My family went out to eat last night. We maintained proper distances.

Before we ate, I admonished my son. He was touching everything.

After doing the hand sanitizer thing, it dawned on me that even following the basic rules was a mistake. Which leads me to this unfortunate truth:

We’re ALL going to get this thing.

Or the more discomforting truth: We all NEED to get this thing.

We’re delaying the inevitable. We’re changing the norms of society and settling for less than the world we want.

What I’m talking about is something we need to consider collectively.

You’ve heard the term “herd immunity.” That’s the goal when battling any virus.

94% or more of the population must have antibodies to overcome any viral threat.

This is accomplished 1 of 2 ways:

1) The virus passes through society

2) There is a vaccine. Even the best hopes for a vaccine are by the end of the year if one is ever developed at all.

Historically, the development of vaccines is lower than a 50/50 success rate. The odds are that we won’t develop one.

There’s no vaccine for HIV and it’s been 30+ years. Even with flu shots, 40,000 to 60,000 people die every year. Measles requires 2 shots for a 98% protection level.

The alternative is the same as the flu or other viruses. It has to make its rounds until there are enough people with antibodies that the virus has nowhere left to go.

We’re told to wear masks and distance ourselves to protect the vulnerable.

Developing antibodies is how the vulnerable are protected by “herd” immunity.

The vulnerable are protected by being around people who have antibodies, almost like a protective shield or immunity buffer.

A doctor told me it is possible to acquire antibodies without getting a virus.

We all need to get this thing. I know that’s an unpleasant thought, and I don’t say it flippantly. I don’t want the corona virus any more than I want the flu each year. But for most of us it’s not a life or death situation.

If we have strong immune systems, the virus may have little to no impact at all.

My wife has me taking vitamins and supplements every morning. I take so many I’ve considered downing them for breakfast.

The alternative is waiting for a vaccine that history tells us is unlikely to ever come.

I’m not talking about the need to restart the economy. That’s a given.

I’m talking about flattening 1 curve while spiking many others that are being neglected or untreated. Poverty. Domestic and child abuse. Suicide. Depression. Lack of education and food for those who need it.

I’m done trying to avoid this. I’m only delaying the inevitable. I’m going to take one for the team and count on my immune system to do what it’s supposed to do.

Cliff Springs is CEO of Genesis Studios in Cayce. This originally appeared on David Tanner’s MidlandsDaily.com