Since the coronavirus pandemic began, researchers have been tasked with answering an important question: For those who have recovered from a coronavirus infection, do COVID-19 antibodies provide protection against future infections, and for how long?
A study published Wednesday in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that those who have COVID-19 antibodies have a significantly lower risk of reinfection compared to those who do not.
Just under 12% of those tested were found to be positive for coronavirus antibodies, while 88% were negative. The researchers, using follow-up data, found that less than 1% – 0.3% to be exact – of those who had coronavirus antibodies tested positive for a COVID-19 infection in the 90-day period. -point. (iStock)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute and companies, including LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, conducted an observational study and analyzed the data on more than 3.2 million Americans who underwent a COVID-19 antibody test between January and August 2020.
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Just under 12% of those tested were found to be positive for coronavirus antibodies, while 88% were negative. The researchers, using follow-up data, found that less than 1% – 0.3% to be exact – of those who had coronavirus antibodies tested positive for a COVID-19 infection by 90 days -point.
Meanwhile, about 3% of those who did not test positive for antibodies later tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time, indicating that it is reinfection.
The study suggests that those who have coronavirus antibodies can be protected again for up to 90 days, or about three months, and possibly thereafter.
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“In this cohort study, deidentifying data from commercial laboratories suggest that the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a reduced risk of having subsequent positive NAT results, which may be a proxy that a new infection or a continued viral shedding, depending on the context and timing.Although this risk reduction was not seen in the first 30 days after an initial antibody test, it manifested itself after 30 days and gradually intensified through the 90-day observation period and thereafter, “the researchers concluded. .
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While the study was observational, and federal health experts encouraged everyone – including those recovering from a coronavirus infection and a natural immunity to be offered – to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the findings reinforce past research on this subject.
For example, a comprehensive study published in November found that COVID-19 antibodies can last at least six months or longer, perhaps a matter of years.