Journal
JOURNAL OF FAMILY MEDICINE AND PRIMARY CARE
Volume 10, Issue 4, Pages 1515-1519Publisher
WOLTERS KLUWER MEDKNOW PUBLICATIONS
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1971_20
Keywords
Coronavirus; Covid-19 models; herd immunity; Social distancing
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Herd immunity is crucial for epidemic control, but there is controversy over achieving it through natural infection rather than vaccination. It is important to monitor the duration of antibodies and the risk of reinfection. Once herd immunity is achieved, coronavirus may become similar to seasonal flu.
The concept of Herd immunity is a key factor for epidemic control. According to it only a proportion of entire population needs to be immune either via natural infection or vaccination. The idea of herd immunity via natural infection rather than vaccination is a bit controversial, as it is not clear how long will the antibodies last, and whether re-infection or re-activation of the virus can occur after the antibodies starts weaning from the body. It has been suggested that coronavirus will likely become similar to a seasonal flu once the herd immunity is attained. Till then, it will continue causing outbreaks year-round and there could be multiple waves of virus transmission before achieving herd immunity. Therefore, the public needs to learn to live with it, and continue practising the best prevention measures, including wearing of masks, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and avoidance of gathering.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available