Are we all going to get infected anyway? Ever since the scale of the pandemic became apparent, I have wondered about this. We cannot contain this outbreak. Until we have some population immune protection - either by herd effect or by vaccine - the spread of virus will continue. Some communities and countries have floated the idea of trying to achieve herd immunity faster by allowing exposures. If most of the population is going to get it anyway and reaching that point will then build immunity and limit spread, why delay the inevitable, especially if there are dire economic consequences?

It's an interesting idea, but I don't think it has worked. We don't know how much immunity the body develops after exposure and how protective this immunity is. Unfortunately, there are concerns that reinfection can occur even if someone's immune system is sensitized to the virus. We believe herd immunity will kick in, but we don't know for certain. It's hard to decide on a strategy of exposure when we know the risks but it's unclear what the health benefits will be.

Of course, as we relax sheltering restrictions in different states, we are, in essence, allowing further exposures. I think especially for those of us in higher-risk situations - health care, nursing homes, extended families, essential businesses - we must accept that though we can mitigate the risks, we are likely to be exposed. Still, I believe the longer we can avoid the disease, the better. Even if we will eventually get it, more time gives scientists and physicians a greater chance at understanding the disease, anticipating its complications, and possibly developing a therapy. I have a lot more experience with COVID now than I did a month ago. And we hope eventually, a vaccine may be developed. The more we can flatten the curve of infections and draw it out, the greater the likelihood that when people get it, we'll be better equipped.