WASHINGTON- One of the first coronavirus outbreaks on that Seattle boat that really started the conversation about the severity of the virus also led to more research on the role of antibodies in fighting the disease. 100 crew members were infected, but 3 other members were spared because they already had antibodies. But there is a catch.

Although that example could make someone feel as though they are immune after having fought off one round of the virus, that is not actually the case. Researchers do not even know what immunity to the coronavirus will look like. It is still important to look at those 3 fisherman that did not contract the virus a second time.

What scientists know now is that immunity to covid-19 does look similar to immunity to the flu-- it is not black and white. The immune response is wired to fight at very high rates when the danger is high, but they relax as the danger comes lower or passes. Researchers do not know what the immune response to covid looks like after long periods of time in terms of reinfection. The CDC put out reports that show people have months of immunity as the people in the study did not seek another test for 3 months after recovery. It is also important to remember that retesting can lead to false positives. This still does not mean you are completely immune for 3 months after recovery from the virus.

These studies do show very positive advances in research. No one knows when the United States will reach herd immunity, which will make it harder for the virus to spread at faster rates. This kind of immunity may only come after a vaccine is available around the entire country. A covid-19 vaccine could be annual like the flu vaccine or it could be a one time vaccine with booster immunizations later.

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