Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • NPR

    The future of the pandemic is looking clearer as we learn more about infection

    Scientists are beginning to come up with answers to the question of how long antibodies from an infection can protect you — and what they'll protect you from.
    by Michaeleen Doucleff Feb 07, 2022 5 minutes
    SARS-CoV-2 is shown in this colorized transmission electron micrograph. This specimen was isolated from a patient in the U.S. Particles of the virus are shown emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab.

    During the early days of the pandemic, scientists and doctors were concerned that being infected with SARS-CoV-2 might not trigger a strong immune response in many people – thus an infection might not provide long-term protection.

    "Immunity to Covid-19 could be lost in months, UK study suggests," a headline from The Guardian alerted back in July 2020. "King's College London team found steep drops in patients' antibody levels three months after infection," the story warned.

    But that idea was based on preliminary data from the laboratory — and on a faulty understanding of how the immune system works. Now about a year and a half later, better data is painting a more optimistic picture about immunity after a bout of COVID-19. In fact, a symptomatic infection triggers a remarkable immune response in the general population, likely offering protection against severe disease and death for a few years.

    And if you're vaccinated

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from NPR

    NPR1 min read
    New Music Friday: The best albums out June 14
    This week, NPR Music's Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Ann Powers steer the New Music Friday podcast straight into the oncoming Father's Day weekend, following the lead of country superstar Luke Combs, whose new album Fathers & Sons is a heartfelt meditati
    NPR1 min read
    How The FBI's Fake Cell Phone Company Put Criminals Into Real Jail Cells
    There is a constant arms race between law enforcement and criminals, especially when it comes to technology. For years, law enforcement has been frustrated with encrypted messaging apps, like Signal and Telegram. And law enforcement has been even mor
    NPR1 min read
    What's With All The Tiny Soda Cans? And Other Grocery Store Mysteries, Solved.
    There's a behind the scenes industry that helps big brands decide questions like: How big should a bag of chips be? What's the right size for a bottle of shampoo? And yes, also: When should a company do a little shrinkflation? From Cookie Monster to

    Related Books & Audiobooks