Opinion | Covid-19 and the slum paradox
Summary
Despite limited feasibility of preventative measures in slum areas, Covid-19 infection in these communities showed mild symptoms and low severity, raising questions about underlying protective factors.
Key Points
- Covid-19 infection in slum areas showed unexpectedly low severity despite high infection rates.
- Possible protective factors include previous exposure to common human coronaviruses and interference from co-infections.
- Limited evidence exists on the role of pathogen interactions in disease severity in slums.
- Understanding these mechanisms can aid in predicting outcomes of future pandemics in vulnerable communities.
