Predictions of the novel coronavirus disease going away by late summer has been the ray of hope many of us are hanging onto.
However, in the light of a pandemic of this magnitude, with very little known of treatment and post infection immunity; it is safe to say it isn't going away any time soon. Three possible outcomes of COVID-19 1. Herd immunity
When a large percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, whether through previous infections or vaccination, a measure of protection for individuals who are not immune occurs.
Herd immunity is a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs on a large scale, think of it as 'community acquired immunity' just as you would 'community acquired infection'.
2. New vaccine
Five leading drug companies - Johnson & Johnson, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, Moderna, and Gilead Sciences - have announced plans to research and develop treatments for the new virus.
A new vaccine against the virus will significantly reduce disease burden and will help communities prepare better for future outbreaks. Ultimately, the healthcare system will have an effective 'firewall' to mitigate further spread and re-infections with the disease.
3. Seasonal outbreaks
Just like the flu, new cases of COVID-19 may decline as the weather warms up. We are hopeful but not quite certain. However, the possibilities of complete eradication seem bleak.
With new advancements in treatment, vaccinations, and controlled spread of current outbreaks, the impact of COVID-19 may be significantly shortened and its bite may be nothing more than what we experienced with other viruses that have come to stay.
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