Explaining "Herd Immunity"

KIMT News 3 is getting expert advice on the theory

Essential needs for a few more weeks./// there are many theories on how we should respond to the coronavirus pandemic... herd immunity is among them.

Herd immunity is the concept that if enough people get a virus..

The population will become immune.

Kimt new three's jessica bringe spoke with an area physician who explained what that would look like.

She joins us live in rochester with details.

Live amy?

We've heard a lot about flattening the curve..

Trying to lessen the number of people getting coronavirus so we can prevent deaths and make sure to not overwhelm the healthcare system.

However?

If herd immunity took over..

Many of us wouldn't be social distancing right now.

Some epidemiologist s believe in "herd immunity" mainly that if enough people get a virus the people who are most vulnerable are protected.

Doctor charity baker tells me in the case of coronavirus herd immunity would likely only work at this point if we were to have a vaccine for the virus... which baker says it is unfortunately a long way out.

Herd immunity only works when everybody that's capable of getting vaccinated does.

So, there are a lot of ant?vaxxers who are trying to rely on herd immunity and that doesn't work..

Herd immunity with regards to this virus means that people have to be exposed and produce their own antibodies and become immune to it.

At this point?

Until we have a vaccine as a preventative strategy?

We're still asked to follow cdc guidelines and stay home and practice social distancing.

Live in rochester thank you jessica.

According to the ??c herd immunity also means even individuals not vaccinated like newborns would be offered some protection since the disease has little opportunity to spread within the community.

/// as we all keep doing our best