How protected are you after fighting COVID-19?
For those who do recover from COVID-19, the body builds up natural immunity which can last for some months, and sometimes, as newer studies have suggested, may even last for a lifetime.
However, the immune response in itself can differ based on a number of factors- including the severity of infection you have had, pre-existing illness and age.
ALSO READ: Difference between mild and severe COVID symptoms
People who have had milder infection, or were asymptomatic may, for example, tend to have lesser antibody response, in comparison to a patient who had serious illness or had a brush with COVID hospitalization. But does this mean that peak immunity may only build up for those with severe illness? Are mild and asymptomatic patients at risk?
Here's all you need to know about natural immunity post coronavirus infection and how long it may last:
When does peak immunity build up?
Peak immunity against coronavirus starts building up once the body battles out the infection. In the initial weeks post testing negative, the number of antibodies generated, which are derivatives of immunity, start slowly building up and reach its peak level 90-120 days post infection, which is true for most people who have had an infection. The 90-day window is also said to be the time a person who has previously contracted the virus is most safe.
How does an infection grant you immunity?
From what has been observed, a body's response against coronavirus can be felt in the form of inflammatory markers that leave behind significant changes in the body's immune system. Fever and widespread inflammation being one of them. For example, studies have found out that higher the fever and how long-lasting it is has a direct link to your immune well-being. Increased levels of antibody markers were also more evidently detected in people who had more symptoms during their recovery, in comparison to those who may have had less than 5 symptoms. Thus, it is suspected that immunity after a mild or asymptomatic infection, even though strong, may wane faster than in cases of a severe infection.
That being said, immunity after coronavirus, and how efficient it is could also be determined by some external, pre-existing factors.
What other factors determine your immune response?
That being said, certain factors and pre-existing conditions can alter, or effect your immunity, even after you have battled the infection. This is also one of the reasons why some people tend to have lesser immunity in comparison to others, and subsequently, be at risk.
Factors like age and gender play significant roles. With age, the body tends to slow down and immunity may also wane with time, and the antibody response may not be so strong. This is more prominently seen in older women, in comparison to men.
Similarly, a past history of illnesses or conditions may also alter immune response. Conditions like diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension. Immuno-compromising diseases, or a dysfunctional immune system may also pose problems.
Does a severe infection grant more immunity?
Those suffering from severe COVID-19 can have more symptoms than the ones with milder COVID-19, and the intensity or severity of the same could be on the higher side, and more difficult to battle. Having said that, battling a severe infection would also mean that the body doubles up its efforts, and puts up a stronger fight to eliminate the virus.
While there's no scientific evidence to support this yet, case studies and observations have pointed out that severe COVID patients not only show a robust immune response against coronavirus, but also tend to have higher memory T-cell responses.
What do you need to know if you have had a mild infection?
A milder COVID-19 infection means that the symptoms tend to be on the milder side, and the body tends to make a quicker recovery. While milder, or even asymptomatic infections tend to grant immunity, it is suspected that the natural immunity may wane faster or in cases, may not be as effective as with a severe case. Thus, people with minor COVID-19 battles should take better precautions to take care of themselves, and not be complacent in their actions.
When should you get vaccinated?
Vaccination helps generate artificial immunity in the body. While recovered patients have been suggested to defer their vaccination, it is still advisable to get your vaccine shots even after recovery. A vaccine is also double beneficial in generating an effective response in everyone- no matter the type or severity of infection they have had.