The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that nearly 60% of national blood samples taken in February showed antibodies present after a COVID-19 infection.
The study showed about 58% of the U.S. population had COVID-19 infection antibodies in February as opposed to 33% in December.
Children showed a much higher rate, with about 75% of the population showing antibodies.
The CDC studied antibodies that are only produced from previous infections, not vaccinations.
With new cases rising, Dr. Shad Marvasti with the University of Arizona says people can still be vulnerable even after a previous infection.
“You know whether or not this will last into the summer, into the fall, or well into next year and protect us against future variants, that is an unknown. So I think that is a big caveat for people to recognize," Marvasti said.
Still cases are rising nationally, and CDC data shows all counties in Arizona have low levels of community spread.
Arizona saw its highest levels of infections since the beginning of the pandemic this last winter, but Marvasti says that doesn’t necessarily protect the state going forward.
“Just because you have infection-induced antibodies, that doesn’t mean you are protected against future infections indefinitely,” he said.
He added that previous infections do not guarantee protection against new variants that appear.
Marvasti says getting vaccinated after having the disease adds immunity and can reduce symptoms for those who might be re-infected.
