Covid-19

Coronaviruses are Viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, they cause respiratory infections ranging from mild (like some common colds) to lethal (such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19). Preventive measures include vaccination, wearing masks during high transmission, maintaining 6 feet distance, frequent handwashing, and avoiding sick people.

What Is COVID-19 – by Healthwise

COVID-19: What Happens If You Get Coronavirus?

Facts & Figures

“The world now has no choice but to count on science.”
– Jacques Fellay

Origins of (Corona-)Viruses

Coronviruses were first discovered in the 1930s when an acute respiratory infection of domesticated chickens was shown to be caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). In the 1940s, two more animal coronaviruses, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), were isolated.

Human coronaviruses were discovered in the 1960s. The earliest ones studied were from human patients with the common cold, which were later named human coronavirus 229E and human coronavirus OC43. Other human coronaviruses have since been identified, including SARS-CoV in 2003, HCoV NL63 in 2004, HKU1 in 2005, MERS-CoV in 2012 and SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Most of these have involved serious respiratory tract infections.

The Social History of Viruses describes the influence of viruses and viral infections on human history. Symptoms in other species vary: in chickens, they cause an upper respiratory tract disease, while in cows and pigs they cause diarrhea. There are yet to be vaccines or antiviral drugs to prevent or treat human coronavirus infections.

New Variants of COVID-19

As the world continues to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, new variants are emerging that are raising questions and concerns. These new versions of the virus exhibit changes in their genetic makeup, which can potentially impact transmissibility and vaccine efficacy. Staying informed about these developments is crucial for public health and individual safety.

Viruses, including COVID-19, mutate over time. New variants arise due to the natural process of evolution, driven by factors such as increased transmission rates and selective pressures from vaccinations. Understanding the biology behind these mutations can help the public grasp why health organizations are monitoring these changes closely. The new strains may not only spread more easily but can also evade immunity in some cases, sparking public health responses worldwide.

The emergence of new variants has significant implications for public health policies and vaccination strategies. Health officials are continually assessing the effectiveness of existing vaccines against newer strains. While many vaccines have shown robust responses to earlier variants, the adaptability of the virus means that boosters and modifications might be necessary. Staying updated with credible sources and following public health guidelines remains essential as the situation evolves.

“The world now has no choice but to count on the media and the Government.”
– Eric Roth

How To Respond?

Novak Djokovic breaks silence over Covid vaccine refusal – BBC News

In the ever-twisting saga of the coronavirus, it seems like every day is a new chapter in a very long, very confusing textbook. But fear not! We’re here to provide a whimsical walkthrough for the pandemic playbook.

A tongue-in-cheek guide to staying safe and sane in these ‘unprecedented times’. Remember, laughter might not be the best medicine, but it sure does make the medicine go down easier. Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep that humor up – it’s the one thing the virus can’t take away from you! For more serious guidance, check out the CDC or WHO websites. They’ve got the facts, we’ve just got the funnies.

Firstly, let’s talk vaccines. They’re like the software updates for your body, except they don’t require you to restart and you can’t put them off until tomorrow. Getting vaccinated is like joining an exclusive club where the entry fee is a tiny poke and the membership benefits include a significantly lower chance of becoming a hospital’s guest of honor.
Now, masks. Think of them as your personal air filter, turning the world into a no-smog zone. They come in all shapes and sizes, and if you wear them right, you’ll score points in the game of ‘Not Catching COVID’. Remember, over the nose and under the chin – it’s not a chin guard, a neck warmer, or a headband.
Handwashing is the next level in this game. It’s like that 20-second solo dance party in the bathroom. Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice, and voilà, you’re not only a year older but also a germ-fighting superhero.
Social distancing? More like a personal space enhancer. Imagine everyone is in their own little bubble. It’s not rude, it’s just a way to keep the cooties at bay. Plus, you finally have a legitimate reason to avoid that awkward hug from your neighbor.
And lastly, if you’re feeling under the weather, stay home. Think of it as an impromptu vacation where the dress code is pajamas, and the activities include binge-watching and becoming a professional couch potato.

How we must respond to the coronavirus | Bill Gates

WHO preparedness & response (strategy & planning)

The Life After

Covid-19: Why your life will never be the same again – by The Economist

The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed our lives in profound ways. From social interactions to professional environments, everything has been affected. As the world starts to recover, we find ourselves contemplating what life looks like in this new landscape. Shifts in communication, changes in work habits, and altered routines are just a few aspects that showcase the enduring impact of the pandemic.

Life after Covid-19 invites us to embrace new habits that have emerged during lockdowns. Many individuals have adopted remote work models, which offer flexibility and eliminate long commutes.

This transition encourages a re-evaluation of work-life balance. Health and wellness have also taken center stage, with many prioritizing physical fitness and mental well-being. These new routines are not just temporary; they are likely to shape our future.

“For fear of dying we forget to live.”
– Eric Roth

As restrictions ease, rebuilding social connections may become a priority for many. Covid-19 has changed how we interact, making virtual gatherings commonplace. In-person meetings and outings now carry a new sense of significance. It’s crucial to approach socializing with consideration and empathy, recognizing that not everyone may feel comfortable returning to pre-pandemic norms. Open dialogue about expectations and comfort levels will facilitate smoother reintegration into society.