of the infection that will give protection in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt’s not known if people who have only mild symptoms, or none at all, will develop a sufficient adaptive immune response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUnderstanding of the role of T-cells is still developing, but a recent study found<\/a> people testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFor every person testing positive for antibodies, it was found two had T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Coronavirus is a completely new infection in people. <\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNobody had immunity at the start of the pandemic – and knowing more about immunity is crucial for understanding what happens next.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow do you become immune to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOur immune system is the body’s defence against infection and it comes in two parts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe first is always ready to go and leaps into action as soon as any foreign invader is detected in the body. It is known as the innate immune response<\/b> and includes the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and white blood cells that can destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut this system is not specific to coronavirus. It will not learn and it will not give you immunity to the coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nInstead you need the adaptive immune response<\/b>. This includes cells that produce targeted antibodies that can stick to the virus in order to stop it – and T cells that can attack just the cells infected with the virus, called the cellular response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan you become immune to coronavirus?<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis takes time – studies suggest it takes about 10 days<\/a> to start making antibodies that can target the coronavirus and the sickest patients develop the strongest immune response<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the adaptive immune response is powerful enough, it could leave a lasting memory of the infection that will give protection in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt’s not known if people who have only mild symptoms, or none at all, will develop a sufficient adaptive immune response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUnderstanding of the role of T-cells is still developing, but a recent study found<\/a> people testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFor every person testing positive for antibodies, it was found two had T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Nobody had immunity at the start of the pandemic – and knowing more about immunity is crucial for understanding what happens next.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Our immune system is the body’s defence against infection and it comes in two parts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe first is always ready to go and leaps into action as soon as any foreign invader is detected in the body. It is known as the innate immune response<\/b> and includes the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and white blood cells that can destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut this system is not specific to coronavirus. It will not learn and it will not give you immunity to the coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nInstead you need the adaptive immune response<\/b>. This includes cells that produce targeted antibodies that can stick to the virus in order to stop it – and T cells that can attack just the cells infected with the virus, called the cellular response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan you become immune to coronavirus?<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis takes time – studies suggest it takes about 10 days<\/a> to start making antibodies that can target the coronavirus and the sickest patients develop the strongest immune response<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the adaptive immune response is powerful enough, it could leave a lasting memory of the infection that will give protection in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt’s not known if people who have only mild symptoms, or none at all, will develop a sufficient adaptive immune response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUnderstanding of the role of T-cells is still developing, but a recent study found<\/a> people testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFor every person testing positive for antibodies, it was found two had T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The first is always ready to go and leaps into action as soon as any foreign invader is detected in the body. It is known as the innate immune response<\/b> and includes the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and white blood cells that can destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut this system is not specific to coronavirus. It will not learn and it will not give you immunity to the coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nInstead you need the adaptive immune response<\/b>. This includes cells that produce targeted antibodies that can stick to the virus in order to stop it – and T cells that can attack just the cells infected with the virus, called the cellular response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan you become immune to coronavirus?<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis takes time – studies suggest it takes about 10 days<\/a> to start making antibodies that can target the coronavirus and the sickest patients develop the strongest immune response<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the adaptive immune response is powerful enough, it could leave a lasting memory of the infection that will give protection in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt’s not known if people who have only mild symptoms, or none at all, will develop a sufficient adaptive immune response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUnderstanding of the role of T-cells is still developing, but a recent study found<\/a> people testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFor every person testing positive for antibodies, it was found two had T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
But this system is not specific to coronavirus. It will not learn and it will not give you immunity to the coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nInstead you need the adaptive immune response<\/b>. This includes cells that produce targeted antibodies that can stick to the virus in order to stop it – and T cells that can attack just the cells infected with the virus, called the cellular response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan you become immune to coronavirus?<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis takes time – studies suggest it takes about 10 days<\/a> to start making antibodies that can target the coronavirus and the sickest patients develop the strongest immune response<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the adaptive immune response is powerful enough, it could leave a lasting memory of the infection that will give protection in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt’s not known if people who have only mild symptoms, or none at all, will develop a sufficient adaptive immune response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUnderstanding of the role of T-cells is still developing, but a recent study found<\/a> people testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFor every person testing positive for antibodies, it was found two had T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Instead you need the adaptive immune response<\/b>. This includes cells that produce targeted antibodies that can stick to the virus in order to stop it – and T cells that can attack just the cells infected with the virus, called the cellular response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan you become immune to coronavirus?<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis takes time – studies suggest it takes about 10 days<\/a> to start making antibodies that can target the coronavirus and the sickest patients develop the strongest immune response<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the adaptive immune response is powerful enough, it could leave a lasting memory of the infection that will give protection in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt’s not known if people who have only mild symptoms, or none at all, will develop a sufficient adaptive immune response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUnderstanding of the role of T-cells is still developing, but a recent study found<\/a> people testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFor every person testing positive for antibodies, it was found two had T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
This takes time – studies suggest it takes about 10 days<\/a> to start making antibodies that can target the coronavirus and the sickest patients develop the strongest immune response<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the adaptive immune response is powerful enough, it could leave a lasting memory of the infection that will give protection in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt’s not known if people who have only mild symptoms, or none at all, will develop a sufficient adaptive immune response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUnderstanding of the role of T-cells is still developing, but a recent study found<\/a> people testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFor every person testing positive for antibodies, it was found two had T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
If the adaptive immune response is powerful enough, it could leave a lasting memory of the infection that will give protection in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt’s not known if people who have only mild symptoms, or none at all, will develop a sufficient adaptive immune response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUnderstanding of the role of T-cells is still developing, but a recent study found<\/a> people testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFor every person testing positive for antibodies, it was found two had T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
It’s not known if people who have only mild symptoms, or none at all, will develop a sufficient adaptive immune response.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUnderstanding of the role of T-cells is still developing, but a recent study found<\/a> people testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFor every person testing positive for antibodies, it was found two had T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Understanding of the role of T-cells is still developing, but a recent study found<\/a> people testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFor every person testing positive for antibodies, it was found two had T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
For every person testing positive for antibodies, it was found two had T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
“They look rather durable and are being made in almost all exposed people,” said Prof Danny Altmann from Imperial College London.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nNew Covid strain: How worried should we be?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHow long does immunity last?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The immune system’s memory is rather like our own – it remembers some infections clearly, but has a habit of forgetting others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMeasles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Measles is highly memorable – one bout should give lifelong immunity (as the weakened version in the MMR vaccine does). However, there are many others that are pretty forgettable. Children can get sick from RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) multiple times in the same winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The new coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, has not been around long enough to know how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
But a recent study<\/a> led by Public Health England (PHE) shows most people who have had the virus are protected from catching it again for at least five months<\/strong> (the duration of the analysis so far).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSome are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Some are reinfected,<\/strong> however, and, even if asymptomatic, can then harbour high levels of the virus in their noses and mouths, which can be passed on to others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
PHE will continue to monitor the people in this study, who are all healthcare workers, to see how long immunity lasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nOther clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Other clues may come from studies involving other coronaviruses.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFour produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Four produce the symptoms of the common cold and immunity is short-lived. Studies showed some patients could be re-infected within a year<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearch at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Research at King’s College London<\/a> also suggested levels of antibodies that kill coronavirus waned over the three month study.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
But even if antibodies disappear, then the cells that manufacture them, called B cells, may still be around. B cells for Spanish Flu have been found in people 90 years<\/a> after that pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
If the same is true with Covid, then a second infection would be milder than the first.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIt is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
It is also not understood what happens to T cells in the long term. But T cells against the original Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) have been found 17 years later.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>image caption<\/span>Immunity could affect vaccine research<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nWill the common cold give me immunity to coronavirus?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMaybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Maybe.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The jury is still out on the field of “cross-reactivity” but there may be some infections that look similar enough to the virus that causes Covid that people may gain some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLaboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Laboratory tests show the T cells some people made to fight Sars or common cold coronaviruses can also react against the new coronavirus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
How common this is and how much protection it gives is still unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nHave people caught it twice?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
There were early reports<\/a> of people appearing to have multiple coronavirus infections in a short space of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
But the scientific consensus is that testing was the issue, with patients being incorrectly told they were free of the virus.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
PHE’s ongoing study on immunity in healthcare workers found 44 potential re-infections in a group of 6,614 people who had previously had the virus.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nResearchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Researchers conclude reinfection is uncommon but still possible and say people must continue to follow current guidance, whether they have had antibodies or not.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nScientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Scientists from Hong Kong recently reported on the case of a young, healthy man who recovered from a bout of Covid-19 only to be re-infected more than four months later. Using genome sequencing of the virus, they could prove he caught it twice because the virus strains were different.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nExperts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Experts say re-infection isn’t surprising, but it’s likely to be rare, and larger studies are needed to understand why this might happen.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf I have antibodies am I immune?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
This is not guaranteed<\/strong> and that is why the World Health Organization is nervous about countries using immunity passports<\/a> as a way out of lockdown.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The idea is if you pass the antibody test then you are safe to go back to work. This would be particularly valuable for staff in care homes or hospitals who come into contact with those at risk of developing severe symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBut while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
But while you will find some antibodies in nearly every patient, not all are equal. Neutralising antibodies are the ones that stick to the coronavirus and are able to stop it infecting other cells. A study of 175 recovered patients in China showed 30% had very low levels<\/strong><\/a> of these neutralising antibodies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThat is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
That is why the World Health Organization says “that cellular immunity [the other part of the adaptive response] may also be critical for recovery”.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnother issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Another issue is that just because you might be protected by your antibodies, it doesn’t mean you cannot still harbour the virus and pass it onto others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan people with antibodies change their behaviour?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEveryone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Everyone’s immune system is unique – some may mount more successful defensive responses than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
And people must continue to follow the current guidance as some may become reinfected and pass the virus on to others, PHE says.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhat about vaccines?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPeople who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
People who have already had Covid-19 should still have a vaccine when offered one, officials say.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Dr Julian Tang, at the University of Leicester, says:”Having the vaccine after recovering from Covid-19 is not an issue… and will likely boost the natural immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
“We also see this with the seasonal flu vaccine.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n