INFECTION GIVES JUST 5-MONTH IMMUNITY

An official UK study released on Thursday has concluded that a past COVID-19 infection provides some immunity for at least five months, but people may still carry and transmit coronavirus.

The Public Health England (PHE) analysis found that naturally acquired immunity as a result of past infections provides 83 per cent protection against reinfection, compared to people who have not had the disease before.

This immunity appears to last at least for five months fter first becoming sick. However, experts cautioned those with immunity may still be able carry the virus in their nose and throat and, therefore, have a risk of transmitting to others.

"This study has given us the clearest picture to date of the nature of antibody protection against COVID19 but it is critical people do not misunderstand these early findings," said Professor Susan Hopkins, Senior Medical Advisor at Public Health England who led PHE's SIREN study.

"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,” she said.