Coronavirus immunity could last as little as five months after infection and people can still carry and transmit the virus even if they have antibodies, scientists have concluded. A Public Health England study identified a possible 44 cases where people had been reinfected with Covid-19 among 6,614 participants. And experts warned that a small number of those with immunity may still be able carry the virus in their nose and throat – meaning there is a risk of transmitting it to others. The PHE Siren study found that antibodies from past infection provide 83 per cent protection against reinfection for at least five months. This means that people who contracted the disease in the first wave may now be vulnerable to catching it again. Professor Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser at PHE and the Siren study lead, said: “This study has given us the clearest picture to date of the nature of antibody protection against Covid-19 but it is critical people do not misunderstand these early findings. Have you been personally affected by coronavirus? Let us know in the comments below “We now know that most of those who have had the virus, and developed antibodies, are protected from reinfection, but this is not total and we do not yet know how long protection lasts. “Crucially, we believe people may still be able to pass the virus on. “This means, even if you believe you already had the disease and are protected, you can be reassured it is highly unlikely you will develop severe infections, but there is still a risk that you could acquire an infection and transmit to others. ” She said the findings reinforced the need to stick to lockdown rules, stating: “Now, more than ever, it is vital we all stay at home to protect our health service and save lives.” Since June, PHE has been regularly testing tens of thousands of healthcare workers across the UK for new Covid-19 infections as well as the presence of antibodies, which suggest people have been infected before. The study leaders are clear that this first report provides no evidence towards the antibody or other immune responses from coronavirus vaccines, nor should any conclusions to be drawn on their effectiveness. The study, which has not been peer-reviewed, will consider vaccine responses later this year. Scientists concluded that naturally-acquired immunity as a result of past infections provides 83 per cent protection against reinfection, compared with people who have not had the disease before. They added that this appears to last at least for five months from first becoming sick. While the research will continue to assess whether protection may last for longer, this means people who contracted the disease in the first wave may be able to get it again. PHE said early evidence from the next stage of the study suggests that some of these individuals carry high levels of the virus and could continue to transmit it to others. Between June 18 and November 24, scientists
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