Epidemiologist Explains Why Contracting Coronavirus On Purpose Is A 'Horrible Idea'
An epidemiologist has broken down why deliberately getting infected with the coronavirus in a bid to become immune after recovery is a âreally horrible idea right now.â
âIt is all about how much we just donât know yet,â warned Greta Bauer, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Western University in London, Ontario, in a column for The New York Times published Wednesday.
Bauer listed seven reasons why people should not attempt to contract the virus on purpose, noting how some people have considered avoiding social distancing or hosting parties where they can expose themselves to the disease.
Immunity âisnât a sure thingâ and âreinfection could be possible,â Bauer said.
The long-term consequences of the condition on its victims is also not yet truly known, she added, cautioning that âthe virus could continue living inside youâ and âeven the young can be hospitalized.â
The professor pointed out how so-called mild cases of the virus are âhardly mildâ and there is âno shortcutâ or easy way to boost oneâs immunity.
âWhile it is hard to be patient, the best way out of this will likely be much clearer to us in a month or two than it is now,â Bauer concluded. âIn the meantime, it is important that we donât take unnecessary risks with unknown consequences. If we can avoid infection, we need to do exactly that.â
Read Bauerâs full column here.
A HuffPost Guide To Coronavirus
Stay up to date with our live blog as we cover the COVID-19 pandemic
Everything you need to know about face masks right now
How long are asymptomatic carriers contagious?
What to do if you canât pay rent now
How to switch off from work when home is your office
8 sleep tips if coronavirus anxiety is keeping you up at night
How long does coronavirus live in the air?
What coronavirus questions are on your mind right now? We want to help you find answers.
Everyone deserves accurate information about COVID-19. Support journalism without a paywall â and keep it free for everyone â by becoming a HuffPost member today.
Related...
Street Artists Take On Coronavirus Pandemic With Powerful, Poignant And Witty Pieces
Chris Hayes Delivers Blistering Review Of Fox Newsâ Coronavirus Coverage
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Mystified By Gloves And How To Wear Them At Coronavirus Briefing
Also on HuffPost
Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.