By Julie Cunningham
(Global) Recently the World Health Organization, or WHO, clarified questions around immunity and COVID-19. During Monday’s press conference, WHO answered questions around the issue of whether long term immunity against COVID-19 is possible after a recovery from confirmed infection. Reports from South Korea have fueled speculation that long term immunity against COVID-19 is not possible.
“We are learning about this virus every day.” Said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Head of Emerging Diseases for WHO, during Monday’s press conference.
Kerkhove explained the extent of immunity and anti body research four months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers are looking at what an antibody means in terms of immunity and in terms of infection. Researchers are learning that individuals who developed an antibody response develop a week or two after infection. Right now there are no studies that relate to the immunity, so WHO can’t say that someone who has developed antibodies are immune. Kerkhove did explain that individuals who develop antibodies to are expected to develop some kind of immunity, but research has not determined how strong protection is, if it is seen in everyone that is infected and how long it lasts.
”Saying that there is no evidence in this area doesn’t mean there is no immunity, it just means these studies have not been done yet,” Kerkhove clarified.
Kerkhove’s statements help to clarify vague and confusing reports regarding the possibility of long term immunity against COVID-19. More research must be done before the strength and longevity of immunity is known.