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Published on: Apr 19, 2020
3 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

What Is Herd Immunity With Respect To Covid19 ?

Herd immunity: the basics

Many countries have been in lockdown for over a month, and some have tried to begin the discussion of an exit strategy. We know that remaining in lockdown continuously is not a feasible strategy, as many people have been suffering economic consequences from the stringent lockdown measures, and many countries have been providing significant monetary and fiscal support for people and businesses at risk. But leaving lockdown too early has its own consequences.

Almost all public health professionals will agree that the lockdown has been able to significantly reduce infection rates and reduce the pressure on our healthcare systems. By taking this early victory and prematurely ending lockdown we risk another wave of infections, reintroducing lockdown, and having an overall negative effect on the general health of the populous.

So what can we do? One exit strategy that has been touted recently is herd immunity. To understand how to may work for COVID we must understand what epidemiologists mean by herd immunity.

IMMUNITY

Our body’s immune system fights against invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses. For a more in-depth discussion you can have a look at previous blogs on Vaccines and Boosting the Immune system. The immune system is very competent and has mechanisms to theoretically recognise any protein tags that do not belong to that person’s cells, even protein tags that do not currently exist in nature. This gives the immune system the ability to theoretically recognise nearly any invading organism that has existed or will ever exist.

The immune system goes beyond this as well and produces “memory cells”. These remain in the blood after an infection for a long time; in some cases, it can even be lifelong. When a second infection occurs from the same organism the immune system jumps into action and is able to produce antibodies against the invader almost immediately. This can neutralise the invader before it has a chance to replicate, cause severe symptoms and harm the body. Sometimes we never realise we have been infected as the infection never gets a chance to cause any damage.

Importantly, if the invader cannot replicate in our body, then its ability to spread to other people is also reduced. For example, respiratory viruses can rapidly replicate in our lungs and be transmitted when we cough or sneeze. By eliminating the virus before it can replicate extensively the number of viral particles in each cough and sneeze is reduced, reducing the chances of another person catching the infection.

This is the basis of how vaccines work and is covered in depth in the two part blog.

HERD IMMUNITY

If our immune system is so competent, why do we need to worry about infections at all? Surely we can all get infected and gain immunity. In an ideal world where everyone was healthy this may be true. But there are many people who do not have fully functioning immune systems. These people are immunocompromised and can be for many reasons.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer destroys rapidly dividing cells such as cancer cells. Unfortunately, it also hits other dividing cells, such as hair follicles, gut lining and the bone marrow, which produce the white blood cells that give us immunity. Chemotherapy patients are very susceptible to even the mildest of infections. Even if a mild infection is suspected, they are treated aggressively with antibiotics, as their lowered immune systems can become overwhelmed very quickly.
Sometimes doctors advise patients to take medication that purposefully dampens the immune system. This is necessary for transplant patients, where the host immune system attacks the donor organ as it does not belong to the host, or in autoimmune disorders, where the immune system attacks the host by mistakenly recognising it as an “invader”.
Taking steroids long term has a similar effect, and is used quite commonly for skin disorders, asthma, COPD, and other inflammatory conditions.
People with various chronic illnesses can have reduced immunity as a result of the illness. High sugar levels associated with poorly controlled diabetes can cause worsening organ function, including the immune system. These patients are more susceptible to infections.
Finally, some people do not have fully functioning or welldeveloped immune systems for a variety of reasons, inherited or acquired. As we get older, the immune system function decreases, and simple infections can be devastating.

In all of these cases the ability to recognise invading organisms, destroy them and form immunity is hampered. Vaccination, one way of inducing immunity without causing the person to suffer from a full-blown infection, can also be ineffective in these patients, and some vaccines can be dangerous if used incorrectly. So how do we protect these vulnerable patients?

HERD IMMUNITY

This is where we go back to the earlier point. Immunity in healthy people can reduce or even prevent the spread of infection from one person to another. The number of healthy people outnumber the number of vulnerable, immunocompromised ones. Therefore, if we induce immunity in most people, the infection will simply not spread to the vulnerable ones. We don’t have to immunise everyone, just enough to prevent transmission. This is called herd immunity. This is why we immunise everyone with flu vaccines even those that are healthy and will survive a full blown infection. Because by preventing these people from inadvertently spreading the flu, they will protect those that we cannot immunise.

Does herd immunity work? For most other diseases, yes. It depends on how the disease is spread, and how infective it is. For measles, you need to immunise 19 out of 20 people to achieve herd immunity, because it is so infective. But once herd immunity was achieved death rates were drastically reduced. With the advent of anti-vaccine campaigns, particularly against MMR, this herd immunity has been lost, and many vulnerable children (and adults) who do not have fully functioning immune systems are now contracting this virus and dying from a preventable disease.

It can be achieved for pandemics as well. Norway was able to achieve partial herd immunity to H1N1 (swine flu) through a vaccination program and natural immunity. Vaccines are the best method for achieving herd immunity without extremely high death rates. We have already covered the issues with making a vaccine, and why it takes such a long time, in our previous blog

From reading this blog you should now have an understanding of what herd immunity is, and why it is important in protecting those that are vulnerable to infections. In our next blog we will look at why herd immunity may not be the solution for COVID-19.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, UK, Chief Product Officer, Second Medic Inc

www.secondmedic.com

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Virtual Cooking Class with a Dietitian: Why It’s a Powerful Corporate Wellness Benefit

Corporate wellness programs in India are undergoing a meaningful transformation. What once revolved primarily around annual health checkups and gym memberships is now shifting toward sustainable lifestyle-based interventions. Among these, the virtual cooking class with a dietitian has emerged as one of the most practical and high-impact wellness initiatives for modern workplaces.

Poor dietary habits are a leading contributor to lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and heart disease. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), a significant proportion of India’s working population consumes excess refined carbohydrates, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while falling short on protein, fibre, and essential micronutrients.

For corporate wellness initiatives to create lasting impact, they must move beyond awareness and actively support behaviour change. Dietitian-led virtual cooking classes address this gap by turning nutritional knowledge into daily practice.

Why Nutrition Is a Critical Corporate Wellness Priority

1. Rising lifestyle disease burden among employees

ICMR data highlights the growing health challenge within India’s workforce:

Over 100 million Indians live with diabetes
Nearly one in four adults has hypertension
Obesity rates are rising even among younger professionals

These conditions directly affect productivity, absenteeism, insurance claims, and long-term healthcare costs.

2. Desk-bound and remote work culture

Sedentary routines, irregular meal timings, and reliance on processed or convenience foods have become common in corporate environments, especially with hybrid and remote work models.

3. Knowledge does not translate into action

Many employees are aware of what constitutes healthy eating but struggle to apply this knowledge in everyday cooking. Virtual cooking classes bridge this gap by offering hands-on, real-world guidance.

What Is a Virtual Cooking Class with a Dietitian?

A virtual cooking class with a dietitian is an interactive online session led by a qualified nutrition professional who:

Demonstrates healthy, practical recipes
Explains ingredient choices and substitutions
Teaches portion control and meal balance
Addresses common dietary myths
Answers real-time participant questions

Unlike generic cooking shows or wellness webinars, these sessions are evidence-based and aligned with preventive health goals. They are designed specifically for corporate audiences, ensuring simplicity, cultural relevance, and scalability.

Why Virtual Cooking Classes Work Better Than Traditional Nutrition Talks

1. Practical skill-building

Employees learn how to:

Plan balanced meals
Cook quick, healthy dishes
Reduce excess sugar, salt, and oil
Read food labels with confidence

Skill-based learning leads to stronger habit formation than passive education.

2. Higher engagement and participation

Interactive cooking sessions are:

More engaging than lecture-style talks
Suitable for virtual and hybrid teams
Inclusive across age groups and roles

Participants actively cook, ask questions, and engage rather than passively listening.

3. Cultural relevance

Dietitians tailor recipes to Indian food habits, regional preferences, and household realities, making healthy eating feel practical and sustainable rather than restrictive.

Key Benefits for Employees

Improved daily nutrition

Employees gain confidence in preparing balanced, nourishing meals at home.

Better energy and focus

Stable blood sugar levels and improved nutrient intake support sustained energy and mental clarity during work hours.

Reduced lifestyle disease risk

WHO and Lancet research confirms that dietary improvements significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Stress reduction

Cooking itself can be therapeutic, contributing positively to mental wellbeing.

Family-wide impact

Healthy habits learned by employees often influence household food choices, extending benefits beyond the workplace.

Why Employers Benefit from Virtual Cooking Classes

1. Reduced absenteeism

Healthier employees tend to experience fewer illness-related absences.

2. Improved productivity

Better nutrition supports cognitive performance, stamina, and focus.

3. Lower long-term healthcare costs

Preventive nutrition initiatives reduce the burden of chronic disease-related claims.

4. Stronger wellness culture

Interactive and practical programs demonstrate genuine employer commitment to employee wellbeing.

5. High return on investment

Compared to large-scale medical interventions, virtual cooking classes are cost-effective, scalable, and easy to implement.

EY–FICCI corporate wellness reports consistently show that nutrition-focused preventive programs deliver higher engagement and long-term impact.

Topics Commonly Covered in Corporate Cooking Classes

Balanced Indian meals
Focus on protein, fibre, and micronutrient adequacy
Quick workday recipes
Healthy meals prepared in under 30 minutes
Disease-preventive diets
Heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly, and weight-conscious cooking
Smart ingredient swaps
Replacing refined grains, excess oil, and added sugar
Portion control techniques
Understanding serving sizes without calorie obsession
Reading food labels
Identifying hidden sugar, sodium, and trans fats

How Virtual Cooking Classes Support Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on addressing risk factors before disease develops, and nutrition plays a central role in this approach.

According to WHO and NITI Aayog:

Dietary modification is among the most cost-effective preventive strategies
Workplace interventions significantly influence adult eating habits

Virtual cooking classes help:

Reinforce preventive screening insights
Support chronic disease management
Improve adherence to dietitian recommendations

Role of AI-Guided Insights in Corporate Nutrition Programs

Modern wellness programs increasingly use data-driven tools to strengthen impact. AI-enabled health insights can:

Identify common nutritional gaps across employee populations
Personalise dietary recommendations
Support dietitians with evidence-based insights
Track long-term wellness outcomes

This ensures cooking sessions are aligned with real employee health needs rather than generic advice.

Why Virtual Delivery Works Best for Corporates

Easy scalability across multiple locations
No physical infrastructure required
Ideal for remote and hybrid teams
Flexible scheduling
Consistent quality delivery

Virtual formats ensure uniform wellness experiences regardless of employee location.

Long-Term Impact on Corporate Wellness

Organisations that consistently implement nutrition-focused wellness initiatives observe:

Higher employee engagement
Improved biometric health indicators
Reduced burnout
Stronger employer branding

Lancet workplace health studies indicate that nutrition-based interventions show measurable benefits within 6–12 months.

Conclusion

A virtual cooking class with a dietitian is more than a wellness activity—it is a powerful preventive health intervention. By equipping employees with practical nutrition skills, these sessions drive meaningful behaviour change, reduce lifestyle disease risk, and support long-term wellbeing. For organisations seeking impactful, scalable, and evidence-based corporate wellness solutions, dietitian-led virtual cooking classes represent a forward-thinking investment in workforce health.

References

ICMR – Dietary Patterns and Lifestyle Disease Prevention Reports
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Nutrition and Metabolic Health Data
NITI Aayog – Workplace Wellness and Preventive Healthcare Reports
WHO – Diet, Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention Guidelines
Lancet – Workplace Nutrition Interventions and Health Outcomes
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Studies
Statista – Corporate Wellness Program Trends in India

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