Viruses are pathogenic particles containing genetic material known as the core, which is surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid. They are metabolically inert nature because they lack the enzymatic machinery, which is necessary for the production of viral proteins. It compels them to live, reproduce, and survive only inside the host body. They are tiny in size ranging from 20 to 300 nm and can only be studied through an electron microscope. Broadly they are categorized into two types based on their genome, either DNA viruses or RNA viruses. Since viruses are infectious and are involved in causing several diseases in living organisms, scientists are doing extensive research to understand all aspects, including their structure, classification, evolution, and interaction with host organisms for their survival through disease causation. Viruses have been studied under the field of biological sciences termed as ‘Virology.’ The following are some of the top researches on viruses.
Coronavirus
Firstly, the biggest problem that the whole world is facing nowadays is COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists have been working continuously in laboratories to find an efficient and effective vaccine against the Coronavirus. Recently, genetic sequencing on viral samples of Italian patients has been performed by two groups of scientists from the National Institute of Infectious diseases and Forensic Division of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health in Rome and Ancona University respectively. Already sequenced sample of the virus taken from the original city of the outbreak, Wuhan, was considered as a reference genome for comparison.
Results of the comparison showed that genetic variation between two viral samples was minor with the appearance of only five new variants in the later Italian samples. Researches have revealed the slow mutation rate of the Coronavirus. Concludingly, it’s good news, especially when we are familiar with the quick rate of mutation in most of the viruses, that has always remained one of the most significant challenges during vaccine development. We are hopeful that whenever the vaccine is introduced, it will be effective broadly.
Extensive researches are being done on COVID-19. The image is an illustration of the novel Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, Aylin Woodward Mar 26, 2020.
Herpes simplex virus type 1
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) affects 80% of young adults throughout the world. Its symptoms include mainly cold sore and, in some cases, encephalitis. Inflammation in the brain can become fatal if it remains untreated. Virologists from two of the Chinese universities have infected mice and human nerve cell lines with HSV-1 for in-vitro experimentation. High expression of Egr1 cellular protein was observed in both cell lines and brains of mice that were infected earlier. When the levels of Egr1 protein was decreased by using different methods, it reduced the number of mice deaths by decreasing encephalitis condition and viral load. The blockage of this particular protein can be a new approach for preventing encephalitis during viral infection based on this research.
Simian virus 40
Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a DNA virus having the capacity to cause tumors in animals. It had been used as a model eukaryotic virus for studying DNA replication and transcription processes. It attaches itself to lipids instead of binding to a protein receptor in the plasma membrane of the host. After understanding their way of interaction with the host, virologists discovered their unique behavior of using fats as a source for communication. The virus creates connections with a huge number of fat molecules, which causes a change in the shape of the host’s plasma membrane. This deformation favors endocytosis of virus molecule through vesicle formation that buds off inside the cell favoring its entry. The deformed membrane holds the virus tightly in such a way that there remains hardly any space between them. In this way, it ables to exert a strong force on the host’s membrane without seeking help from any of the cellular proteins.
The figure below shows the entry of the virus through its binding to the host cell receptor on the plasma membrane called ganglioside GM1. This event triggers the formation of an endosome that leads the virus towards endoplasmic reticulum from where it breaches the membrane to release itself into the cytoplasm. It further moves to the nucleus and releases its genome. Then it starts using host machinery for the production of its genome and causes infection ultimately.
One of the top researches includes work on SV40. The image shows entry of the virus through its binding to the host cell receptor on the plasma membrane.
Hepatitis C virus
As we all know, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes hepatitis C that leads to liver infection. It results in liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in case of chronic infection. Global numbers can assess the severity of a disease according to which it affects 1% of the population per year. The HCV diagnosis method used currently involves two stages. The first step is to find specific HCV antibodies, and the second step requires a PCR1 assay for the detection of the presence of the viral RNA in the blood that confirms chronic infection. The major problem is its early diagnosis in some asymptomatic patients with traditional screening methods that are limited and expensive in developing countries.
According to the researches of 2018, a team of scientists developed a less costly assay in collaboration with the company ‘Genedrive.’ This new device allows PCR to be performed, enabling the necessary completion of 40 cycles more quickly than in a conventional platform. The analysis can be completed in approximately an hour. Assay’s performance and authenticity were checked in the institute of France and the National Health Service UK. Results showed 100% specificity with no false-positive results.
Shabana, an eight-year-old girl in Bajaur district, was waiting for her sisters to return from school. Unlike other young kids who used to wait for their siblings in the afternoon, this isn’t normal in any way. Girls have recently started going to schools in this part of the district. They are all full of zeal and committed to change; all are dreaming of a bright future with no handicapped. But Shabana is still stuck in her place.
She remembers when, a few years back, polio workers knocked on her gate, but her father chose not to get her vaccinated. Today she can not walk around without a wheelchair. All she does is to wait for her sisters to return from school. In a few years, her sisters will graduate and will go on with their lives. But Shabana will still be stuck there, at the gate waiting for her loved ones to return.
Doctors say that the Polio is barring Shabana to live a healthy life. Although it could have been prevented if she were given proper vaccines, and after this heart-wrenching situation, her father is now fully convinced that she should’ve been vaccinated. But this realization came at the cost of Shabana’s future.
Polio – the monster that took Shabana’s states of happiness away – is life-threatening’ condition characterized by paralysis of a part of the body, mostly in the legs but can also involve muscles of the neck, head, and diaphragm. Caused by a tiny ‘poliovirus,’ it can infect the spinal cord, cause muscle weakness, and can disable a person for life or even lead to the death of the individual. Polio is also called infantile paralysis based on its propensity to affect children. In those with muscle weakness, 5 percent of the children and 15-30 percent of the adults’ infected die.
Poliomyelitis, as it’s named in Pathology, does not exhibit symptoms in people with healthy immune systems. The only noticeable symptoms are abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, respiratory tract infections, and influenza-like illness. These are mostly ignored for being very common and trivial.
The poliovirus is an Enterovirus and possesses RNA as its genetic material. Viruses of this kind live in the gastrointestinal tract and particularly in oropharynx and intestines. It takes around 20 days for the virus to exhibit its symptoms, which is called its incubation period. Poliovirus is found in three serotypes, PV1, PV2, and PV3. Overall they produce the same symptoms, but PV1 is the most encountered form and associated with paralysis.
Vaccines and Eradication of Poliovirus
Poliovirus existed from pre-historical age but first reported in 1789 in England. In the 1900s, its outbreaks in Europe, America, and Australia caught the eyes of the world. In the 1950s, it shaped the US’ worst pandemic by killing 3,145 patients and leaving 21,269 paralyzed. Curing Polio had become the priority of all governments in the 20th century. Many scientists tried and came up with solutions to the problems.
Sabin vaccine is a weakened poliovirus vaccine that is administered orally
The two most commonly used vaccines are Sabin and Salk vaccines.
Salk vaccine is the inactivated polio vaccine that came in use in 1955 and administered via injection (IPV). Sabin vaccine, on the other hand, is a weakened poliovirus vaccine that is administered orally. These vaccines are safe in use, can effectively reduce polio cases an estimated 350,000 by 1986 and 37 by 2016. It is due to these polio vaccines that the world has successfully eradicated Polio and is now only limited to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Nigeria, too had destroyed the virus, and is now declared polio-free.
Why is Pakistan Still Unable to Eradicate Polio?
In the 1990s, Pakistan’s annual polio cases reported were about 20,000. In 2014 there were 306, 54 in 2015, 20 in 2016, and 8 in 2017. The numbers were promising, and Pakistan seemed to have won the war against this tiny monster. But in 2019, the annual cases reported sprung back to 146! This was a blow to all the vaccination efforts done by the government and respective departments. We are only three months into 2020, and 30 cases have already reported, most of which are from the provinces of KPK and Sindh. (Ref: endpolio.com.pk)
Low immunization completion is mostly due to unfavorable socioeconomic factors in addition to conflicts, such as illiteracy, poverty, and difficult access to immunization service and community health. Here we take a look at the factors involved in hindering Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate Polio.
Ineffective vaccination Campaigns
In the 1970s, Pakistan started the Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) to combat vaccine-preventable diseases. In 1980 it had immunized only 2% of the population. In 1990 it had successfully vaccinated 54% of the community, and Pakistan expected to eradicate Polio in the next few years. But the rate of immunization slowed down, and Pakistan couldn’t eradicate Polio in time. People were not getting appropriately vaccinated. The under vaccination of the population had many reasons. People were mostly uninformed about the disease and prevention. Many also considered it as an unimportant practice. Most of the time, vaccination centers would be far away; thus, people had to travel long distances to get their kids vaccinated. To solve these problems, other international organizations stepped in and urged to develop door-to-door vaccination campaigns and an intensive eradication program.
Faulty Healthcare Infrastructure
Pakistan spends only 2% of its GNP (gross national product) on healthcare that is unable to provide adequate health infrastructure and service delivery in many parts of the countries, especially northern areas that are too remote. Although these efforts enjoy financial support from foreign organizations, their efficiency is compromised by the lack of transparency. Most of Pakistan’s remote areas are already affected by natural disasters or war against terror that pushes immunization efforts to secondary places. Some EPI centers don’t even have computerized records and logbooks of their activities that further complicates the process. Proper check and balance could have kept these centers alive, and eradication of Polio would have been more manageable that way.
A young female child was displaying a deformity of her right lower extremity. Photo: CDC
Lack of Awareness/Illiteracy
Areas that have still have polio cases surfacing from are mostly those with meager literacy rates. These people don’t usually know about the disease and its severity. They don’t realize how handicapped their children can be, in case they get the disease. Government and Immunization firms first need to work on developing a sense of concern in parents. People can be easily convinced to vaccinate their kids if religious scholars are told to talk about this issue. Most of the time, the common public chooses to follow them, and this can be helpful here too!
Oral vaccine Efficacy
Mostly in remote areas, it’s hard to keep the vaccines at the optimum temperatures required for its storage due to power outages. Some of the time, human errors also harm the vaccine. These harmed vaccines that contain weakened poliovirus can cause Polio if administered to children. Such incidents can raise suspicions about the vaccine’s efficacy among the public.
Misconceptions About Polio Vaccines
Apart from rare polio cases caused by expired polio vaccines or wrong administration of the said, a large part of Pakistan’s population is also skeptical about its side effects. Infertility, body weakness, and even deaths are associated with wrongly with polio vaccines. Effective vaccination campaigns must also include clearing these misconceptions and raising awareness among the public. Parental refusals are mostly due to these misconceptions and others alike. Some even think that these vaccines contain monkey or pigs derived products. The repetitive pattern of administering vaccines is also doubted, and parents often feel that either these repeated visits are being done to ensure that the kids get sterilized, or somehow substandard vaccines were used for the first time.
Security situations
One of the most significant factors involved, especially in former FATA, is the insecurity and continuous conflict in the region. Conflicts pushed vaccination down in the priorities list, and the dispersed population in those areas were not only mostly left unvaccinated but also unaware of the disease and its consequences in the first place. Immunization efforts from 1998 to 2005 resulted in a sharp decrease in poliovirus cases, but these started rising year by year after 2006 with Taliban insurgency.
Negative Propaganda Against Polio Vaccine
The most commonly presented example is that of the CIA funded a fake hepatitis B campaign in Abbottabad. This campaign was used to trace Osama bin Laden. Most of the time, polio vaccination campaigns are associated with such spy activities too, and the vaccinators are thought of as US spies. It is saddening that vaccinators are getting shot in the streets, and the government has to provide them with security. Some people even quote fatwas against polio vaccines from so-called clerics.
These are a few of the reasons that have been hindering Pakistan’s efforts against this tiny monster. Finally, out of conflicts and focusing on rebuilding its economy, Pakistan should also focus on its healthcare and develop a wholesome policy that concentrates on vaccination and especially the eradication of Polio. Because in this age of development, we need to make our coming generations safer!
COVID-19 is caused by a new form of coronavirus. There exist many different kinds of coronavirus that are responsible for various diseases; however, this newly identified type is unique because it is contagious, which is believed to have been transmitted from animals to humans. According to revealed statistics from a research center of China in late February, there seem to be two main types of this virus –the ‘S’ type which infected about 30% of the population and emerged from animals while the second ‘L’ type is a changed form of the virus which is more robust and infected 70%.
However, research is still in progress and requires a sample of more than 150 individuals for any further investigation. This widespread virus is believed to have emerged in Wuhan city of China in a food market that brought in the notice of WHO authorities in China in late December when several patients were reported with pneumonia from an unknown virus.
Once the epidemic in China, which most countries did not consider a serious threat, is now a global threat and is not just affecting humanity very severely, it is also a pandemic for the economies of the world. In fact, the US has labeled this virus outbreak as its worst crisis after the Great depression of 1929. However, contrary, we are depressed and scared of thousands of people dying from the virus, and stable world economies are experiencing a slight recession, there are also positive vibes that require equal contemplation.
The initial epicenter of this virus outbreak was China’s city of Wuhan, where authorities at first were reluctant to acknowledge the outbreak of this epidemic. However, after realization, the steps took by China to control the outbreak are remarkable and so offer other nations the footsteps to be followed. Deputy editor of The Economist, while talking about measures by China, said, ‘Never in history had the country took such a drastic measure and applied them so rigorously.’ today, now as this pandemic is infecting other countries in the world the outbreak in China seems under control. For days there had been no reported cases of Covid-19, and the only reported cases are the imported ones upon which China has canceled all foreigners from entering its frontiers.
The only rationale to put cities with Millions of dwellers under complete lockdown was SOCIAL DISTANCING.
A LOOK into CHINA’S EFFECTIVE MEASURES
As the threat of the outbreak of new disease seemed imminent, authorities in China rushed to contain its outbreak. On January 23, it locked its city of Wuhan, and 11 million people were in complete lockdown within hours of the announcement. People were completely prohibited from entering or leaving Wuhan city, and eventually, 15 other cities were also locked down. The only rationale to put cities with Millions of dwellers under complete lockdown was SOCIAL DISTANCING.
There are only two key factors that contributed to China unlock its path to speedy recovery: First, imposing an overall Social distancing and Second, timely, and practical measures. According to China, the key to fight this disease was speed, speed, and speed.
Besides, China, we have other examples of Singapore and South Korea as well who followed China, and today they seem somewhat relieved from the virus’s threats. It is said that until there is a vaccine for the virus, the only logical approach is the Prevention from the virus and the only way you can prevent the virus is by maintaining a social or physical distance.
WHAT IS SOCIAL/PHYSICAL DISTANCING?
The term ‘social distancing’ is a widespread outcry these days you may be hearing them from politicians, celebrities, scientists, experts, etc. the word simply means that you should not come in to contact with anyone and must limit yourself to your homes and unless it’s indispensable you should stay at your homes. Whereas, if you go out for urgent or necessary work you must take precautions like wear gloves, avoid busy travel timings and above all should maintain at least 2 meters’ distance.
When involved in any sort of monetary exchange, avoid direct touching of notes, for you never know that it might be touched by an infected individual. The people who really need to practice this social distancing the most are people above the age of 70, compromised or weak immune system, pregnant women, and patients of diabetes, cancer, or Aids. But everyone needs to practice it so the spread of the virus can be stopped for good. While the benefits of this distancing also include the reduced pressure on health care units, which is very much needed.
When involved in any sort of monetary exchange, avoid direct touching of notes, for you never know that it might be touched by an infected individual.
This social distancing was also among the key measures that were taken to fight the Spanish flu in 1918.
It seems ironic to rely on such an old method for Prevention from a viral disease in such a globalized and technologically advanced world. But agree or disagree, yet this the only weapon we have to fight the disease. Although after trying to implement a policy of mitigation and avoiding severe measures like lockdown to put people at distances, many countries like UK, USA, and Italy finally came down to the administration of suppression. In mitigation, you simply put the infected patient in isolation, whereas, in the crackdown, you put everyone in isolation from everyone whether or not they are infected like in China.
While it might not seem like a potential step to fight against COVID19 or seems painful and irritating to be under imposed isolation, but it is the best way right now to deal with this pandemic. We have plenty of examples in the world right now who did not consider social distancing seriously or lockdowns in their countries as a severe warning, and today they are among some worst-hit nations by the deadly virus. One of the very first examples in Italy, then in Spain, the US, and the UK.
Italy at first seemed quite relieved of the threat and was hoping to get out this situation first in Europe. It delayed its response to the disease, and so the virus took the advantage and continued to infect the population. When the government shut down schools and education institutions, families simply went out on vacations! One can infer at least from this bit of information on how important it is to keep yourselves at home in isolation from other people and strictly follow your governments’ guidelines. If we all cooperate with our governments, we can overcome this crisis, we do not have to go through the horrors of this lethal and vicious virus.
We can look into the ongoing situation of Spain, which is expected to become the new epicenter of this virus in Europe, surpassing Italy. Spain made the same mistake as Italy. It locked down its cities and imposed strict social distancing measures to prevent the transmission of the disease when reported cases exceeded 6000+ and locked down on March 14.
Most of the politicians of the US, including President Donald Trump did not take the threat seriously, and until Trump announced a locked on March 22, the officials were still making baffling statements about the virus, and by April 2 it has 2,45,658 cases of positive covid-19 patients with more than 4000 deaths. Even now, the UK has been put under lockdown. It’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and health secretary are both tested positive of Covid-19.
We have enough cases in time around the globe to know how we can effectively deal with the pandemic & its aftermaths. Where on the one hand, we have success stories like China, Singapore, and South Korea; we also have disturbing stories of Italy, Spain, the US, and the UK. Though the virus is new and there are a lot of uncertainties regarding its treatment and precautions, one thing is clear that unless we have a vaccine for it, the only way out for us is isolation or maintain Social Distance. Because if you are apart, you’re alone.
In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, we were luckily blessed with a beautiful pink supermoon which is the third of the four supermoons for 2020! It was at a very close approach to the earth and looked mighty and breathtaking and was also brighter than usual. So, sit back and enjoy!
The alluring supermoon rises high in the skies of St. Louis. Photo by David Carson
This picture, that was captured in central Kiev, Ukraine, shows the supermoon looking as magnificent as the monument in the foreground. Photo by Reuters
The Minneapolis skyline was also graced by the spectacular phenomenon. Photo by Greg Lundgren
There are many other astronomy events coming up this month. Here is what you can expect!
Lyrids Meteor Shower
On 22 April 2020, you can witness the Lyrids meteor shower. The Lyrids is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered in 1861. The shower runs annually from April 16-25. It peaks this year on the night of the 22nd and morning of the 23rd.
Planetary Conjunctions
Planetary Conjunctions will be apparent in the skies from 14 to 15 April 2020. In astronomy, a conjunction occurs when two astronomical objects or spacecraft have either the same right ascension or the same ecliptic longitude, usually as observed from Earth. They will be as follows:
14 April – Moon and Jupiter, Moon and Mars.
15 April – Moon and Saturn conjunction.
Bright Venus
Venus will be at its brightest on 28 April 2020. Venus circles our Sun and is the second closest planet to it, at a separation of around 108 million km (67 million miles). One day on Venus is as long as 243 Earth days and Venus also rotates in reverse, with its Sun rising in the west and setting in the east.
Asteroid Flyby
Safe Flyby of asteroid (52768) 1998 OR2 – the biggest asteroid due to fly by Earth this year – is coming closest on April 29, 2020. This space rock is probably at least a mile wide (1.8 km) and maybe 2 1/2 times that big (4.1 km).
In the realm of infectious disease, a pandemic is a worst-case scenario when an epidemic spreads beyond a countries borders and causes an overwhelming threat or death toll worldwide or some major parts around the globe. The recent COVID19 outbreak shows that men still need to learn the safest battle against pandemics/viruses, and people need to know more about the viral disease.
Dr. Younas is a famous science writer credited for the numerous excellent and informative articles, published in reputable Pakistani magazines like Global Science, No Nihaal, Taleem o Tarbiyat, and others. More often then not, he writes on Biology, Chemistry, and health issues, and elaborate facts from medical science in a simplistic manner that caught the overwhelming attention of layman in Pakistan. Dr. Younas has done his MBBS from Dow Medical College Karachi and currently practicing in the Dow School of health sciences.
Dr. Younas Khan
Here, we are presenting a few excerpts of his recent conversation with Shahzaib Siddiqui, a science writer, researcher, and contributor to Scientia Pakistan.
Shahzaib: Please explain what is, first of all, a virus and whether it is living or non-living thing?
Dr. YK: Scientists are still feeling confused regarding the exact answer to this question. The virus does not fulfill the usual criteria for defining life. It does not reproduce; it has no metabolism and no protoplasm either. It is an obligate parasite, which means that it thrives on other living things only. It has a simple structure and a size varying from 10nm to 300nm. It has no organelles. It is a briefcase of protein with DNA or RNA, any one of the two, and an external envelope of lipid. This lipid is the same as butter and oil and can steal from the host.
Shahzaib: How does Coronavirus attack the cell?
Dr. YK: Well, it can’t move or fly or exhibit any other kind of locomotion. It is transferred from host to host. In the case of the Corona, it transfers via the respiratory system. It can transmit by coughing, sneezing, and even simple breathing. It is important to note that when a patient coughs or sneezes into his hands and then touches various objects like doorknobs and keyboards. It is very much possible that the virus can land on another person’s hand when the same things are touched. And we touch our mouth and face with these infected hands, yes, the virus can be transmitted. This is an ideal and classical way for the spread of Corona. That is because maintaining distance from a visibly sick person who is coughing is easy, but you never know about the things you touch in daily life.
Shahzaib: How is the virus? Can Coronavirus be upgraded or mutated?
Dr. YK: In a normal evolution process, the mutations are prevalent. Cells have repairing systems. Since this virus depends on the host cell, its mutations are never repaired. So, a new strain or family evolves. The virus may be upgraded to form a new disease or sometimes be downgraded so that it becomes useless. The chances of both are equal since it is a random mutation.
Shahzaib: Is the panic created worldwide, worth it, or merely an overreaction?
Dr. YK: It is both right and wrong. Right because the virus has a remarkable capacity to transfer between hosts, so it is dangerous. Wrong because the death rate due to it is comparatively less. Average 2 to 3 percent of patients are dying.
Shahzaib: What is the role of age and immunity in being affected?
Dr. YK: Well, anyone can be affected. As per available statistics in Pakistan, each day, more than 200 peoples are testing positive of COVID19. The disease is divided into four stages, and interestingly the first one is symptomless. The second one has mild symptoms like a cough, third is moderate while the fourth stage is severe, and fifth, the last stage is critical and life-threatening. The people above age 60 usually suffer in the critical stage.
Shahzaib: Are the countries got rid of COVID19, like China, at risk of the second infection or a kind of annual attack?
Dr.YK: Yes. As we have seen that China is now free of Coronavirus, but we should keep in mind that it was a single person who caused this pandemic and global threat. It can be spread again because people are not at all immune to it, and the world will have to be cautious for a long while. Clinically, respiratory infections will decrease in the future because people have had it inculcated in their habits to be careful now.
Shahzaib: Is it possible to make viruses in the lab? What do you think about the famous myth that Coronavirus is a biological weapon?
Dr. YK: Some misconceptions and myths are prevailing in our society. We cannot make a whole virus as that would mean synthesizing and arranging the 30 to 40 000 nucleotides that its genome is comprised of, which is not possible. Although there may be an already existing virus that has a structural similarity with it, like SARS and MERS, in this case, we have Mouse Hepatitis Virus. Its structure matches that of Corona very much. It also belongs to the family of Coronaviridae. So, if we try to do some tweak in a virus gene in the laboratory, it is possible to make a strain. But a virus cannot be made from scratch.
Shahzaib: The glycoproteins on its surface prove it to be natural. Correct?
Dr. YK: Yes, protein synthesis in labs is not possible yet.
Shahzaib: What do you think, will the ongoing pandemic end itself like MERS and SARS?
Dr. YK: The infection capability of Coronavirus is very unlikely compared to other pandemics in the history of humankind. The virus can transfer from a very minute concentration of a respiratory fluid. SARS affected 8000 people, with 700 to 800 deaths reported. On the other hand, MERS affected the Middle East only, and there were 800 to 900 deaths. Scientists are working, and hopefully, a vaccine will soon develop. After that, the virus spread could be controlled if not ultimately ends.
Shahzaib: What treatment do hospitals have for Corona patients that are not possible at home?
Dr. YK: I have discussed the five levels of COVID previously. The mild to moderate levels can be treated at home as the treatment is symptomatic, e.g., if you have a fever, take Panadol.
In severe cases, oxygen is required. Medicines and antibiotics may be required because of the chances of getting a secondary bacterial infection. The patient can go in shock. In critical cases, a ventilator is needed. So, at these two stages, going to the hospital becomes necessary.
Shahzaib: What will you say, whether taking the Steam is beneficial and how about warm drinks?
Dr. YK: Well, every educated person knows that there is no truth in this statement, and this is only a myth that is not medically confirmed so far. The virus has entered a cell and is thus protected by it. Maybe if you’re not affected yet and take Steam daily, you might not get the virus. Prevention is always better than cure.
Shahzaib: Once the virus entered the human body, how long does it take to get active? How long before the symptoms start showing?
Dr.Yk: This is called the incubation period and can vary for 2 to 14 days. This data is a month old now and already outdated. Now it seems that a mere 8 to 10 hours are also sufficient. It may exceed 14 days too. On average, 4 to 5 days, I would say.
Shahzaib: There are 20 types all over the world right now. True?
Dr. Yk: Yes, all viruses have strained, but there are only minor differences between these strains. It does not pose a barrier to making a vaccine.
In almost every science textbook, the origin of the term “vaccine” and its development is paired with the disease smallpox. The two are very closely linked with each other, and surely the disease is one of the primary reasons we have the miraculous medical phenomenon of vaccine, which saves uncountable lives every year. The story of how it all came to be is an interesting one and can be of hope in the dire times as now when we need not just one but several rays of hope to fight and get out of the crazy situation caused by the coronavirus.
So, let’s dive into the history of this disease and how keen observation by one talented physician lead to one of humankind’s greatest achievements.
Vile Beginnings
The exact origin of how smallpox came to be is not known, but it dates to thousands of years ago. Excavated Egyptian mummies that belonged to almost 3rd century BCE were found to have rashes that were similar to the patients who had the disease. Some descriptions have also been found over the course of history in India and China. Ten thousand years ago, this deadly disease, caused by one of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor, also created havoc in Africa. In 1350 B.C., the epidemic of smallpox hit the Egypt-Hittite war. It spread from prisoners to the people around and even killed the Hittite King. It continued to wreck other civilizations, aided by the extended trade routes and increased exploration during that time.
3000 year-old mummy of the Pharaoh Ramses V, shows traces of smallpox pustules on the head. (Image Credits: WHO)
The virus causes lesions across the skin and body, rashes, and scars. According to the records, almost 30% percent of the patients passed away, and many recovered. Some even had to go through the danger of losing eyesight. The incubation period of the virus usually lasts a week to a fortnight, and no apparent symptoms appear on the patient. Initially, diseased individuals developed fever and body ache, which later transitioned into rashes, which were contagious. Lesions and scar may also have fluid in the middle causing extreme discomfort to the patient. Those who successfully fought it off, had scabs that fall off, leaving low to zero chances of contagion.
Start of descent
Even though smallpox was quite a nasty disease, it did help a lot in the development of what we in the modern-day call “vaccine.” But, mind you, the process of its eradication didn’t start with vaccination. In 1022 A.D., a book called ‘The Correct Treatment of Smallpox’ mentioned using smallpox scabs taken from a recovered patient and grinding it up to give to healthy individuals. This method was proposed by a Buddhist nun who developed it after noticing that the individuals who recovered from this disease never acquired it again. This method was called “variolation” and was later used for many years after physicians would make slight changes and hone it. It didn’t really make everyone immune to the virus, but the disease development ratio decreased quite significantly.
The real success, however, is attributed to the work done by Edward Jenner. When he was 13 years old, Jenner worked as an assistant to a country surgeon in Sodbury and once heard a milkmaid claim that she will never have smallpox as she has already had cowpox and will never go through the phase of having a face marked with lesions. This was an intriguing statement for the young boy.
Edward Jenner vaccinating a child. He is considered as the ‘Father of Immunology’ for his great contributions towards vaccine development. (Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Cowpox is another type of skin infection that infects cows. The cowpox virus belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox, called Orthopoxvirus. Cowpox itself is very similar to smallpox but is a much less severe and contagious form. Jenner later analyzed the statement of the milkmaid when he became a physician himself and noted that what she said was right. When the cowpox virus infects a host different than the original one, in this case, humans, it was less virulent and not as deadly. He then decided to test if it could be used in the treatment of smallpox. So, on the historic day of May 14, 1796, he tested the fluid taken from cowpox blister of a milkmaid, Sarah Nelmes, on the skin of a young boy of eight named James Phipps. The latter developed a fever for a few days but recovered fairly soon.
Some months later, Jenner injected in the boy matter from a smallpox scar, but remarkably the boy did not develop the disease. It meant that he was now safe from it and will never possibly acquire smallpox ever again. This successful method was used for further experimentation, and the physician summarized his work in his treatise “On the Origin of Vaccine Inoculation,” hoping that it will overthrow the deadly sickness. After long discussions and reviews by the health establishment, vaccinations were finally approved. In the following centuries, the procedure was further improved, and scientists started to create new vaccines to fight other diseases such as tetanus, measles, polio, and many more.
Global efforts
Extensive vaccination programs, that we commonly hear of today, were also initiated around the world to combat health scares. Various programs such as those under the belt of the World Health Organization and regional and local governments were launched to take control over such threats and ultimately perish them with combined efforts.
A poster released by WHO in 1979, commemorating the annihilation of smallpox
World Health Organization designed and introduced a campaign in 1959 to remove the virus, but the plan received several setbacks. Over the next few years, outbreaks were still occurring, and many people were getting infected with the virus. A more organized program was initiated almost eight years later, and the labs in endemic countries were tasked to produce higher quality vaccines that they successfully delivered. Along with that widespread campaigns, improved surveillance systems and medical equipment also helped to alleviate the problem. Soon, countries across the regions of North America and Europe started to report good progress, and finally, by 1977, smallpox was annihilated.
On May 8, 1980, the world was officially declared free of this ailment by WHO and was indeed one of the biggest conquest health-wise. But the stocks of the virus are still contained in some laboratories that claim to require them for research purposes. International consensus led to reduce and limit the number of stocks and only store them in centers with tight regulations and security so as to avoid any potential use in bioterrorism. The two locations that have the official WHO licenses to handle and store it are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, and the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology (VECTOR Institute) in Koltsovo, Russia.
Lessons learned
The impact of vaccination on controlling diseases is indeed very large and can’t be explained in a few words. Diseases like malaria, polio, and measles, etc. that once threatened the lives of millions and took away many precious souls are now within our control, although some underdeveloped regions are still struggling, but the cause is more social and regional than medical. We are in a new wave with mind-blowing technologies and advancement in fields that have elevated the level of services provided and improved the overall quality of life.
With the looming threat of coronavirus, it is in our nature to be scared and intimidated, but we should not forget the achievements this same nature unlocked in previous ages and brought us to the most advanced period in history. If we work together, observe keenly, and put in our best efforts, without a doubt, we can bring this coronavirus down to its knees just like smallpox and every other epidemic in history. It is the matter of will to face it and the courage that should be kept ignited to show that WE CAN, and WE WILL crush it!
During this pandemic outbreak, as we all are frightened by the upsurge spread of coronavirus in our communities, some other viruses will soon be an alarming threat to all of us if we continue to keep an ostrich-like attitude towards them; HIV is one of them.
According to the recent reports of UNAIDS, Pakistan is ranked as the 11th country with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. According to the available data of 2018, 160,000 HIV cases had been reported, and out of these, around 110,000 were men; 48,000 women; and 5,500 children under the age of 15, having a provincial distribution of
1. Punjab – 75,000,
2. Sindh – 60,000,
3. Baluchistan – 5000,
4. KPK – 15000.
The marginalized communities are the main target of this epidemic, including sex workers, drug addicts, transgender, and homosexuals. The poverty and hunger that prevail in our society have increased the prostitution rate, forcing young girls to work as sex workers, sent to the middle east by the mafias, where they contract AIDS and then become a means for the spread of disease. Transgender people are also the victim of the devastating economy of this country that compels them to work as sex workers and contributes to 7.6% of AIDS-infected patients. Homosexuals are another target and add almost 85,000 patients of AIDS
But, unfortunately, even this statistical estimate is not compelling enough to open the eyes of authorities, urging them to break the taboos, making people take it seriously and talk about it when its annual spread has reached 20,000 patients per year. Instead of taking substantial measures to combat the spread of this detrimental disease, our federation is busy playing the blame game, making the figure of patients a dispute between provinces; that whether the highest number of AIDS patients are in Punjab or Sindh. In 1987, a National AIDS Prevention and Control Programme (NACP) was launched by the federation, with the main target of blood screening along with health promotion and HIV education activities for the general public. Still, it ended up being a total flop because of the lack of funding and proper strategy needed to run the program. No special funds are allocated for the treatment of HIV patients, and people are not even aware of this virus or about its spread. This is the root cause of why the number is effectively declining in other countries but keeps on aggravating in our country by leaps and bounds.
What is HIV?
HIV (human immune deficiency syndrome) is a virus that attacks cells of the body (CD4 cells, often called T cells) fighting against the disease, damaging the immune system, making it vulnerable to life-threatening opportunistic infections.
There is no effective cure for HIV; once you get it, you have to live with it your whole life. The only treatment for HIV is antiviral therapy (ART) that can prolong the life span, effectively make the viral load undetectable with no risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative person.
Stages of HIV
If HIV is left untreated, it progresses in stages, getting worse with time. HIV mainly has three stages
There are several stages in HIV infection. Source: NIH
Stage 1: Acute HIV infection
Being the earliest stage, it develops within 2 to 4 weeks after infection, with mild symptoms of flu, fever, headache, and rash. The level of HIV in the blood greatly increases during this stage, attacking and destroying the CD4cells of the immune system and multiplies rapidly throughout the body, increasing the risk of HIV transmission.
Stage 2: Chronic HIV infection
During chronic HIV infection (also known as symptomatic HIV infection or clinical latency), the virus spreads slowly with the patient having not any particular HIV related symptoms. People being treated with ART can remain in this stage for decades, and having an undetectable viral load makes them less to nearly non-prone to transmit the virus to an HIV-negative partner through sex. But those without ART may get AIDS in 10 years or longer depending on the progression of the disease.
Stage 3: AIDS
AIDS is the final stage of HIV, chronic; potentially life-threating infers when HIV completely damages the immune system, making the body prone to all opportunistic infections (Infections that affect the body having a weak immune system rather than having a healthy one). People having AIDS have a CD4 count of fewer than 200 cells/mm3. People diagnosed with HIV have a very high viral load, with a significant risk of transmitting it to others. The patient’s survival rate is not more than three years if left untreated.
How HIV spreads?
HIV can only be transmitted via certain body fluids from a person having a detectable viral load. These fluids include
Blood
Semen (cum) and pre-seminal fluid
Rectal fluids
Vaginal fluids
Breast milk
The fluids that have HIV get into the bloodstream of an HIV negative person via a mucous membrane (found inside the rectum, vagina, penis, and mouth.), cuts, or direct injection for transmission to occur. Major activities that lead to its transmission include unprotected sex; through sharing injecting equipment, from mother-to-baby during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding; and through contaminated blood transfusions.
How it hijacks the immune system?
“HIV is like a jack-in-the-box,” says Sriram Subramaniam, a biophysicist at the National Cancer Institute who peers at HIV with electron microscopes.
3D-Model of HIV
HIV has a round-shaped shell studded with spikes that encapsulates the genetic material of the virus. Virus’s genetic material needs to get into the cell to infect it, which requires the shell to pop open. When HIV enters the body, it bumps into the T4 cells, the primary target of HIV. T cells got finger-like projections, including one CCR5 that fixes on HIV spikes, exploits its machinery, and uses it to multiply inside the host cell.
At the initial stage, the body copes against the virus by increasing the production of CD4 cells. But when it fails to produce enough amount of CD4 cells, the amount of virus multiplies in the body to an amount that becomes uncontrollable. Then the virus destroys the patient’s immune system, making it unable to fight the infectious diseases, leading to sickness.
How to contain the spread of HIV?
As it is evident from the statics that the number of patients is snowballing every single day and if we continue to act ignorant to the threat this virus has posed on us, we will soon have to deal with an uncontrollable catastrophic situation.
But it is still not too late if especially our government shows an act of responsibility and takes some preventive measures, their vital role can prove very efficient in eradicating this virus- making it an HIV free environment for us. Some important actions the government should immediately take are
Reuse of syringes should be wholly banned instead replace them with auto-disable syringes
The government should announce an extra budget for HIV/AIDS patients along with the reservation of a fixed number of beds for these patients in every hospital.
In high schools, colleges, and universities, there should be a compulsory drug addiction test of students. All drug addicts must be screened for AIDS; those with a positive test should be sent to treatment centers.
The government should strengthen the NACP department by providing them with proper funds and keeping it under appropriate check and balance.
The special program should be launched by the government that looks after all the factors involved in the spread of this disease and takes the necessary measures needed to eliminate them from society.
Print and Electronic media should be used effectively to spread awareness of this virus among the masses.
No government can alone combat this deadly virus if each of us will not play our due part. Like polio, we cannot own another virus for the coming decades when the rest of the world has eradicated every single trace of it from there land. Pakistan is a third world country with the two-third of our population below the poverty line, we have far more severe issues to deal with, where we are not ready to face another catastrophic situation like this. It is the need of the time to take this issue seriously, take all the effective measures to prevent this virus from consuming us all wholly.
This April is going to be a great month for astronomy lovers as many amazing events will occur on the skies. Here is a sneak peek of what you can expect!
Pink Super Moon
On 8 April 2020, there will be the Pink Super moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be fully illuminated. This is also the third of four super moons for 2020. The Moon will be at its closest approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual.
Lyrids Meteor Shower
On 22 April 2020, you can witness the Lyrids meteor shower. The Lyrids is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered in 1861. The shower runs annually from April 16-25. It peaks this year on the night of the 22nd and morning of the 23rd.
Planetary Conjunctions
Planetary Conjunctions will be apparent in the skies from 14 to 15 April 2020. In astronomy, a conjunction occurs when two astronomical objects or spacecraft have either the same right ascension or the same ecliptic longitude, usually as observed from Earth. They will be as follows:
Venus will be at its brightest on 28 April 2020. Venus circles our Sun and is the second closest planet to it, at a separation of around 108 million km (67 million miles). One day on Venus is as long as 243 Earth days and Venus also rotates in reverse, with its Sun rising in the west and setting in the east.
Asteroid Flyby
Safe Flyby of asteroid (52768) 1998 OR2 – the biggest asteroid due to fly by Earth this year – is coming closest on April 29, 2020. This space rock is probably at least a mile wide (1.8 km) and maybe 2 1/2 times that big (4.1 km).
Influenza, commonly known as Flu, has a prolonged outbreak history dating back to 2,400 years ago. The first evidence of the virus was observed in 1580, started in Russia and spread through western Europe and Africa. In Rome, it killed over 8,000 and destroyed many Spanish cities.
In the 19th century, Spanish influenza was considered as one of the severe virulent illness that killed almost 40 million people around the globe as the virus spread from city to city. Some reports indicate that total deaths were near 70 million. The epidemic covers fearful stories of people dying within a few hours of getting exposure to Flu. The mortality rate was highest among the adults aging in 50 who were for unknown reasons were more sensitive towards the strains of influenza.
It started in Kanas in the early spring of 1918, spread throughout Europe in the same season. Although Flu seemed less dangerous in the summer season, Spanish Flu appeared deadly. The infections travel through towns, cities, and continents crushing their hospitals and had devastating effects in Spain till the autumn of 1918. Initially, it was thought that influenza is caused by bacteria, and there was no treatment or vaccine available. The virus affects reduced till 1920, but it keeps on circulating for decades among individuals with no proper medication; however, after a long time, scientists came across that 1918-1919 pandemic is caused by virus HINI influenza.
Decades later, a new virulent flu-type was observed in February 1957, a few signs of severe Flu was observed emerged from China. Influenza remained a yearly occurrence after the 1918 pandemic, but no new, virulent influenza type appeared until then. This Asian Flu resulted in around 2 million deaths in Asia and 70,000 deaths in the United States. In the meanwhile, Maurice Hilleman, a microbiologist, observed a large number of people affecting by a new type of virulent. He and his team studied the sample of the virus and found that people don’t have antibodies protection for this influenza, which was H2N2 type. However, certain people who survived the 1889-1890 influenza pandemic showed antibody response towards this 1957 influenza. Hilleman quickly started vaccine production by sending virus samples to manufacturers and insisting them to develop a vaccine in a short period of four months.
In winters of September 1968, the United States experienced the virus H3N2. The vaccine for this virus was formed quickly but was not quick enough as the pandemic caused 34,000 deaths in the United States. Some scientists observed that H3N2 similarity with Asian Flu protected people from the more harmful effect it may have caused.
Avian Flu, 1997, as the name indicates, caused by infected birds to humans. It aroused from Asia through H5N1 of avian Flu resulting in a massive proportion of death. The spread was inclined specifically in 2003-2004 by the end of millions and tons of poultry and waterfowls. Luckily, the virus was not contiguous but could only transfer from birds to humans, and through less interaction with birds, the proportion of spread was controlled. After the death of a large quantity of poultry flock, the threat to the virus was decreased to a more significant extent. However, the scientist suggested that this deadly viral strain could result in a severe future pandemic that could be contagious.
The human immune system which resists viruses attacks depends upon the exposure of the individual to the viruses itself or the vaccine
In March 2009, Mexico experienced a massive death toll by a Flu. Many cases were also reported in California and Texas, along with other places. The scientist with a great deal of research identified that the Flu is caused by the influenza H1N1 virus, and its origin was majorly through pigs. The individuals over the age of 65 experienced 90% of deaths and children through seasonal Flu, and 87% of deaths were caused in individuals below the age of 65 through H1N1. It was noted that the people born before 1950 showed pre-existing immunity towards the virus because the virus type H1N1 was similar to the Spanish Flu of 1918. Some scientists also predicted that it was the same Spanish Flu circulating in the environment that resulted in Novel H1N1. CDC evaluated that 42 million and 86 million cases of 2009 H1N1 appeared in the US between April 2009 and February 2010. The evidence that people hospitalized due to H1N1 were 188,000 and 389,000 and the total death toll was 8,520-17,620 approximately.
Each year, the United States experiences a severe flu season. The 2017-18 season was the deadly and 2018-19 was one of the longest than the previous flu seasons. CDC reported that 6.4 million become sick with Flu, with 55,000 hospitalizations and 2,900 deaths.it was seen that 45 states, which almost form half of the regions in each country was under the influence of influenza. During the 2019-20 CDC reported 14,000 deaths, 250,000 hospitalizations, and mere than 26 million Americans have fallen sick because of Flu. The flu vaccine 2019-20 was developed against H1N1 and H3N1 influenza with two strains that circulated in the environment and made it difficult for the researcher to decide which vaccine they had to go with for the next flu season.
The human immune system which resists viruses attacks depends upon the exposure of the individual to the viruses itself or the vaccine. The immune system store the information for any viral attack on the body, and the next time when a particular virus attacks the body, it has already developed antibodies initially, which is the natural defense system of the human body to deal with the viral infection. It is important to note that influenza viruses can quickly mutate or change rapidly, and within a few years, it develops new strains. This process is known as “antigenic drift.”
If people get exposed to a known strain of a specific virus, the body will have a pre-existing immunity in the body that protects, and the ailment will be mild. However, if a different or mutated strain attacks the human body, which won’t have the pre-existing immunity. This is called “antigenic shift,” and it causes severe widespread with serious illness. The first vaccine against influenza viruses was discovered in 1938 by Jonas Salk and Thomas Francis during World War II.
KEY FACTS ABOUT INFLUENZA (FLU)
Influenza is known as Flu, is a contagious ailment caused by influenza viruses, which mainly affect the throat, nose, and sometimes lungs. The illness caused may be small to severe or even can lead to death. There are two main types of Influenza viruses, Type A and B. Influenza A viruses can be broken down into sub-types depending on the genes that make up the surface proteins. Throughout a flu season, different types (A & amp; B) and subtypes (influenza A) of influenza circulate and cause ailments.
The common symptoms of influenza including cough, sore throat, runny and stuffy nose, fever, muscle and body ache, fatigue, headache, sometimes people also experience diarrhea and vomiting, especially in children than adults. However, it should be noted that fever is not a compulsion in the Flu. According to physicians, Flu usually spread by an infected person, coughing and sneezing or talking as it results in entering tiny droplets to others. Flu can also attack individuals by coming in contact with a surface or objects that had the influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
KEY FACTS ABOUT COMMON COLD
The common cold or simple cold is a transmissible illness reported by experts is caused by more than 200 viruses. Still, the most common one is rhinoviruses, which belong to the genus Enterovirus in the family Picornaviridae. The three species of rhinovirus A, B, and C include nearly 160 known and recognized types that differ based on their surface proteins. Common cold causes viral contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract, which mainly affects nose, throat, larynx, and sinuses are impacted. It observed that symptoms for cold appear less than two days initially, causing coughing, sore throat, runny nose sneezing, headache, and fever. Experts report that patients recover within seven to ten days or in an extreme situation for up to three weeks.
HISTORY OF COMMON COLD
The history of regular cold dates back to 1950. The symptoms and treatment for the common cold are mentioned in the Egyptians “Ebers papyrus,” which is one of the oldest medical text presents today and was written before the 16th century BCE. It was named cold Flu because of its similarity with the symptoms to individuals exposed to cold weather. It recorded that around 200 years ago, a virus causing common severe symptoms appeared in humans and initiated in birds that have crossed the specie barriers.
In the United Kingdom, the medical research council established standards cold unit in 1946, and it was the place where rhinoviruses were discovered in 1956. In the 1970s, the collective cold units explained that during incubation phase treatment with interferon of rhinovirus infection protects somehow from common cold disease, but no productive treatment was founded. In 1989, after two years, the research completed with zinc gluconate lozenges in the prophylaxis can serve as treatment of rhinovirus colds. This was considered as the only successful treatment in this virus history.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INFLUENZA (FLU) & COMMON COLD
Flu and the common cold are both respiratory ailments, but they differ in the viruses that cause them. Also, as both have similar symptoms, it is difficult or even impossible to predict for Flu and cold based on symptoms. In general, Flu has more intense symptoms and worsen than a common cold. Also, Flu can occur in any season, but cold is prominently seen in winters. However, both can be treated with antiviral drugs and proper care, such as making soups, warm clothing, heating, and insolation during winters.
The symptoms for COVID-19 usually appear within 2-14 days like fever
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLU, COLD, AND COVID-19
It is observed that Flu, common cold, and COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus, show more or less similar symptoms, but COVID-19 is more severe and intense in comparison to Flu and the common cold. The novel 2019 coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause ailment from the common cold to severe Middle East Respiratory (MERS) infections and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The COVID-19 transmits mainly through physical contact among individuals when an infected person coughs, saliva discharge, or sneezes.
The symptoms for COVID-19 usually appear within 2-14 days like fever, shortness of breath, cough, trouble in breathing, persistent pain, and pressure on the chest, bluish lips, and face. A person experiences severe chills and seizure if not reported timely to doctors and result in ventilation and ultimately cause death. The 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a new strain in the viruses type and is not identified by humans before. Its spread was causing (COVID-19) a significant threat to the world and produced approximately 27,441 till March 29, 2020.
CONCLUSION
Following steps are useful and need to follow when dealing with Flu, common cold and COVID-19:-
Regularly wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap. It will protect you from getting infected through objects and person who is already infected or sick.
Scrub your hands, wrist, between fingers, nails at least for 20-30 minutes.
If you are an adult or child, you are more susceptible to getting infected through Flu, common cold and COVID-19 or other viral infections, using disposal face are very useful as they are inexpensive and give you protection against ailments.
Get your children vaccinated against seasonal common flu strains and keep them in a home if they get infected though any viruses.
When you experience common cold, try to make soups, tea, coffees and wear warm clothes and try to keep yourself in heating rooms.
As COVID-19 is a new strain with more severe effects than Flu and common cold and also, no vaccination is available for it. So special care is required to avoid ailment. Following steps would help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 including:-
Regular hand washing with anti-bacterial soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If water and soap are not available to use sanitizer to clean your hands.
Avoid touching your face, specifically mouth area and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with the inner elbow.
Avoid crowded areas or physical contact people such as a handshake, hugs, etc.
Keep your house or objects disinfected by spraying disinfectants.
Stay at home if you are feeling unwell even if you are suffering from slight fever or cough.
Especially avoid contact with people suffering from respiratory illness, including coughing or sneezing.
If you suffer from fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, visit a hospital ASAP.
If symptoms of COVID-19 appear, self isolate and quarantine yourself and take precautions suggested by the doctor.
How is a movie released ten years ago so relatable in the current scenario? Contagion, the 2011 thriller about the fictional MEV-1 pandemic, is unsurprisingly the piece that everyone is rewatching at the moment. It might be because all the new movies are delayed, but mostly because of how the story is jaw-droppingly similar to the conditions across the globe today.
Contagion has gone viral again, its theme of rapid sweeping of a novel virus called MEV-1. The movie shows a rapid spread of the deadly virus that kills 26 million people worldwide. The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing, just like the Covid-19. Many other pandemic movies have recently been seen rising to the top again, but none has received as much renewed success as Contagion in these days. This documentary cum movie released in 2011 made by director Steven Soderbergh stars Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, and many others. It is an anxiety-inducing biological disaster horror with terrifying scientific plausibility.
Here I break down just
how realistic Contagion is, as it is based on real-world scenarios, so we can
learn the right lessons from this and hopefully avoid making the mistakes as
done by the characters in the fictional.
The film opens with a patient zero, in this case, Paltrow, as Beth Imhoff, on day two of the outbreak. In a brilliant move, the movie’s final sequence will show us day one, so with the opening sequence, the director Soderbergh and screenwriter Scott Burns are already giving a visual road map for how Contagion will be a unique epidemic-outbreak film than other less realistic movies in the genre.
The film opens with a patient zero, in this case, Paltrow, as Beth Imhoff, on day two of the outbreak
Imhoff, is shown in the beginning looking rough, sweating, coughing, and eating peanuts from the Airport bar (not a very good idea). In the sequence, Soderberg uses come clever camera work lingering on close-ups of inanimate objects, the peanuts, Beth’s card, and the touchscreen. Later in the movie, we would find out the scientific term for these i.e., “fomites”- shared surfaces where viral infections can spread from one person to another. These fomites are shark fin in the water, the invisible threat that the movie returns to, repeatedly. Real-life experts have compared the pandemic in this movie to the current Covid-19 situation and they grade the movie high for focusing on fomites. And in their review, they also point out that the turnaround time would need to be longer more than a few days for the virus to shed from Beth’s respiratory tract or saliva to be spread to anything she’s touching.
The fictional disease in Contagion is called MEV-1. Burns and Soderberg conceived it while researching the H1N1 Flu pandemic in 2009, the 2003 SARS outbreak, and many other similar diseases. They consulted with researchers like Larry Brilliant, known for his work in eradicating smallpox, Ian Lipkin, a WHO specialist, and author Laurie Garrett. These are the people who have dedicated their lives to studying real outbreak scenarios and conceiving hypothetical nightmare situations like one presented in this film. Beth dies two days later. MEV-1 moves super-fast, and that is the big part of the danger. Infected characters do not have much time after exposure to react or educate themselves, do self-quarantine, etc., before they accidentally pass it on to someone else. By comparison, Covid-19 seems to have a more extended incubation period reported as 14 days by WHO.
Another big difference appears to be the mortality rate. MEV has the mortality rate of between 20-30%, and by the end of the movie, it ends up killing twenty-six million people worldwide, which of course, is insanely high but not as high as the 50 million people who died in the 1918 Spanish Flu! The covid-19 mortality rate is still being determined, but as of March 3rd, it is mentioned to be 3.4% of reported cases. And the number will keep on fluctuating with time.
The disaster response
in Contagion is roughly accurate to the one these days. In the movie, WHO
deploys an epidemiologist Dr. Orantes to Hong Kong to try to identify its
source; meanwhile, the CDC deploys CIS officer, Dr. Mears, to the cluster
region in Minneapolis and to try to contain it. While all this happens, more
terms are thrown to help the audience understand this disease. Dr. Mears
explains how one sick person is likely to infect others, R0 (reproductive rate
of the virus). In the movie, this value is two and later jumps to four. The
value for covid-19 is estimated at approximately 2.5, and again, that doesn’t
make it deadlier; it is just a lot more infectious than the seasonal flu that
comes every year.
The movie also
introduces the CDC scientist Dr. Hextall who breaks down the MEV in the form of
colors. She explains that the sequence of the virus contains both bat and pig
sequences. The final scene of the film reveals the near accidental day one
event. It shows Beth’s mining company, which deforests a jungle and displaces
some bats that eat bananas. A banana chunk drops in a pigpen, a pig eats a
banana and ends up in the kitchen. And from one thing to the next, the chef
touches pig’s mouth, doesn’t wash his hands, affects Beth, and Beth becomes a
deadly carrier. And if you are having a hard time understanding the need for
social distancing, you must get it now why it is being recommended around the
world.
The disaster response in Contagion is roughly accurate to the one these days
The science in the movie is mostly accurate, which is something to be appreciated as most of the movies don’t really consider that. Another notable research by Burns is on ecotones. Humans invade remote areas and expose the food chain to microbes, and their immune systems aren’t biologically prepared. Covid-19 stems from a family of beta Coronaviruses that all have their origins in bats.
Returning to the story, Dr. Hextall knows that for developing a vaccine, it’ll take months and months to reach human trials and FDA approval. This pushed her to take an enormous risk, and she ends up testing a vaccine strain on herself. Luckily it worked! This particular moment is an homage to physician Barry Marshall who inoculated himself with Helicobacter pylori to prove it was the cause of gastric ulcers. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2005 for his heroic contribution.
The genius of
Contagion is the way it tackles the crisis with a large team of people working
in various fields. Disease outbreaks make a community of specialists work
together while the rest of us are obliged to listen to them and to abstain from
freaking out too much.
The characters of this
film are super smart; they make a lot of great heroic decisions. However, there
are also occasional bad decisions, and the least heroic among them is Allen
Crum Weedy, a social media influencer. He first breaks the footage of an early
infected person and uses his following to spread conspiracy theories and pedals
snake oil cures like the homeopathic treatment called Forsythia. Misinformation
spread by people like Crum Weedy is the true Contagion of Contagion. Indeed,
nothing spreads like fear.
So, folks, these disease outbreaks are messy, and a bit scary. The looting of grocery stores and pharmacies in the movie may echo what we today are seeing at checkout lines. This is just the way we humans react when we’re afraid. But Contagion is a cautionary tale to take advice from sources beyond social media like CDC and WHO and other authorities because those people are more than just a bunch of nerds risking their lives to keep us safe and healthy. They are recommending 20 seconds hand washes, no face touching and social distancing that should be good enough for us. And if we don’t want to end up like those who suffered in the movie, we better listen and act now!
Note: For up to date current situations, kindly consult the CDC and WHO website.
