A person acquires immunity against "COVID-19" in two ways; either by contracting the coronavirus and gaining natural immunity against the infection and its complications, or through taking the available vaccines. However, if both are combined, the body becomes more fortified against the health disorder, according to a recent study.
 

According to a study published in the medical journal "The Lancet," a person who contracts corona develops a very important natural immunity that protects them from severe complications of "COVID-19" if infected again.

The study relied on reviewing 65 studies specializing in natural immunity; that is, immunity acquired through infection with the virus, finding that it protects by 88 percent against the likelihood of death and hospitalization due to the pandemic.

The researchers revealed that natural immunity provides this strong protection during the ten months following infection with the coronavirus that appeared in China in late 2019 and then turned into a global pandemic.

The study did not include the "Omicron" subvariant; known as "XBB.1.5," which is currently the most widespread in the United States.

However, natural immunity acquired through infection provides 36 percent protection against the "BA.1" variant, for up to ten months.

Researcher Steven Lim, from the University of Washington, warned that vaccination is still the safest way for a person to acquire immunity against "COVID-19," while natural immunity through infection may be accompanied by risks of severe illness, and possibly death.

Experts say vaccination remains necessary, especially among those most at risk of complications, such as seniors over sixty, along with those suffering from multiple diseases at the same time.

Earlier, a study conducted under the supervision of the World Health Organization confirmed the great benefit of what has become known as "hybrid immunity"; that is, immunity acquired in the human body when combining vaccine immunity and infection immunity simultaneously.

The study showed that "hybrid immunity" is 97 percent effective during the first year in protecting against the risks of hospitalization and death due to "COVID-19".