Sweden’s Herd Immunity | The Institute for Creation Research

Sweden’s Herd Immunity
Despite criticism from the world medical community, Sweden has taken a more relaxed approach to the COVID-19 threat. It has not initiated a nationwide lockdown and, as of April 15, scientists are starting to see a welcome plateau in coronavirus cases.1 This is a significant development. It is not according to the apocalyptic predictions made by most in the medical community.

What happened? Why hasn’t there been a staggering rise in COVID-19 cases in Sweden? This is not to say that Swedes have ignored warnings of this pandemic. Many have been practicing social distancing and voluntarily undergone quarantine. Sadly, to date, more than half of all coronavirus deaths in Sweden occur in nursing homes.

Why are there fewer deaths than expected? Dr. Anders Tegnell, Sweden’s state epidemiologist has reported that Sweden is approaching something the medical community calls herd immunity (or community immunity).1 This is a condition where so many in Sweden have built up resistance to COVID-19 that the threat is reduced. Herd immunity applies to diseases that are contagious (such as COVID-19). Scientists are discovering—via finding antibodies to COVID-19—that a portion of the population may have already been exposed to this deadly virus. These individuals may have exhibited only mild or no conditions and have become immune, although the duration of this immunity is unknown.

This pandemic is fluid and researchers are only beginning to understand the insidious nature of this killer. There is no cure yet, and a vaccine is at least 18 months away. However, we can be thankful that the best and brightest of the medical community are working nonstop to check the spread and cure this viral disease. We ultimately look to God during these challenging times. He is in control.2

References
1. Hirneisen, M. Top Swedish official: Virus rates easing up despite loose rules. Posted on washingtontimes.com April 15, 2020, accessed April 17.
2. Psalm 56:3.

*Mr. Sherwin is Research Associate is at ICR. He earned his master’s in zoology from the University of Northern Colorado.
The Latest
CREATION PODCAST
Homo Naledi: The Lies Behind Evolution's Rising Star | The Creation...
Homo naledi, once evolution's 'rising star,' was considered to be a prime example of human evolution. But is it really proof? Or...

NEWS
A Subsurface Ocean on Mimas?
Scientists have analyzed data obtained from the Cassini spacecraft and concluded that irregularities in the orbit of Saturn’s moon Mimas indicate...

NEWS
In Theaters March 20 & 21: The Ark and the Darkness
Is Genesis true? What about Noah’s Flood? How did Noah fit the animals on the ark? Wasn’t it a local flood? Have you asked these questions? Though...

NEWS
Enigmatic Fossil Plants
The pre-Flood world thousands of years ago was unlike the world of today.1 Unfamiliar animals and plants were common, and there were a lot...

NEWS
Surprisingly Colorful Fossil Snail Shells
Finding organic compounds such as flexible dinosaur collagen and complete bone cells1,2 is becoming common, much to the shock and consternation...

NEWS
March 2024 ICR Wallpaper
"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said." (Matthew 28:6 NKJV) ICR March 2024 wallpaper is now available for mobile, tablet,...

CREATION PODCAST
Homo Erectus: The Shocking Truth About the "Ape Man"...
Homo erectus, or "Upright Man," has been upheld as a piece of mankind's "evolutionary history" since its discovery in 1891....

NEWS
Mystery of Moths' Warning Sound
Insects of all types continue to amaze entomologists with their design and physiology. Cleveland Hickman, Jr., et al. stated, “insect ears are...

NEWS
Geneticist Fired for Affirming Humans Once Lived 900 Years?
Geneticist Alexander Kudryavtsev, the head of the Russian Academy of Science’s Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, has been fired, reportedly...

ACTS & FACTS
Creation Kids: Solar Eclipses
Designed by Susan Windsor* You're never too young to be a creation scientist and explore our Creator's world. Kids, discover fun facts...