Coronavirus, Novel COVID-19, was first discovered in 1960. The present type of coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), which is wreaking havoc in the world. The whole world is struggling to find the cure of the deadly menace. However, in this dismal scenario, passive immunization can save the world.
Passive immunization was discovered around 100 years ago. A German scientist used it to cure thousands of patients. Earlier, the technique was used against influenza and several other lethal ailments.
Passive Immunization is the process, in which antibodies are given to a highly serious patient. The antibodies of those patients who have succeeded in fighting a disease would be given to any other patient for developing his immunity against that certain disease. To illustrate, a newborn baby procures passive immunity from his mother.
Can passive immunity cure SARS-CoV-2?
Well, as per health specialists across the globe it is highly effective and cures the deadly pandemic. According to Dr. Shamsi, China used passive immunity and Successfully treated 96 percent.
While talking to a private news channel, Dr. Shamsi said, “we can save precious lives using this technique.” As per Shamsi, the National Institute of Blood Diseases is capable of using this technique.
He further said, “Doctors have saved hundreds of lives with the help of this technique in China since February.” The doctor asserted that the plasma will be taken out of the recovered person and would be inoculated into those patients who are serious.
Dr. Shamsi also said, “A vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens – either viruses or bacteria – by creating antibodies in the blood. And when the pathogens enter the body, the antibodies already present in the blood successfully fight it off.”
Furthermore, the United States is also working on passive immunity. American medical researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, says “human convalescent serum is an option for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease.” Besides, China has recommended the passive immunity technique to Italy and doctors from China have taken convalescent serum to Italy.
Furthermore, a few days ago President Trump, declared hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug as a panacea of COVID-19. Notwithstanding, the Federal Drug Authority (FDA) has not yet approved it. However, China along with India and France have successfully used it in treating the Corona infectees.
The global index of Coronavirus
COVID-19 cases have soared more than 550,000, with almost 25000 deaths globally. In Pakistan, the pandemic has infected more than 1200 people as per today. The calamity albeit treacherous yet it is controllable. Currently, Pakistan has 21 recovered patients, the first recover patient belongs to Karachi. Fortunately, Pakistan can use their plasma to treat the ill-ridden masses across the country.
As per the sources, the federal government has already talked about the technique with the provinces and working to make this method more reliable.
The incontrovertible idea of Dr. Shamsi can act as a game-changer for the country. Presently, the whole of Pakistan is locked down the repercussions of the virus will have far-reaching impacts on the already dwindling economy of Pakistan. In these grave times, not only Pakistan but the whole world needs to utilize passive immunity.