Some people never seem to get COVID-19
This has led to the creation of the “so-called never COVID cohort.”
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Why some people get infected and others don’t, even after equal exposure
There are many stories of couples, families, or groups of colleagues all getting exposed to COVID-19, but only some falling ill. This could stem from a variety of different factors. Read more about it here.
This trend started at the beginning of the pandemic is still being investigated by by infectious disease specialists.
Imperial College London did research that suggests that people with higher levels of T cells were less likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. T cells are a type of cell in the immune system.
Although this is an important discovery, it is only one form of protection and likely not enough on its own. The best way to protect yourself and loved ones is by getting the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.
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How did the “never COVID cohort” get this immunity?
Early research suggests that these people have naturally acquired immunity from previous infections with common cold coronaviruses.
About 20% of common cold infections are from common cold coronaviruses.
Lawrence Young, a professor of molecular oncology at Warwick University, said “why some individuals maintain levels of cross-reactive immunity remains unknown.”
Omicron subvariant, BA.2, spreads faster than BA.1
Do vaccines play a role?
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are now widespread in most Western countries. However, there is variation among when the vaccines were administered.
The vaccine has been proven to reduce the severity of infections and hospitalizations. Although the vaccines help, they are not 100% effective in preventing infection.
The immunity provided by the vaccine has been moderately compromised by Omicron.