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One of the big questions during the pandemic has been whether one becomes immune to the virus after being sick and how long this immunity lasts.
So far, the research hasn’t yielded any clear answers, but a new Swedish study may provide valuable information on how long the body retains antibodies.
The study shows that four out of five who had antibodies in their blood four months ago still have antibodies now. Therefore, the hospital believes that they are still immune to the virus.
– We have limited knowledge about immunity to coronavirus. Therefore, these results are an important step in the right direction, says Charlotte Thålin, principal investigator at Danderyd Hospital in a press release.
Corona immunity cannot last more than one year
Some missing antibodies
Earlier this spring, blood samples were collected from 2,149 employees at Danderyd hospital on the outskirts of Stockholm. The tests showed that 19 percent of the employees had antibodies to Covid-19.
The hospital has now completed the next phase of the study and the employees have been reassessed.
Of the 405 who last had antibodies, the study shows that 82 percent still have antibodies in their blood now.
But while most still have high levels of antibodies in their blood, there are also some employees who have lost the antibodies. This means that they are most likely no longer immune to corona.
Symptoms can be significant
The study also shows that the duration of the antibodies may be related to the symptoms you had when you were sick.
– We see that there is a connection between how long you keep the antibodies and some symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fever, says Sebastian Havervall, chief physician at Danderyd Hospital.
On the other hand, it is too early to say what this connection means. Havervall says this is something they will investigate further in the next phase of the study.
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The study continues
The study, which has been called Community, will soon enter a new phase.
– We want more information on how the immune system reacts in the long term. This is information that can also be used when trying to create a vaccine that creates long-lasting immunity, says Sophia Hober, professor of molecular biology.
In the next phase, it is the memory of the T cells and the neutralizing capacity of the antibodies that are to be examined.
Participants with low and high antibody levels, respectively, should be compared to a group that has been heavily exposed at work and at home, but has not yet developed antibodies.
– We will continue to follow this unique group and plan to have continuous testing for at least another year, says Charlotte Thålin.
