Study Finds People Have Short-Lived Immunity to Seasonal Coronaviruses
At least three caveats ought to be kept in mind when interpreting these data.
First, the researchers tracked antibody levels but didn’t have access to information about actual illness. It’s possible that a rise in antibodies to a particular coronavirus might have provided exactly the response needed to convert a significant respiratory illness to a mild case of the sniffles or no illness at all.
Second, sustained immunity to viruses will always be disrupted if the virus is undergoing mutational changes and presenting a new set of antigens to the host; the degree to which that might have contributed to reinfections is not known.
And, third, the role of cell-based immunity in fighting off coronavirus infections is likely to be significant, but wasn’t studied in this retrospective analysis.
To prepare for COVID-19 this winter, it’s essential to understand how likely a person who has recovered from the illness will be re-infected and potentially spread the virus to other people.
While much more study is needed, the evidence suggests it will be prudent to proceed carefully and with caution when it comes to long-term immunity, whether achieved through naturally acquired infections or vaccination.
While we await a COVID-19 vaccine, the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community is to take simple steps all of us can do today:
maintain social distancing,
wear a mask,
avoid crowded indoor gatherings, and
wash your hands.
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