COVID-19 Protection Relies On A Strong Immune System

Lots of people ask us “How do I know if I have had a real COVID 19 infection? Well, the only way to know if you have had it in the past is to have a blood test to see if you have antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus; this test is called serology for COVID-19.

When you have the initial infection, if you have symptoms you will either have a test called a PCR or a RAT to see if the virus is in your nose and throat and these tests are reasonably accurate. Quite a few people get COVID-19 and do not have any symptoms and thus never get tested but they may wonder if they have any antibodies against the virus in their blood which provide some immunity. These antibodies from a natural infection may last as long as 20 months. A serology blood test for COVID-19 will show for sure if you have had a natural infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is thought that a natural infection, as opposed to a COVID vaccination, provides better immunity however government policy is that you still need to be vaccinated against COVID as soon as your symptoms go, and you are fully recovered.

Experts do not agree on how long the antibodies from natural infection will protect you from reinfection and you can still get another infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The level of protective antibodies does wane gradually after 6 months and this is why experts recommend vaccine boosters.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is an RNA virus and like the influenza virus it tends to mutate and change its genetic material so the pre-existing antibodies do not match it as well anymore.

Your COVID serology test will show different results

A natural infection with the SARS-CoV – 2 Virus will show two different types of antibodies – namely antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein of the virus and antibodies against the virus’ spike proteins. After vaccination you will show only antibodies against the virus’ spike protein, so obviously it is not as strong as immunity after a natural infection.

To successfully fight COVID 19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus you need three types of immunity:

  1. Mucosal immunity
    The virus enters your body through the mucous membranes in your eyes, mouth, nose, and bronchial tubes. You want strong healthy mucous membranes to act as a barrier against a lot of viruses getting through.
  2. Cellular immunity
    Cellular immunity is a protective immune process that requires the activation of specific cells (such as neutrophils, phagocytes, and T cells) and the release of immune chemicals such as cytokines. Cellular immunity is most effective against cells infected with viruses, intracellular bacteria, fungi and parasites. Cellular immunity protects the body against these organisms when they are inside cells (intracellular pathogens).
  3. Antibody immunity
    Antibodies are produced by specialized white blood cells called B lymphocytes (or B cells) in response to the virus getting into your blood stream and come after a natural infection or after vaccination. The antibodies help to neutralize or inactivate the virus before it gets inside your cells. If the virus mutates the antibodies do not work as well if there is a reinfection. It is important to have adequate amounts of lymphocytes in your body and this can be checked with a simple full blood count test.  Antibody immunity is also known as humoral immunity and protects the body against viruses and bacteria outside of the body’s cells.

To have strong and healthy mucosal and cellular immunity you need adequate amounts of:

Selenomune contains 3 different types of organic selenium which work synergistically for immune support. It also contains zinc.

Cellular immunity and mucosal immunity can be maintained longer than antibody immunity and are longer lasting. You have much more influence over these two types of immunity by following  a healthy diet and lifestyle and avoiding nutritional deficiencies.

Reference:
Journal of the American medical Association Feb 3rd

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.