People carrying high levels of T cells after recovering from common colds are less likely to catch COVID, a new study has confirmed.
The peer-reviewed study offers answers as to why some people do not pick up the virus while in close contact with COVID patients.
The researchers said the findings could also provide the blueprint for a “second-generation, universal vaccine that could prevent infection from current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron”.
They warned however that while the role of common cold T cells in fighting the virus is an “important discovery” no one should rely on it alone, with vaccination still the best way to protect yourself.
Dr Rhia Kundu, first author of the study, said: “Being exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus doesn’t always result in infection, and we’ve been keen to understand why.”
“We found that high levels of pre-existing T cells, created by the body when infected with other human coronaviruses like the common cold, can protect against COVID-19 infection.
"While this is an important discovery, it is only one form of protection, and I would stress that no one should rely on this alone. Instead, the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to be fully vaccinated, including getting your booster dose.”
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