COVID-19Common questionWhat is herd immunity in terms of COVID-19?Herd immunity', also known as 'population immunity', is the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection. WHO supports achieving 'herd immunity' through vaccination, not by allowing a disease to spread through any segment of the population, as this would result in unnecessary cases and deaths.31 Dec 2020
Who are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19?
COVID-19Common questionWho are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19?Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
What are the organs most affected by COVID‐19?
COVID-19Common questionWhat are the organs most affected by COVID‐19?The lungs are the organs most affected by COVID‐19
Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted through water?
COVID-19Common questionCan the coronavirus disease be transmitted through water?Drinking water is not transmitting COVID-19. And, if you swim in a swimming pool or in a pond, you cannot get COVID-19 through water. But what can happen, if you go to a swimming pool, which is crowded and if you are close to other the people and if someone is infected, then you can be of course affected.9 Sept 2020
What is the percentage of people who need to be immune against COVID-19 in order to achieve herd immunity?
COVID-19Common questionSee full answerWhat is the percentage of people who need to be immune against COVID-19 in order to achieve herd immunity?We are still learning about immunity to COVID-19. Most people who are infected with COVID-19 develop an immune response within the first few weeks, but we don’t know how strong or lasting that immune response is, or how it differs for different people. There have also been reports of people infected with COVID-19 for a second time. Until we better understand COVID-19 immunity, it will not be possible to know how much of a population is immune and how long that immunity last for, let alone make future predictions. These challenges should preclude any plans that try to increase immunity within a population by allowing people to get infected.31 Dec 2020
In what conditions does COVID-19 survive the longest?
COVID-19Common questionIn what conditions does COVID-19 survive the longest?Coronaviruses die very quickly when exposed to the UV light in sunlight. Like other enveloped viruses, SARS-CoV-2 survives longest when the temperature is at room temperature or lower, and when the relative humidity is low (<50%).
How long does the virus that causes COVID-19 last on surfaces?
COVID-19Common questionHow long does the virus that causes COVID-19 last on surfaces?Recent research evaluated the survival of the COVID-19 virus on different surfaces and reported that the virus can remain viable for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, up to four hours on copper, and up to 24 hours on cardboard.7 Apr 2020
Can COVID-19 be transmitted through food?
COVID-19Common questionCan COVID-19 be transmitted through food?There is currently no evidence that people can catch COVID-19 from food. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be killed at temperatures similar to that of other known viruses and bacteria found in food.14 Aug 2020
Is Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine safe for pregnant women?
COVID-19Common questionIs Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine safe for pregnant women?In the interim, WHO recommends the use of the Sinovac-CoronaVac (COVID-19) vaccine in pregnant women when the benefits of vaccination to the pregnant woman outweigh the potential risks.2 Sept 2021