Life was simple in 2019, almost all of us think about how and when is the world going to go back to the days when we could grab a coffee, see a movie, or attend a concert and also, rushing towards stadiums to watch matches. No one thought about what we’re stepping into as we all screamed happy new years on December 31, 2019, happily!. Coronavirus? a name unheard and a virus unseen, who knew we all would be exposed to in a matter of few months.
Initially, when COVID19 started, nobody was immune. No one actually knew who’ll fall prey to it. We still don’t know. The difference is, we’re now aware of all the possibilities and circumstances. But what is the end to this pandemic?. No one knows, or maybe we do know what can put this to an end. To put a full stop to it, we need a significant percentage of people to be immune. But how can we get to that point?
Know About Herd Immunity
Herd immunity is a term we all are now familiar with. It is something we all are hoping to achieve but we don’t exactly know what costs do we have to pay for it. Herd immunity is something when the majority of the population is exposed to a virus and has developed an immunity. This provides immunity or herd immunity to those who have not yet been exposed to the disease.
To provide a better example, if 80% of the people are already immune to the virus, four of those five will not catch the disease and will not spread it. In this way, the spread of infectious diseases is kept under control. Depending on how contagious infection is, usually, 70% to 90% of a population needs immunity to achieve herd immunity.
How Is Herd Immunity Achieved?
Now, the main concern is the options we have to achieve herd immunity. As there are no vaccines in sight yet, there are only two options that we are left with to have herd immunity, vaccines, and infection.
1. Vaccines
In cases of the pandemic, the first option always is to wait for the vaccines to be available. Vaccines in this COVID19 pandemic would be an ideal approach to achieving herd immunity. To create immunity without causing any further illness is is important that we get vaccinated. Vaccines for herd immunity can make it possible to protect the population from disease, including the ones who can’t be vaccinated, such as newborns or people with compromised immune systems.
2. Natural infection
The other way to get the herd immunity in our population can be possible only when a sufficient number of people in the population have recovered from a disease and have developed antibodies against future infection.
Are We There Already?
According to the health professionals, by the time we’re expected to get a vaccine, we’ll already be almost immune to it. But, these statements still do not have a solid logical ground as we do not know how this virus will start behaving in a while. As we’re experiencing the daily reported cases going down, many say that we’ve already achieved herd immunity, but who knows?. It is better to follow the precautionary measure unless we confirm news from the healthcare professionals. We can not afford another wave of COVID19 pandemic.
Unless we’re unclear of this situation, do not step out of your houses unnecessarily. Stay at home and talk to your doctor through a video call.
To reach out to a doctor through video call, install the Marham app by using the links provided below.
Android Users:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=controllers.marham.marhammed&hl=en
Drop a review for us at Playstore if you’ve had a good experience!
IPhone Users:
https://apps.apple.com/pk/app/marham-find-a-doctor/id1095243102
Stay Home Stay Safe!