COVID-19 herd immunity not achievable with growing active cases in India: Medical experts

As total count of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India surged to 96,169 on Monday with states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nu and Delhi witnessing a constant rise, medical experts have asserted that re is point saying  country has developed "herd immunity" against virus.

Dr Prasun Chatterjee, Associate Professor, Department of Geriatric Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) told ANI, "This pandemic cant be overcome by thinking that tomorrow we will have herd immunity. Herd immunity has failed in UK. re is point in saying that India has developed herd immunity. We have tried to contain virus through lockdown."

"Mostly, we try to develop herd immunity through children because ir immunity is very fresh. I do t kw why many literate people are thinking we are immune to virus. This approach is depressing," ded Dr Chatterjee.

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He furr said, building a herd immunity will have a multiplier effect that can protect many people. However, it is t so simple in case of COVID-19, and also requires vaccination.

While talking about immunity Dr Suresh Kumar, Medical Director, LNJP Hospital said, "When more people are exposed to any particular virus, some manifest it clinically whereas ors sub-clinically and thus community starts building immunity at large."

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Rise in asymptomatic cases

While speaking on rise in asymptomatic cases in India, Dr Kumar said that movement of people was less before, but w, over-crowding is furr escalating case. He pointed out that people are bot maintaining proper social distance. Moreover, testing has also increased which is resulting in more cases.

As several migrant workers are walking or getting on vehicles to reach ir native places, Dr Chatterjee said that possibility of transferring virus has increased in current situation.

While India continues to struggle in its battle against virus, several tests, strategies, researches are being conducted to ensure a cure for COVID-19.

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