COVID-19 Pandemic: A Compressive Review on Gender, Herd Immunity, and Physiological Mechanisms

Abstract

Background

Researchers and scientists experienced the spread and aid recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic with a condition of great uncertainty. With limited understanding of SARS-CoV-2, current attempts at controlling its spread are focused on the suppressing approach (to reduce a sustained endogenous transmission) and the mitigating approach (to reduce the growth rate of the epidemic). On the one hand, while there has been no firm explanation, many governments have considered immunity passport and herd immunity for paths out of restrictive physical distancing measures imposed to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 but were not successful.

Purpose of Review

Herein, we attempted to systematize the lessons and shreds of evidence related to the spectrum of illness, the physiological mechanisms of host susceptibility, herd immunity, immunity passport, gender disparities, and severe challenges and uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that the insights provided in this review will help raise the effectiveness of the treatment policies and preventive measures required to end the pandemic.

Recent Findings

The use of immunity passports is suggested to certify an individual at low risk of acquiring or transmitting SARS-CoV-2. But, an individual might nevertheless carry the virus at similar levels and for a similar duration to those previously uninfected, with an unchanged potential for transmission. Vaccine-induced herd immunity is a complex issue inherent to a vaccine and the population receiving the vaccine. The central epidemiological questions about are as follows: what proportion of the population should be vaccinated to meet elimination (in a local program), eradication (in a global program) or a defined level of control? How is this affected by demographic factors (such as gender)? What is the best age at which to immunize? Besides, although age-dependent mortality risk is estimated to be higher for men and older people, such interpretation across gender, age groups, and countries, however, must be accepted with caution at present.

Summary

COVID-19 has taught us that health is the basis of global wealth and international solidarity is an essential response and a superior approach to isolationism. Hence, we must be clear about what the alternatives are when evaluating the merits of different ways of tackling this pandemic both in the short term as well as in the long term.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• coronavirus
• SARS-CoV-2
• gender disparity
• herd immunity
• immunity passport
• vaccine

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to acknowledge Ms Roza Wami, for all her good will and support through this review.

Abbreviations

ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2; ARBs, angiotensin receptor blockers; CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention; CSSE, Center for Systems Science and Engineering; ECF, extracellular fluid; ICU, intensive care unit; IgG, immunoglobulin G; IgM, immunoglobulin M; MERS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome; MEWS, Modified Early Warning Score; PAMPs, pathogen-associated molecular patterns; MHC, major histocompatibility complex; PPE, personal protective equipment; PRRs, pattern recognition receptors; SARS-CoV, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus; TLR, Toll-like receptors; URTI, upper respiratory tract infections.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest for this work.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public or commercial sectors.