Some Covid patients who beat the virus may be immune from catching it again for several years, a new study has suggested. American researchers have analysed the blood of 185 men and women aged 19 to 81 who had beaten coronavirus.
They say their research is 'exciting' and gives hope that a vaccine will also give long-lasting protection. The experts found some patients still had Covid antibodies and the immune cells that make them six to eight months later.
The scientists say the slow rate of decline suggests the antibodies and cells may persist for a long time - but not all of them.
It means the body is likely to be able to react quickly to reinfections, ensuring they are only mild or asymptomatic. Prof Shane Crotty, who led the study at