Open AccessCombating COVID-19 pandemic in India: Demystifying the concept of herd immunity
Author(s) -
Neha Sharma,
Shaili Vyas,
Archisman Mohapatra,
Rakhee Khanduri,
Pritam Roy,
Raman Kumar
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of family medicine and primary care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2278-7135
pISSN - 2249-4863
DOI - 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1971_20
Subject(s) - herd immunity , medicine , pandemic , vaccination , outbreak , immunity , herd , transmission (telecommunications) , population , covid-19 , hygiene , distancing , immunology , virology , environmental health , immune system , veterinary medicine , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , pathology , electrical engineering , engineering
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.