New Blood

One of the questions that researches are actively working to get an answer to is whether or not those who have been infected with and recovered from COVID-19 have active immunity. We suspect that they do, but if so, for how long?  Will this virus mutate and change year to year as does the influenza virus necessitating yearly vaccination (assuming a vaccine can be made)?  We certainly hope not and that for those who have recovered, they are now "one and done."

Antibody in blue; Corona Virus in Green

Our bodies have an amazing immune response which is able to recognize when foreign material, like this virus, is introduced into our system, and then select our immune "B" cells to preferentially make antibody proteins that essentially tag the virus so it may be attacked or removed from our body.  This process takes a few weeks to occur. As such, it is not too helpful in the first instance but it gives one immunity for future exposures.

The BJC Health System, of which I am a part, is actively recruiting recovered patients and asking them to donate their plasma (a blood donation without red blood cells).  The plasma is then being infused into critically ill patients in a study to determine whether that helps boost the patient's own immune response and enhance recovery.  The study is currently underway and preliminary results should be available within a few weeks to months.  If you are in St. Louis and know of anyone who has recovered from the virus, please ask them if they would be interested in donating plasma.

Contact information: Interested candidates in the St. Louis area may email IDCRU@wustl.edu    or call 314-454-0058.

We also have "new blood" to announce in my family.  Losing my father to cancer last fall was truly one of the hardest experiences of my life.  I like to think that my new granddaughter who was born early this morning was able to be with and know him.  What a joy it is to add her precious spirit to our family. She and her mother are doing well.  It is a relief to have her come, especially at this time of pandemic.  She is blessed to have two wonderful parents. I am sure they have no idea what they have gotten themselves in to but they will all learn together.  I don't know when we will be able to go and safely visit them but look forward to doing so when we can.  Thank goodness for video conferencing.  It was so fun to see them today.