Common Cold Could Protect Against Covid Infection, Study Suggests

The immune response generated by previous exposure to common colds could protect against Covid-19, according to a new peer reviewed study published in Nature Communications Monday.
Common cold can help protect against Covid-19.

Getty.

The researchers at Imperial College London found that people with high levels of T cells were less likely to contract the Covid-19 coronaviruses.

Half of the people who lived with someone who had Covid-19 went on to contract the disease, according to the study.
The researchers said that blood samples taken after exposure revealed higher levels of T cells from previous coronaviruses that could recognize the Covid-19 virus.
The findings provide the clearest evidence to date that T cells are protective against Covid and could hold the key to developing a universal vaccine that protects against current and future variants.

Lalvani said that the T Cells attack the virus rather than the spike protein on its surface, which makes for more protective vaccines between different strains.

Not all people who are exposed to Covid become infections, the precise mechanism behind this is not clear. The more nuanced role of immunity has been shown by the more broad immune responses to Covid infections. The finding is important, but first author Dr. Rhia Kundu said that no one should rely on it alone. The best way to protect against Covid-19 is to get your booster dose, according to Kundu.
There is a structure called the Tangent.

The role of T cells could be important. They last in the body for a long time more than the antibody responses after vaccination. Lalvani said a vaccine that elicited a T cell response could cut down on the need for boosters. We need boosters every three months, but with T cells you could cut it down to every year or two years.
What to watch for.

Scientists in the U.S. Army are working on a vaccine to protect against future and current variant of Covid-19. The immune system isprimed by the experimental shot to recognize many types of coronaviruses. The results of early human trials are expected soon.
T cells that are cross-reactive are associated with protection against the disease.

We are getting close to universal vaccines. It has not been easy. The New York Times.

The Army has a vaccine that could protect against all coronaviruses.

Coverage and live updates on the coronaviruses.