Imperial College London and the University of Padua reported that antibodies for the coronavirus remain in the body for "at least" nine months after infection. Researchers found that, after examining patients in northern Italy, one of the hardest-hit regions by the virus at the start of the pandemic, antibody levels "remain elevated," whether or not the infected person showed symptoms of COVID-19.
According to the research published in the journal Nature Communications: "The vast majority of COVID-19 infections, regardless of symptomatology, are accompanied by the formation of antibodies." The research team noted they even observed cases of increased antibody levels, suggesting potential reinfection and the possibility of immune system enhancement.
It is worth mentioning that most estimates, including those from vaccine manufacturers, indicate that COVID-19 vaccines provide immunity for at least six to eight months against the major variants, although research from the University of Washington published in Nature last month suggested that immunity may "last" depending on the vaccine used.
