1/8. Much of our hope hangs on immunity. Will people who get #COVID19 be immune afterwards? How long will immunity last? Will we be able to tell who has immunity? Can we use antibodies from immune people as a treatment? Can we make an effective vaccine?
#HealthResearchMatters
#HealthResearchMatters
2/8. While research is at an early phase, it's moving fast. It seems that affected people do develop immunity & that it's likely to last perhaps 1-3 years (rather than months, which would be bad or decades, which would be amazing). It's too early to know the timeframe yet though.
3/8. Immunity means that a vaccine(s) should be possible. If immunity is not long-lasting, prevention might possibly require annual vaccinations, like is the case for flu.
(Side note: we wonder will the anti-vaccination movement wane a little now?).
(Side note: we wonder will the anti-vaccination movement wane a little now?).
4/8. Separately, while we're not there yet, many labs are working on antibody tests for COVID-19 which will allow us to determine who has developed immunity & they seem to be getting close. Wouldn't it be great for some frontline workers to know they didn't didn't have to worry?
5/8. Also, in the US, they're now testing blood serum (convalescent serum!) full of antibodies, from people who've recovered, to treat seriously ill patients. Early days, but a lot of hope that it'll help & it might be possible to make highly refined antibodies in a lab.
6/8. For more info, here is an excellent article from @nytimes on the topic. nytimes.com/2020/03/25/hea…
7/8. And a great thread by scientist @trvrb who studies the spread and evolution of viruses.
8/8. And finally, we don't want to suck all your precious time, but an excellent piece from @WIRED if you are interested in this topic. wired.com/story/an-old-s…
