Nature Journal reported new research on January 14, 2021 that may give hope to healthcare workers around the world. Researchers at Public Health England linked past infections to an 83% lower infection risk, compared to those without previous infections. But having COVID reinfections unlikely for five months does not mean we can’t catch it again and infect others.
Some Background Information About the Study
The researchers at Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health studied 20,000 UK health workers. Prof Hopkins, who headed up the research says she hopes the findings will allay some fears that shook confidence in the immune system.
In fact, the data that emerged suggests natural immunity might be as effective as vaccination during the five month study period. Moreover, the repeat infections were rare, and occurred in less than 1% of 6,600 participants who previously had the disease. But their viral loads were high in their mouths and noses. Meaning they had a high risk of transmitting the virus to others.
COVID Reinfections Unlikely For Five Months But We Must Mask
‘Reinfection is pretty unusual so that’s good news’, commented immunologist John Wherry of University of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. ‘But you’re not free to run around without a mask’ so that old recurring theme again.
The SIREN study, as researchers name it is the largest project that systematically screened for asymptomatic infections. ‘Participants underwent blood tests for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and PCR tests for the virus itself every two to four weeks’. Prof Hopkins assured Nature Journal’s Heidi Ledford.
COVID reinfections are unlikely for five months, but that’s no reason to become over-confident and drop our guard. However what it does suggest is herd immunity, and vaccination could work together to get us over the hurdle sooner.
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Preview Image: Field Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden
