An unnamed man is among the first to be diagnosed with COVID-19 three separate times. But many other patients have cleared the virus, only to later test positive again
, is among the first to be diagnosed with COVID-19 three separate times. But many other patients have cleared the virus, only to later test positive again.
This has raised concerns among many about the risk of getting reinfected with the dangerous virus – and bigger questions about what it would mean for the development of a vaccine if we did not get a strong and lasting immunity to the virus.Generally, when our immune system catches and kills a virus, it keeps a record – a bit like a fingerprint on a police database. As soon as that virus comes around again, the immune system recognises it and quickly kills it.
This painting depicts a coronavirus just entering the lungs, surrounded by mucus secreted by respiratory cells, secreted antibodies, and several small immune systems proteins.At least four coronaviruses circulate among humans, where they can cause symptoms associated with a common cold. When we encounter one, our immune systems catches and kill it, and we develop immunity.After a couple of years it is gone.
Studies suggest that immunity lasts several years, longer than for a cold-causing coronavirus, but again does appear to fade over time.“We know it’s inducing an immune response,” said Dr Claire Gordon, an infectious diseases researcher at the University of Melbourne. “Scientists have been able to detect antibodies.”that probably meant people who had fallen sick enjoyed a period of immunity, just as with other similar viruses.
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