In the study in Wuhan, researchers screened 1,500 corona patients for antibodies. They compared those results to the numbers of three other groups: 1,600 people who were hospitalized for non-corona reasons, 3,800 health workers who were exposed to the virus in the early stages, and 20,000 "average" Chinese. What turned out? 90 percent of the corona patients had antibodies in the blood, but 1 to 5 percent of the other groups also had antibodies. Since no antibodies were found in the other 10 percent of corona patients and in the medical staff, the researchers conclude that we are unable to protect ourselves from the virus for a long time.
Immune for 2 to 3 months
In another study, in Wanzhou District, scientists compared the immune response of 37 people who were infected but did not develop symptoms to those of 37 patients who did show symptoms. Both groups made antibodies, but the immune response of the first group turned out to be significantly weaker. However, when the researchers tested the participants for antibodies two to three months later, they were only present to a limited extent. In 40 percent of the asymptomatic patients, no antibodies were even detectable, and in the other group, 13% had virtually no antibodies in the blood.
A new vaccine every year
Now that we know that the immunity that develops during the infection is not optimal for most people and is also short-lived, scientists are questioning whether it is possible to manufacture a vaccine that protects everyone against the disease for a long time. Because if the body is unable to create lasting immunity, a vaccine may fail. In that case, we need a new covid-19 vaccine every year, just as we need to develop a new flu vaccine every year.
On the other hand, it must be said that the second study was small-scale, and that the antibody tests are not always accurate. In addition, a small amount of antibodies may be enough to protect us from the coronavirus. More research should show that.
