An ongoing study has suggested that, by June this year, close to half of Australian adults have had COVID-19.

Researchers tested blood samples of 5,139 Australians for the presence of antibodies, which are most likely to be detected if the person has had COVID-19 in the past three to six months.

Senior research fellow Dorothy Machalek, of the Kirby Institute, says that the study gives people a better idea of just how great of an influx of cases there are in the community.

“These serosurveys provide a more complete picture of how much COVID-19 is out there because they measure antibodies to the virus … that remain present for many months afterwards,” she said.

With many Australians enjoying their newfound freedom since the pandemic restrictions were eased, COVID-19 case numbers have remained at a high level.

“The international borders opened in April, we’ve had a further loosening of restrictions and for many people it’s been back to business as usual with mask-wearing reducing until now,” Dr Machalek told the ABC.

Researchers of the study urged Australians to act responsibly.

“The best protection against serious illness from COVID-19 [is] to be up to date with vaccinations and boosters,” a Kirby Institute press release read.

COVID-19 infection was the highest among the 18-29 age group in the latest study results, as 61.7 per cent were found to have antibodies present in their bloodstream.

Photo: A woman wearing a protective face mask By Kristoffer Trolle available HERE is used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The Image has not been modified.