A recent study by Public Health England discovered that upwards of 25% of Brits may already have a natural immunity to COVID having previously caught a common cold virus similar to the coronavirus.

The Daily Mail explains:

Natural immunity to the coronavirus could be twice as common as experts believed, according to a Public Health England study.  

Researchers at PHE found T-cells – a key part of the immune system – in a far higher number of people than expected.

The cells are vital for destroying human cells that have been infected with coronavirus to stop them going on to infect others – antibodies and other parts of the immune system can’t get to the virus once it gets this far in.

The research, among 2,847 key workers from the NHS, police and fire service in June, found that 25 per cent of participants had high levels of T-cells which recognised Covid. 

READ: Natural coronavirus immunity could be TWICE as common as experts thought after Public Health England study claims millions have protective T-cells from catching similar cold viruses

Speaking of immunity, an Oxford study revealed that people who had previously contracted COVID have at least six months immunity. READ: People with COVID-19 antibodies ARE protected against reinfection for at least six months, Oxford study finds

Other studies suggest the immunity may actually last for years. READ: New study suggests immunity to coronavirus may last years — even decades — after infection

T-cells may be the key to stopping COVID. READ: We now have the best evidence yet that everyone develops long-term coronavirus immunity after infection — and it’s not just about antibodies