Researchers have suggested allowing the infection to spread in populations that are not vulnerable to help build up herd immunity as it is a more “realistic way to stop the pandemic”. Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community becomes immune to disease through vaccinations or through the mass spread of disease.
“Most people who are infected with the virus that causes Covid-19 develop an immune response within the first few weeks, but we don’t know how strong or lasting that immune response is, or how it differs for different people. There have also been some examples of people infected with Covid-19 being infected for a second time,” says WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus.
He said that allowing a dangerous virus that we don’t fully understand to run free is simply unethical and it is not an option. “There are no shortcuts and no silver bullets,” the WHO chief said. “The answer is a comprehensive approach – using every tool in the toolbox.”
