Antibodies post-covid, science-y question!

[FeistySheep]

I had covid in January, very mild symptoms. I've since joined the ONS survey and as part of that my blood was tested for antibodies in April. It came back negative for antibodies.

I think I've read that a study found that 88% of people have antibodies six months after covid, so why do I have none after three months? I am early 30s, healthy and generally my immune system is brilliant. I am pregnant at the moment, but can't see why that would mean I didn't make any antibodies, or why they'd disappear faster.

I know antibodies are only one part of the immune response, but I did expect to have them! Anyone any ideas why I might not? I'm not worried, just fascinated!

I think t-cells will be shown to be very important. They are with SARS. And long lasting (17 years for SARS)

Antibodies will circulate and levels will decrease over time.

Next time you come into contact with covid your body will pump these bad boys out again.

No detectable level of antibodies does not mean you have no immunity.

The test is imperfect at detecting true immunity.

Thanks folks, that's kinda what I was thinking. I guess I was just surprised that I wasn't in the 88% who do have antibodies, since my immune system is a good 'un.
Sure I won't have trouble if I get it again, but hopefully will get the vaccine in a couple of months anyway ☺️

It's because people vary very widely in their immune response. Don't forget, it's not just about antibodies, but also CD4, CD8 and memory B cells. You may not have many antibodies but you may have a very good T cell response (the CD4 and CD8 cells). So don't worry! Antibodies aren't the full picture.

T-cells are the first line of defence. So if you have a good immune system they may have done the job effectively enough. Then that results in a mild illness.

Oooh thank you both! I will do some more Googling and find out more. It's all so interesting!