Corona: Why some people haven't had it yet
Created: 07/14/2022, 16:05
By: Judith Brown
Some people have not yet knowingly been infected with the corona virus.
From a scientific point of view, the combination of circumstances matters.
Berlin – Despite millions of people infected and a pandemic that has lasted for two years, there are still people who have not yet knowingly contracted the corona virus.
Some think it's good luck, while others think it could be related to their exemplary compliance with the Corona rules.
From a scientific point of view, there are several explanations for the fact that some people have not yet been infected.
The combination of different circumstances probably plays an important role.
Corona: Why some people haven't had it before - genetic traits
Some people have not yet caught it in two years of the corona pandemic: they have not yet contracted the virus.
(Iconic image) © Julio Rodriguez/IMAGO
A person's genes can probably influence whether someone gets infected with Sars-CoV-2 or not.
“There are people who, due to genetic characteristics, are difficult to be infected with, for example, malaria or HIV.
To a certain degree, this will also apply to Sars-CoV-2,” explains Prof. Leif Sander, head of the Infectious Diseases Clinic at the Berlin Charité.
However, the genetic factors are not fully understood.
But other researchers also assume a connection.
According to Prof. Ulf Dittmer, the genetic make-up of the immune system plays a decisive role in protecting against Covid-19.
In addition, the blood groups apparently influence both the transmission of the virus and the course and severity of the disease.
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Corona: More active immune system protects against infection
In addition to the genes, the immune system also has a significant influence on whether you are more susceptible to an infection or not.
According to Sander, the immune system is often pre-activated, especially in children, which means that they usually have a stronger innate activated immune system.
In addition, so-called interferons, which are special antibodies in the mucous membrane, contribute to the fact that adults are less susceptible to other pathogens such as Sars-CoV-2 within a few days after an infection.
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Sometimes there are also people who have not become infected despite close contact with a person infected with Corona.
One reason for this could be that the non-infected had already contracted coronavirus before the pandemic.
A study recently showed that participants who had not become infected despite contact had higher levels of certain T helper cells.
According to Sander, “a sign that their immune system has dealt with Sars-CoV-2, even if an infection and antibodies against the virus were not always detectable.” In any case, the T helper cells can protect against Sars-CoV-2 represent.
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Corona: vaccination protection is probably often underestimated
Vaccinations are still considered by experts to be a proven method in the fight against the corona virus.
The protection provided by vaccination is probably often underestimated.
It is true that the level of antibodies in the blood decreases again over time after the vaccination.
Nevertheless, the protection remains significant for months, says Sander.
This further reduces infections.
In addition, the immune responses of people differ.
According to the Charité professor, a combination of vaccination and a previous infection with the normal corona cold viruses could lead to a good immune response.
At the same time, one can also assume that many infections go unnoticed.
The test frequency plays an important role here.
Because people who test themselves irregularly are at greater risk of overlooking mild infections.
In addition, some errors should be avoided in corona self-tests.
This also includes the right storage, which should be paid attention to, especially in summer.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.
