Many COVID-19 Survivors Are Losing Antibodies Quicker Than Expected

Diana Berrent, one of the first COVID-19 patients in New York, shares her ongoing battle with the virus and her efforts to aid research by donating plasma. Researchers, including Dr. Wesley Self, study antibodies in healthcare workers, finding that severe cases initially have more antibodies, but these diminish over time. This poses challenges for vaccine and treatment development, emphasizing the need for quick blood sample collection post-infection. The complexity of COVID-19 requires thoughtful approaches to vaccines and treatments.

What motivated Diana Berrent to donate plasma frequently?

• To help develop treatments and vaccines

• To earn money

• To gain media attention

• To recover faster from COVID-19

What did Dr. Wesley Self's research reveal about antibody levels in severe COVID-19 cases?

• They are unrelated to the severity of the case

• They increase after 60 days

• They start high but decrease after 60 days

• They remain constant over time

Why is it important to collect blood samples soon after COVID-19 infection?

• To monitor the patient's recovery

• To ensure accurate diagnosis

• To capture antibody levels before they disappear

• To prevent the spread of the virus

What challenge is highlighted regarding the development of COVID-19 treatments?

• Insufficient number of volunteers

• Lack of funding for research

• The complexity of the virus

• The virus mutates too quickly

What is a significant concern for young, healthy individuals with COVID-19?

• They recover faster than others

• They are immune to the virus

• They experience prolonged symptoms

• They do not produce antibodies