When the COVID-19 global health crisis broke out in 2020, governments implemented strict mandates and health protocols to mitigate the further spreading of the disease. Citizens were obliged to abide by these regulations to keep themselves and others safe. They were required to use face masks and observe physical distancing to reduce transmission risks. Furthermore, they also needed to follow proper disinfection practices to prevent the virus from lingering.
In addition, government bodies also bolstered contact tracing efforts and coronavirus testing to determine who was infected. The most common types of COVID-19 tests include the polymerase chain reaction or PCR and the rapid antigen test.
Identifying who is positive and who is negative from the virus can help identify the next steps the individual should take. For example, if the results came out positive, the person is required to self-isolate for a certain period. They need to get the symptoms treated until their condition improves and they test negative. Immediate action is imperative to get patients the proper medical care they need and prevent others from getting infected.
The unprecedented changes brought by the global health crisis emphasised the importance of strengthening health system resilience. This is why many poured efforts into creating vaccination programs to get as many individuals inoculated.
In 2021, pharmaceutical firms were able to finish clinical trials and eventually distribute COVID-19 vaccines for public use. As a result, the past year has revolved around increasing vaccination efforts all over the world. Many awaited the availability of safe and effective vaccines to combat the virus and help people gain extra protection from the disease.
But how do these vaccines help protect people from infection? They work by triggering a person’s immune system response to create disease-fighting proteins known as antibodies. Once enough people are vaccinated, it further reduces the risk of contracting the disease and spreading the pathogen. Eventually, it can result in the breakage of COVID-19 transmission chains.
The objective of vaccination is to achieve herd immunity – also known as population immunity. This phenomenon is attained when the effects of individual immunity reach the population level. It protects not only the vaccinated people but also those who are not yet or cannot be vaccinated.
Apart from vaccination, herd immunity may also be achieved via natural infection, as some studies suggest. This happens when most of the population catches the disease and recovers. The antibodies are stimulated in the individual’s body because of the existing or previous infection. However, gaining population immunity through this method may be too risky and may result in reinfection. This is why many support vaccination when aiming for herd immunity.
Nevertheless, while many continuously conduct vaccination programs, it is still essential to promote COVID-19 testing. This is especially vital for travellers going abroad since countries may differ in their requirements. Travellers still need to present a fit to travel COVID test to ensure they are negative for the virus and are not at risk of transmitting the disease to other passengers.
There is still a long way to go before the COVID-19 pandemic ceases. Until then, everybody should do their part and stay vigilant against the virus.
If you still have questions about vaccines and herd immunity, check this infographic provided by Official Rapid Tests that elaborates what COVID-19 population immunity is and how it works.
Whether you need a PCR or a rapid antigen test for your travel or other activities, you can rely on trusted providers like Official Rapid Tests by Harley Medic International. They are a government-recognised provider of affordable COVID-19 testing kits. You may contact them today through their website.
