It has been more than two years since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout that time, for some people, the infections became more frequent and hit closer to home. Their friends contracted coronavirus, and sometimes their children, grandparents and most of their co-workers too. It seemed to be only a matter of time before they would contract the virus as well but their luck never ran out it seems as if some people have never been knowingly infected with COVID-19 in over two years even after the wave of infections caused by the highly transmissible omicron variant.
If you ask them the reason, you'll hear all sorts of suppositions. For example, regular long trips on the underground will build up your resistance by repeatedly exposing you to small viral loads.
"This hypothesis falls in the realm of speculation," says Dr. Ulf Dittmer, director of the Institute of Virology at Essen University Hospital in Germany.
Some people not previously infected attribute it to scrupulously following COVID-19 precautions. Others thank their lucky stars for not contracting the virus from a contact person who later tested positive or while they partied at a club. Still, others wonder if they had an asymptomatic infection that wasn't detected, for instance before testing was widely available. Or maybe they did have symptoms but tested negative because the sample was collected improperly or the timing was inopportune.
Scientific attempts at an explanation go deeper, but there's no single definitive answer as to why some people still haven't caught COVID-19. A combination of factors could be the reason.
"A number of hypotheses appear plausible," says Dr. Leif Erik Sander, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine at Charit University Hospital in Berlin.
First of all, it's important to bear in mind that a significant number of COVID-19 infections go largely or completely unnoticed. In a systematic review and meta-analysis published late last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, the authors noted that about 40% of people with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis were asymptomatic at the time of the test. The finding was based on 95 international studies involving nearly 30 million people.
The frequency of testing obviously plays a role in detecting infections. If you're not tested regularly, there's a greater chance you won't become aware of a mild or asymptomatic infection.
And your genes can play a role too in whether or not you get COVID-19.
"There are people who, owing to genetic characteristics, can't easily be infected with malaria or HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), for instance. In certain gradations this will also be true of Sars-CoV-2," says Sander, adding that the genetic factors aren't completely understood, however.
As virologist Dittmer explains, human leukocyte antigens (HLA) molecules, which are encoded by a complex of genes, play an important part in the body's immune response to pathogens such as Sars-CoV-2. He adds that a person's blood group, too, not only influences disease severity but perhaps also susceptibility to infection with the virus.
The protection provided by vaccinations is probably often underestimated. Although levels of antibodies in your blood able to bind to and neutralize invading coronaviruses decline some time after injection with a vaccine, "protection nevertheless remains significant for months," Sander says. "That, too, reduces infections."
Immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines vary from person to person. "If the response is especially good, vaccination in combination with a previous infection with one of the four endemic common cold coronaviruses can also play a role," he suggests.
According to Dittmer, a particular subclass of antibodies has been found to provide especially good protection from a novel coronavirus infection. "Measuring them is complicated though, so for the time being no one will know whether they've got these antibodies or not," he says.
The fact that children who get COVID-19 tend to have either no or only mild symptoms is down to their generally having an innate immune response that's stronger than the immune response of adults, according to Sander. It's often "preactivated," so to say.
Another phenomenon worth mentioning is that for a few days after getting an infection, people are typically less susceptible to infection with another pathogen. "This is due in part to interferons, which are defensive proteins in mucous membranes that also reduce susceptibility to Sars-CoV-2 in the event of contact with it in that time window," Sander says.
He also notes that some people's immune system may rid their body of the virus very quickly: "In a Swedish study, researchers detected specific T-cells (a type of white blood cell that's part of the immune system) in people who didn't test positive after contact with infected household members a sign their immune system had indeed engaged Sars-CoV-2 even though an infection or antibodies against the virus weren't always detectable."
So what are we to conclude? If you think you've somehow managed to skirt a COVID-19 infection, you may already have one behind you. Or you may have benefited from certain temporary circumstances, as-yet-unexplained genetic factors and/or dumb luck.
"Just because you haven't had COVID-19 yet doesn't mean you're permanently safe," Sander warns. "A new coronavirus variant, or a different set of circumstances, can totally change that."
The Daily Sabah Newsletter
Keep up to date with whats happening in Turkey, its region and the world.
SIGN ME UP
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Read the rest here:
Dumb luck, genetics? Why have some people never caught COVID-19? | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah
- Largest Genetic Study of Bipolar Disorder Identifies 298 Regions of the Genome That Increase Risk for the Condition - Mount Sinai - January 27th, 2025
- Study Sheds Light On The Origin Of Earth Lifes Genetic Code - Astrobiology News - January 27th, 2025
- Largest study on the genetics of bipolar disorder to date gives new insights into the underlying biology - Medical Xpress - January 27th, 2025
- Genetic Swiss Army Knife: New Tool For Gene Editing And Therapy - Forbes - January 27th, 2025
- Uhm Ji-won says the power of genetics is undeniable with Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin's son - - January 27th, 2025
- Integrative proteogenomic analysis identifies COL6A3-derived endotrophin as a mediator of the effect of obesity on coronary artery disease -... - January 27th, 2025
- Genetic analysis reveals the genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of Streptococcus dysgalactiae isolates from sheep - Nature.com - January 27th, 2025
- Eight psychiatric disorders share the same genetic causes, study says - Medical Xpress - January 27th, 2025
- Exploring genetic associations and drug targets for mitochondrial proteins and schizophrenia risk - Nature.com - January 27th, 2025
- Predictive Genetic Testing and Consumer Genomics Market - GlobeNewswire - January 27th, 2025
- Evolution without sex: How mites have survived for millions of years - EurekAlert - January 27th, 2025
- Our Understanding of Rules that Produce Lifes Genetic Code May Require a Revision - DISCOVER Magazine - January 27th, 2025
- Personalized therapy for rare genetic diseases: Patient-derived organoids offer new hope - Medical Xpress - January 27th, 2025
- The One Thing That's More Important for Longevity Than Your Genes - Parade Magazine - January 27th, 2025
- Complete recombination map of the human genome created - Medical Xpress - January 27th, 2025
- Evidence of genetic determination of annual movement strategies in medium-sized raptors - Nature.com - January 27th, 2025
- Genetic study of Alaska red king crabs suggests species is more diverse and resilient to climate change - Global Seafood Alliance - January 27th, 2025
- Smartwatches reveal insights into psychiatric illnesses and genetic links - Medical Xpress - January 27th, 2025
- Unlocking the Blueprint of Human Life With a Revolutionary DNA Map - SciTechDaily - January 27th, 2025
- Largest Genetic Study of Bipolar Disorder Identifies Nearly 300 Risk-Associated Genome Regions - Inside Precision Medicine - January 27th, 2025
- Genetic Discrimination Is Coming for Us All - The Atlantic - November 16th, 2024
- Family connection: Genetics of suicide - WNEM - November 16th, 2024
- Study links heart shape to genetic risk of cardiovascular diseases - News-Medical.Net - November 16th, 2024
- Genetic architecture of cerebrospinal fluid and brain metabolite levels and the genetic colocalization of metabolites with human traits - Nature.com - November 16th, 2024
- Genetic connectivity of wolverines in western North America - Nature.com - November 16th, 2024
- Toward GDPR compliance with the Helmholtz Munich genotype imputation server - Nature.com - November 16th, 2024
- Leveraging genetic variations for more effective cancer therapies - News-Medical.Net - November 16th, 2024
- Bringing precision to the murky debate on fish oil - University of Arizona News - November 16th, 2024
- International experts gathered in Tashkent to tackle rare disease for Uzbekistan - EurekAlert - November 16th, 2024
- Mercys Story: Living life with 22q, a genetic condition - WECT - November 16th, 2024
- Cold case with ties to Houghton County solved through genetic genealogy after 65 years - WLUC - November 16th, 2024
- 23andMe customer? Here's what to know about the privacy of your genetic data. - CBS News - November 16th, 2024
- Single-cell RNA analysis finds possible genetic drivers of bone cancer - Illumina - November 16th, 2024
- Multi-trait association analysis reveals shared genetic loci between Alzheimers disease and cardiovascular traits - Nature.com - November 16th, 2024
- With 23andMe Struck by Layoffs, Can You Delete Genetic Data? Here's What We Know - CNET - November 16th, 2024
- Genetic testing firm 23andMe cuts 40% of its workforce amid financial struggles - The Guardian - November 16th, 2024
- Genetic study solves the mystery of 'selfish' B chromosomes in rye - Phys.org - November 16th, 2024
- Genetic changes linked to testicular cancer offer fresh insights into the disease - Medical Xpress - November 16th, 2024
- Eating less and genetics help you to live longer, but which factor carries the most weight? - Surinenglish.com - November 16th, 2024
- We must use genetic technologies now to avert the coming food crisis - New Scientist - November 16th, 2024
- NHS England to screen 100,000 babies for more than 200 genetic conditions - The Guardian - October 6th, 2024
- Largest-ever genetic study of epilepsy finds possible therapeutic targets - Medical Xpress - October 6th, 2024
- 23andMe is on the brink. What happens to all its DNA data? - NPR - October 6th, 2024
- The mountains where Neanderthals forever changed human genetics - Big Think - October 6th, 2024
- Gene Activity in Depression Linked to Immune System and Inflammation - Neuroscience News - October 6th, 2024
- Integrative multi-omics analysis reveals genetic and heterotic contributions to male fertility and yield in potato - Nature.com - October 6th, 2024
- Genetic and non-genetic HLA disruption is widespread in lung and breast tumors - Nature.com - October 6th, 2024
- Aneuploidy as a driver of human cancer - Nature.com - October 6th, 2024
- Myriad Genetics and Ultima Genomics to Explore the UG - GlobeNewswire - October 6th, 2024
- Biallelic and monoallelic variants in EFEMP1 can cause a severe and distinct subtype of heritable connective tissue disorder - Nature.com - October 6th, 2024
- Genetic and clinical correlates of two neuroanatomical AI dimensions in the Alzheimers disease continuum - Nature.com - October 6th, 2024
- Cracking the Genetic Code on Facial Features - DISCOVER Magazine - October 6th, 2024
- Ancestry vs. 23andMe: How to Pick the Best DNA Testing Kit for You - CNET - October 6th, 2024
- The Mercedes-AMG C63 is bold, but beholden to its genetics - Newsweek - October 6th, 2024
- The Austin Chronic: Texas A&Ms Hemp Breeding Program Adds Drought-Resistant Genetics to the National Collection - Austin Chronicle - October 6th, 2024
- Genetics and AI Help Patients with Early Detection of Breast Cancer Risk - Adventist Review - October 6th, 2024
- 23andMe Is Sinking Fast. Can the Company Survive? - WIRED - October 6th, 2024
- Genetic variations in remote UK regions linked to higher disease risk - Medical Xpress - October 6th, 2024
- Comprehensive mapping of genetic activity brings hope to patients with chronic pain - Medical Xpress - October 6th, 2024
- Genetics - Definition, History and Impact | Biology Dictionary - June 2nd, 2024
- Gene | Definition, Structure, Expression, & Facts | Britannica - June 2nd, 2024
- Raha Kapoor's blue eyes remind fans of her great-grandfather, Raj Kapoor; here's what genetics says - IndiaTimes - December 30th, 2023
- Human genetics | Description, Chromosomes, & Inheritance - December 13th, 2023
- BASIC GENETICS INFORMATION - Understanding Genetics - NCBI Bookshelf - December 13th, 2023
- Introduction to Genetics - Open Textbook Library - December 13th, 2023
- "When them genetics kick in its all over" - NBA fans send in rib-tickling reactions as LeBron James attends Zhuri James' volleyball game -... - October 16th, 2023
- David Liu, chemist: We now have the technology to correct misspellings in our DNA that cause known genetic diseases - EL PAS USA - April 7th, 2023
- World Health Day 2023: Understanding the science of Epi-genetics and how to apply it in our daily lives - Free Press Journal - April 7th, 2023
- Genetics - National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) - March 29th, 2023
- GENETICS 101 - Understanding Genetics - NCBI Bookshelf - March 29th, 2023
- People always think Im skinny because of good genetics theyre shocked when they see what I used to lo... - The US Sun - March 29th, 2023
- Forensics expert explains 'genetic genealogy' process believed to be used in Kohberger's arrest - KTVB.com - January 6th, 2023
- Idaho student murders: What is genetic genealogy, a tool reportedly used to help capture the suspect? - FOX 10 News Phoenix - January 6th, 2023
- What is a Genetic Counselor and How Can They Help You Navigate Your Healthcare Journey? - ABC4.com - December 3rd, 2022
- Ancient Art and Genetics Reveal Origin of World's Most Expensive Spice - The Wire Science - June 26th, 2022
- Myriad Genetics Teams Up with Epic to Make Genetic Testing Accessible to More Patients with Electronic Health Record (EHR) Integration - GlobeNewswire - June 26th, 2022
- Obesity and genetics: Expert shares insights - Hindustan Times - June 26th, 2022
- Researchers discover genetic variants that increase Alzheimer's risk - WCVB Boston - June 26th, 2022
- Where science meets fiction: the dark history of eugenics - The Guardian - June 26th, 2022
- Clinical Conference: A Discussion with BASE10 Genetics - Skilled Nursing News - June 26th, 2022