COVID-19 is still among us. Be sure to stay abreast of the latest variants and booster shots that are available in your area on a continuous basis.
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Mutation Overview
A mutation refers to a change in a virus’s genome (genetic code). For the sars-cov-2 family of viruses, it is a change in the virus’s RNA code that results in the different variants we have heard about, and many have been infected with.
Why are the Mutations in the New Variant a Cause of Concern?
With the sudden surge in the number of new cases in Europe followed by the emergence of the new variant, Omicron, there is a rising concern about when the pandemic will end and for how long people have to live in fear with COVID-19.
The new variant, Omicron, is the first variant of concern that was added to the list by the World Health Organization based on the presence of several mutations, including the mutations with the spike protein. Due to its heavily mutated spike protein, it is believed that the new variant likely has increased transmissibility, causes more severe infection, and may be more challenging to diagnose and/or treat.
However, since there is limited information, one cannot predict how the new variant will behave in the future. Until we figure out more about the spike protein of Omicron, it is best to get complete immunization and booster doses if you are eligible. Moreover, with the holiday season right around the corner, don’t forget to take care of the COVID-19 safety protocols and keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy.
Beyond Omicron
As the world was struggling with the pandemic in early 2020, several evolutionary biologists predict that the SARS-CoV-2 is there to stay like several other coronaviruses that cause mild cold and flu and have been circulating in humans for decades.
The rapid increase in cases of Omicron in South Africa suggests that the new variant may have the edge over the previous variants, including the Delta variant. The spread of the new variant may be primarily related to its enhanced ability to infect people who have been previously infected by the coronavirus or have received immunization.
Keeping your hands clean with soap or sanitizer is one of the best protections against spreading the COVID-19 virus.
While what we know about Omicron is still blurry, and it will take some time before we learn more about its properties, it is critical to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols. This includes getting booster shots if you are eligible in order to stay safe and protect against the new coronavirus variant, as well as washing your hands frequently.
Conclusion
Mutations are changes in the RNA or DNA sequence of a cell. When the number of mutations reaches a certain level, the virus is designated as a new ‘species’ of the virus and is labeled as a new variant. In this case, the Omicron variant is the latest strain discovered. The spike protein in this variant (as well as all variants) is where the mutations reside. The more mutations, the more concern there is over how well the antibodies can block the protein’s S1 subunit’s ability to attach to the healthy cells.
Rendering of the coronavirus with spike proteins showing. Photo by CDC from Pexels
At this point, why should we discuss the coronavirus if we don’t know what it is or more generally, what a virus is, so let’s dive right in and get the answer to this!
What is a Virus?
A virus is not a cell. Cells refer to living organisms, but viruses are not alive. And since they are not living entities, they are parasites that must live within a host to perform their functions. So when we refer to these entities, we will always refer to them as a virus and not as a cell. Now, let’s break down the structure of a virus.
A virus contains a genetic code, called RNA (Ribonucleic acid). RNA is similar to DNA but it contains only one single strand, and it is this code that contains the message to produce proteins that creates the virus. These proteins are called nucleoproteins, which give the virus their structure as well as enable them to replicate.
The RNA contains a blueprint for developing nucleoproteins. When it attacks a healthy cell, it will send in information to that cell to mutate it.
Surrounding the virus is the viral envelope. It protects the genetic code that is within the virus and sets an anchor for its proteins to infect the healthy cells.
Specifics of the COVID-19 Virus
For the coronavirus, spike proteins protrude out from the envelope’s anchor and act as grappling hooks that grab onto the healthy cells and inject the virus’s proteins. The spikes closely resemble a crown, which gives the virus its name “corona” and means “crown” in Latin.
Given the insights so far, researchers have identified hundreds of coronaviruses. However, only seven of them can infect humans and cause disease.
For decades, coronaviruses have continued to infect humans, such as SARS, and MERS, which infect and damage the lungs. On the other hand, there are four coronaviruses that remain highly contagious -causing infections that lead to common cold symptoms and worse.
The seventh coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes the COVID-19 disease is slightly different as it contains the features of all six coronaviruses. It is highly contagious, fast-spreading, and causes symptoms like the common cold; however, this same virus can infect and damage the lungs. Hence, the seventh coronavirus that has infected humans is of the utmost concern to researchers and healthcare practitioners worldwide.
Given its nature and that the viruses are constantly changing, the mutations in SARS-CoV-2 are critical to researchers. Here we take a closer look at how and why viruses mutate and why the mutation of SARS-CoV-2 is a major concern for global authorities.
The Evolution of Viruses
As a rule, viruses are constantly changing. They replicate and evolve within the host. However, it is important to understand how RNA viruses behave for a better understanding of how viral mutations work.
How do RNA Viruses Behave?
There are two types of viruses:
RNA viruses, and
DNA viruses.
RNA viruses tend to be smaller and have fewer genes, making it easier for them to affect several hosts and replicate quickly within their host. On the other hand, DNA viruses are larger than RNA viruses and have a complicated replication mechanism. At the same time, RNA viruses can replicate easily and quickly. Given its speed and nature of replication, when RNA viruses replicate, there is always a potential mistake that can cause changes in the structure of the virus. These mistakes, also known as mutations, lead to variations in the structure and features of the virus compared to the original virus.
Many of these mutations may not affect the properties, structures, and features of the virus, while many mutations can be harmful to the virus. However, a few mutations may make the virus better suited for certain environments, including a new host species. Hence, when an RNA virus enters a new host species and replicates itself, it is more likely to have more mutations to make the virus stronger. It is precisely due to this feature that epidemics like SARS and MERS and pandemics like COVID-19 resulted when the RNA coronavirus spread from animals to humans.
However, the process of mutation doesn’t stop here. Since RNA viruses continue to replicate within humans, they make a variation. While these variations are not robust enough to create a completely new virus, they are certainly strong enough to create new variations, also known as strains. Given these variations during the replication process, we have four variants of concern for COVID-19.
The coronavirus is an RNA virus. However, it is different from other RNA viruses due to its size. It is larger than most of the other RNA viruses, which creates more opportunities for dangerous mutations and the creation of new variations.
The mutation of SARS-CoV-2 is a concern for global authorities as the persistent changes in the virus are leading to the emergence of new variants. So far, the world has witnessed the emergence of new variants, including Alpha, Beta, Delta, and now Omicron, some of which lead to more severe infections and a higher need for hospitalization. Given the virus’s changes in structure and features, some of these variants have been more successful in transmitting the disease and replicating within the host than the original virus strain.
While words such as mutation can seem terrifying and make you believe that something dramatically different will happen with the emergence of the new variant, that’s not always the case. In most cases, mutations of the RNA virus have little or no immediate effect on its ability to cause disease or more severe disease. However, certain mutations that are strong enough to create new variations can be a threat primarily because the mutations in the virus can make it less recognizable for our immune system. As a result, it is more difficult to fight off the infection.
Another concerning aspect of mutations is that the new variants can make anti-viral drugs and vaccines less effective, leaving individuals more prone to the virus and more severe diseases. After all, vaccines and anti-viral drugs are specifically tailored to target the specific virus. Due to this reason, we need a flu vaccine each year that targets its mutations.
However, compared to the influenza virus mutation, the SARS-CoV-2 mutates relatively slowly, which is a positive aspect for researchers and vaccine developers. The slower rate of mutation may allow vaccines and anti-viral drugs to remain effective in controlling the severity of infection even with the emergence of new variants.
Still, we are not sure how long our bodies will remain immune to coronaviruses or vaccines. While scientists and researchers are closely studying the coronaviruses, their mutation, and the emergence of new variants, we must continue to follow COVID-19 safety protocols. Continue to wear a face mask and maintain social distance till researchers are confident that the seventh coronavirus is no longer dangerous for humanity.
If you don’t have cells in your body then you are dead. Sorry for this unexpected scare but that is the plain and simple truth. However, not to worry. You do have cells, and so does every living thing on this planet!
With that said, let’s talk about what makes cells turn us into living, breathing organisms. Additionally, we will discuss how our cells can be altered when attacked by foreign entities (viruses) and subsequently cause them to act differently, resulting in a danger to the host (you). Let’s start from the beginning.
What is a Cell?
Each cell has its own sets of components that contain the materials that sustain life, and each cell has a specific job to do, which, in turn, keeps us healthy. The structure of an animal cell. Eukaryotic cell structures show the nucleus, cytoplasm, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, membrane, centrosome, and ribosome.
The two components that many of us are familiar with are the cell membrane, which is the separation between the interior and exterior of the cell, and the nucleus, which is referred to as the control room of the cell. You can learn more about the parts of a cell here.
Inside a cell, there are many different types of organelles (parts within the cell). For example, they have proteins that help you digest food, while others keep your heart pumping blood. Some cells produce new cells for growth, and some replace dead or injured cells. There are also cells designed to assist in muscle movement, respiration, and reproduction.
Types of Cells
Since cells are classified by their function, let’s take a look at what each category is designed to do.
Nerve Cells
Active nerve cells in the human neural system. Bigstock.
Nerve cells are the brain’s messengers that send signals to other parts of the body. They also form new thoughts in our brains and produce memories. Damaged nerve cells cause cell deterioration, which can result in a wide range of symptoms.
For example, you can be subjected to dementia, neurological issues, tremors, seizures, and to name a few. Sufficient nerve cell damage in any part of the body is one of the leading causes of disability in adults.
Red blood cells and White blood cells, leukocytes inside an artery, or vein. Arterial cross-section blood flow, 3D illustration. Bigstock.
Blood cells are part of the circulatory system and carry oxygen and nutrients, like sugars and proteins to different parts of your body. These cells fight off infection by destroying bacteria and viruses.
Erythrocytes carry oxygen throughout the body, while leukocytes play an important role in fighting infection. Platelets help your blood clot to stop bleeding when you get injured or cut.
Muscle Cells
Muscle cells produce and store energy for the body. They’re called muscle cells because they provide muscle strength and power.
Cells that Produce New Cells
These are also called stem cells because they can change into other types of cells. One example is a skin stem cell, which can create red blood cells, white blood cells, and other types of skin cells.
Cells that Fight Infections and Regulate Metabolism
The immune system is made up of several different types of cells. White blood cells (leukocytes) are the most important type of cell involved in fighting infections (mutated cells that can cause damage).
The white blood cells live in a network that surrounds your body and then move to where they’re needed to fight invaders, but sometimes they need help, as you need to have a sufficient amount of antibodies to fight off infections. Viruses are, quite simply, infections in your body.
External Help to the Rescue
Vaccines such as the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine inject antibodies into your body to help fight off these mutations. In the case of the Covid virusspike proteins – are defective cells that try to attack your healthy cells and mutate them. As more and more healthy cells become defective, you may begin to feel ill. The other type of cell that fights infections is the neutrophil. Neutrophils are larger than white blood cells and can kill more invaders than antibody-producing cells can.
There are cells called a macrophage, which helps regulate metabolism by removing waste from your bloodstream. These cells also help produce antibodies to fight invaders, such as keratinocytes that protect us from injury.
Cell Summary
Cells are microscopic entities that are made up of proteins. They are the lifeline of all living organisms and are categorized by the functions they perform. There are many types of cells, grouped by their function. Muscle cells, blood cells, and nerve cells to name a few.
The COVID-19 virus contains a series of defective cells that contain spike proteins that attack healthy cells and cause them to mutate. This action diminishes the healthy cell’s function and subsequently causes your body’s health to deteriorate.
To keep these healthy cells from being mutated, white blood cells send antibodies to block the viral cells from attacking them, but sometimes, more antibodies need to be injected into your body (via a vaccine) to fight off these mutations, such as for the flu or Covid.
Microscopic view of the COVID virus showing the spike proteins. Photo: Pexels
Are You Spike Protein Savvy?
We hear this term a lot, and they were mentioned in our previous article about cells, but what are spike proteins exactly? When we see doctors talking about Covid on TV, how can we follow along with what they are saying?
Here, we will break spike proteins down for you, step by step. With this knowledge article, you can then walk away knowing what spike proteins are and how the COVID-19 virus is associated with them. So let’s begin!
A Brief History of the Spike Protein
pixabay.com/images/id-5913527/
Before we go any further, let’s define variants. “A variant is a viral genetic code that may contain one or more mutations” – CDC.gov. In other words, a variant is a cell that may be defective.
With that said, a new coronavirus variant, officially called B.1.1.529 or Omicron, was detected in Botswana on November 11, 2021. On November 26, 2021, this new strain was designated a concern by the World Health Organization because of its high number of mutations in the spike protein.
This Omicron strain contains 32 mutations, compared to 18 for the previous Delta variant, and it is this high number of mutations in the Omicron spike protein has become a concern.
The more mutations in the spike protein, the more concern there is about the virus’s increase in transmissibility and a significant reduction in neutralization by antibodies. (See below about antibody neutralization)
Let us proceed in more detail about why a higher number of mutations in a spike protein is a concern for medical practitioners.
The Structure of the Coronavirus
Images combined from a 3D medical animation, depicting the shape of coronavirus as well as a cross-sectional view. The image shows the major elements including the Spike S protein, HE protein, viral envelope, and helical RNA. Wikipedia Commons.
If you closely examine the structure of the novel coronavirus, you will notice that the virus is spherical and enveloped. A viral envelope is the outermost layer of a virus. It protects the genetic material when traveling between host cells, but there are a few more features associated with this structure. Upon closer examination of the viral envelope, you will notice that it comprises three proteins:
The membrane protein (M),
The envelope protein (E), and
The spike protein (S)
The Coronavirus Spike Protein
The spike protein plays a critical role in getting through to the host cells and subsequently starting an infection in the host’s body. In the case of the novel coronavirus, the presence of spike proteins is responsible for the spike-shaped protrusions and that is what you see on the virus’s surface that allows the virus to enter into the host’s body.
Researchers have divided the coronavirus spike proteins into two critical subunits:
The S1 subunit, and
The S2 subunit
The S1 subunit, also known as the N-terminal, forms the head of the spike protein, whereas the S2 subunit, also known as the C-terminal, forms the stalk of the protein, which is directly rooted in the viral envelope.
As soon as the virus interacts with ‘sees’ a healthy host cell, the S1 subunit binds to the receptors. The receptor is a structure on the host cell’s surface. Antibodies are designed to stop the S1 subunit from binding to the cell.
Spike protein’s S1 subunit’s receptor can bind to the human cell, infecting that cell. When antibodies are introduced into the body, they have the effect to neutralize the S1 subunit’s binding capacity. We suggest watching this video more than once to completely understand what the researcher is saying. For closed captioning, start the video and click the CC button.
Controlling COVID-19 by Targeting Coronavirus’s Spike Protein
Given the primary understanding of the role of the spike protein in the spread of a viral disease, it is now clear that without the spike proteins, no viruses, including the coronaviruses, will be able to interact with the host cells and cause infection.
It is precisely due to this reason that researchers are preliminarily interested in better understanding spike proteins and coming up with vaccines that target their function. So far, the vaccine developers currently use antibodies directed against them to control the spread of the disease.
As researchers gain more details, they are likely to figure out better ways to control the spread.
October 10, 2022 Update: Hospitals and medical providers have begun to use monoclonal antibodies to fight off the disease. These are lab-created antibodies and have proven to be fairly effective in helping patients to fight off Covid at an accelerated rate.
In this post, we share five things you need to know about this new coronavirus variant, officially labeled as B.1.1.529, but before we get started, let’s look at what the new variant is all about and why it is a concern for the global authorities.
B.1.1.529 – The Latest Coronavirus Variant
The new COVID-19 mutant is considered one of the most dangerous variants to date. It has a high number of mutations (a total of 50), including over 30 mutations on the spike protein. As a result, this new variant is likely to be more resistant to the current vaccines, will have a high risk of transmissibility, and will also lead to more severe symptoms for those that are not vaccinated, which may include an increased need for hospitalization.
Let’s look at some of the critical things you need to know about this latest variant.
5 Things You Need to Know About the Latest COVID-19 Variant
#1. The Variant is the Most Heavily Mutated in the COVID Family
As of July 2021, there were four dominant variants of COVID-19, which included:
The Alpha variant ( the U.K. Variant – B.1.1.7)
The Beta variant (the South Africa Variant – B.1.351)
The Gamma variant (the Brazilian variant, – P.1) and
The Delta variant (known as the Indian variant – B.1.617.2)
Each one of these has become a concern because every time a virus mutates, it changes its form and nature. As a result, they have a different risk of transmissibility and severity of infection, which depends on the mutation. The latest variant has 50 mutations, more than 30 mutations on the spike protein, which is what the virus used to get access to the human body cells.
It is a particular concern because most of the vaccines for COVID-19 target the spike protein. However, as the spike protein mutates, it raises concern among the authorities about the possible effects of the vaccines against this latest variant.
#2. More Mutations on the Receptor Binding Domain
Microscopic view of the COVID virus
Another feature that’s gaining the attention of researchers is the mutations of this variant on the receptor-binding domain strain was the Delta variant that had two mutations on the receptor-binding domain. However, the new variant – B.1.1.529 has ten mutations on the receptor-binding domain, raising concern about whether it is linked to immune escape.
#3. There’s Concern About the Evolution of This Variant
A virus mutates every time it reproduces. However, the mutations are minor when the virus reproduces in a healthy human body. But the concern with viruses is that you cannot predict the mutation, especially when it mutates in an immune-compromised patient.
For the emergence of this new variant, there is speculation that it evolved in the body of a single patient. There are suggestions that the new variant emerged in the body of an immuno-compromised person, who HIV may infect.
#4. The New Variant Spread to Nearby Countries
Omicron was first identified in South Africa; however, within seven days, there were over 100 specimens of the same variant reported in South Africa. But that’s not it. The strain continued to spread to nearby countries, including Botswana, where the variant-infected individuals had been fully immunized. Moreover, two cases were detected in Hong Kong among travelers from African countries.
As a result, the U.K. banned flights from six African countries, including Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. Moreover, the British government has placed strict measures related to quarantine and PCR testing of recent travelers from the African states.
Moreover, other countries, such as India, have also called for rigorous screening of African countries and Hong Kong passengers. Similarly, Australia is also planning to tighten rules for incoming passengers.
#5. The World Health Organization Should Call for Caution
The global authorities, including the World Health Organization, must take measures to contain the spread. Since the holiday season is here, there is an expected influx of passengers and travelers, and there are continued strict measures to contain the virus moving forward.
Final Words
Keeping your hands clean with soap or sanitizer on a frequent basis is one of the best protections against spreading the COVID virus
When the global authorities were relieved and assumed that the pandemic was under control, the emergence of a new variant is definitely a concern. We have limited information about how the new coronavirus variant behaves, and until the researchers find out the answers, it is best to get complete immunization and booster doses. Moreover, as the holiday season is here, don’t forget to take care of the COVID-19 safety protocols so you and your loved ones can stay safe and healthy!
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that another pandemic is not expected to occur as a result of the coronavirus. The WHO continues to monitor the SARS-like virus, but it does not expect that this virus will cause a new epidemic. This declaration comes after many months of investigating the virus and its impact on those who have been infected.
Many people had once feared that the virus might continue to cause new epidemics since so many people in China are infected with it. However, the last one occurred nearly 14 years ago, and many experts now believe that the virus is no longer a major concern for global health. The coronavirus may have reached the end of the road of being a global epidemic, and now health officials are focused on monitoring those who have been infected and the potential for future cases.
But What About COVID-19? Is It Still a Danger?
Microscopic view of the COVID virus. Photo: Pixaby
As the expression goes, “now that’s a loaded question”, as it depends upon who you talk to and the area of the world in which you live; however, there are some general facts that cannot be disputed. Let’s take a look at these facts and see how we now stand against the pandemic.
Resultant Deaths Diminish the Outbreak
It is an unfortunate circumstance, but those that have perished from COVID-19 greatly reduce those that will perish in the future, resulting in healthier individuals whose natural immune system limits or eliminates hospital stays over those who had a very weak immune system and succumbed to it earlier on. Unfortunate and tragic, but those are the facts.
From a medical perspective, the vaccines are showing that they do help build more antibodies in your body, which are the primary entities that kill the virus.
That doesn’t mean that if you are vaccinated, you will not catch it, but if you do, you will most likely feel only cold systems and not major issues such as fever or inability to breathe. In other words, you are at a substantially lower risk of getting a severe illness and death. With that said, there are circumstances where some folks have had medical issues after getting the shot. They may feel chills or headaches within 24 hours of receiving the vaccine, but then it goes away.
The Natural Immunity Factor
As previously mentioned, there are many people who have a natural immunity towards the virus, and these folks either don’t get sick or simply have the cold symptoms discussed, but some do not want to get the vaccine. This may be attributed to people who are just fearful, regardless of the statistics, religious reasons, or political reasons; however, Howard Fensterman (as well as many major researchers and scientists throughout the world) believe that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe to take!
Conclusion
Keeping your hands clean with soap or sanitizer is one of the best protection against spreading the COVID virus. Photo: Unsplash
The coronavirus has not been seen as having any serious consequences for the health of the world at large, with its deaths being limited to a lesser number of individuals each week in the US.
There is still research going on and will probably go on for the next 20 years. As for now, the threat to the world’s population seems less severe, and new research will focus on using these studies to improve human health in the future. With that said, let us not fall into the false premise that COVID-19 has totally left us. We still need to maintain our guard, and practice social distancing, cover our faces with a mask and wash our hands regularly!
Since it was first detected in China in late-2019, no country in the world has been safe from the coronavirus pandemic. A year and a half have passed since the virus has infected the world, but fortunately, vaccines are now readily available. While the global economy is now on the path to a post-recession recovery, governments are still implementing new lockdown measures and businesses are calculating their losses.
This article explores the global impact of coronavirus by assessing the situation in the countries that have been worst-hit by the pandemic:
United States of America
The COVID-19 virus has resulted in both an economic and a public health crisis. It has taken a toll on the health infrastructure and led to an economic slowdown.
The pandemic has been particularly destructive for small businesses, which make up the majority of the businesses in the United States and employ 50% of all private-sector workers. Sectors where employees were unable to work remotely and companies were not fit suffered the most.
The plunge in business activity caused many companies to become insolvent. As many as 420,000 small businesses failed since the very beginning. Damage to the labor market as a result of the pandemic has been the worst in US history.
India
The impact of coronavirus in India has been devastating in terms of economic activity and human lives. Domestic demand and exports have declined sharply, except for some exceptions where growth has been high.
The majority of India’s population comprises daily wage earners and self-employed informal sector workers who don’t have access to social security. These workers are experiencing income as well as food shortages.
The pandemic has revealed and worsened several vulnerabilities in the Indian economy. Factories, eateries, shops, business establishments, and transport services have been heavily affected.
Recession is on the cards as the economy is moving towards a full-year contraction. According to the surveys carried out by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, the unemployment rate has risen in the range of 7.9%-12% in the April-June quarter of 2021. Millions of people have lost their jobs permanently.
Brazil
Brazil’s economy faces a huge challenge due to the virus. The record of deaths in Brazil hit an all-time high in April 2021, with more than 4,200 fatalities within 24 hours.
While the impact of the recession can be felt throughout, smaller firms are the worst affected. This is because they involve substantial face-to-face interactions.
Inflation also rose as Brazil struggled with the second wave of coronavirus. This led to a steep rise in interest rates by the central bank. The 0.1% decline in the GDP of the country was worse than the median prediction of 1.2% growth.
United Kingdom
UK’s GDP declined by 9.9% in 2020. Transport, tourism, hospitality, and arts and entertainment suffered the impact of coronavirus the most.
Economic growth during the summer of 2021 continued to be slow. This was first thought to be the result of the Delta variant as a large number of people were required to self-isolate.
Due to a disruption in global supply chains, some goods have become short in supply. Businesses are also reporting hardship in hiring employees.
As a result of supply issues, inflation rose during 2021. It is expected to continue to rise in 2022.
Russia
The Russian economy has been affected by the coronavirus in various ways. Almost half a million jobs were lost in three major sectors in 2020.
The national poverty rate increased by 13.2%. By October 2020, the unemployment rate shot up to 6.3% – the highest observed in Russia over the past 8 years.
The smaller cities suffered the most as they have frail health care systems. The construction and service sectors were hit the most. They had been a major source of employment for the impoverished cities.
Mexico
The Mexican economy faced the largest contraction since the Tequila Crisis in 1994. In 2020, the output of service-related activities declined by 5.2%. The goods-producing industries faced a decrease in output by 0.5%.
Like other countries, the service industry was affected the most. This primarily includes businesses such as restaurants and hotels. Moreover, the government failed to provide adequate financial support for the economy.
The manufacturing sector has faced relatively few restrictions and avoided disturbance due to the impact on North American supply chains.
On the other hand, the service sector has been unable to recover as much. The absence of financial assistance left several businesses and households with a gaping income loss.
France
France’s economy faced an 8.3% decline in 2020. A recession of this extent had not been recorded in the country since WWII. For instance, the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to the economy declined by as much as 48.8% as a result of travel restrictions.
The unemployment rate reached a 2-year high due to the pandemic. Artisans, retail workers, and self-employed people suffered the most. Nonprofit organizations and food banks are involved in helping the impoverished in France.
According to French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maier, the economic growth of the French economy is based on its COVID-19 vaccination program. He predicted a 5% economic growth rate for the country in 2021.
Final Word
The economic impact of the coronavirus has been felt all over the world. The magnitude of this global health crisis is greater than any during the past 100 years. It is increasing human suffering, killing people, and destroying economies. Countries need to adopt bold and urgent policy measures for economic recovery and financial stability. Hopefully, we are nearing the end of this crisis. We’ll just have to wait and see!
Healthcare professionals around the world have been concerned about the flu season for the year 2020-2021. It was a time of immense uncertainty as there was a pandemic on the one hand and deadly influenza on the other. While influenza is a minor healthcare concern now (comparatively speaking), it shouldn’t be and over the last decade, the standard flu has resulted in an average of 36,000 deaths each year in the U.S. only. And the numbers may be even higher in other parts of the world.
Surprisingly, last year’s flu season had an unprecedented low number of cases and deaths. According to data by the CDC, only 2136 clinical specimens were tested positive for the influenza virus between October 2020 and July 2021. Moreover, 748 deaths due to the flu were reported in the U.S. Furthermore, if you look at the statistics from the previous years, an average of 75 to 150 children die as a result of influenza each year during the flu season. However, last year, the number was down to 1.
The Possible Explanation of Unusually Low Rates of Flu Infection
Indeed there was a stark difference in the statistics of last year’s flu season and its predecessor. And when we take a closer look at what could possibly explain the unusually low rates of infection and deaths due to the flu virus, the explanation is quite simple. Between October 2020 and July 2021, COVID-19 infections were increasing tremendously throughout the world, including the U.S. Through the immunization started in December 2020, there were restrictions in place regarding indoor social gatherings, school and workplace reopenings, and reduced travel.
Hence, most people preferred to stay at home, practiced frequent hand washing, and maintained social distance. And while all these factors contribute to reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, these measures also helped curtail the spread of the influenza virus. In addition, since there was a fear of a twindemic that might possibly result during the flu season, most people preferred to get the flu vaccine in time. In the U.S. only, a record number of 193.8 million doses of influenza vaccine were distributed and administered prior to and during the flu season.
And while we know the reason why the flu season went expectedly smoothly last year, the critical question still remains about what to expect in this upcoming flu year? With a previous year of very limited cases and deaths associated with influenza, can we expect the same for the upcoming flu season? Do we still have a fear of COVID-19? Are people still wearing masks? How does COVID-19 immunization have a possible impact on the number of flu cases and associated deaths?
Let’s look at each of the questions and find out more about what to expect in the upcoming flu season.
What to Expect in the Upcoming Flu Season 2021-2022?
The flu season is around the corner, and with relaxation in travel restrictions, social distancing, and masking, healthcare professionals worldwide are concerned about the upcoming flu season.
A Flu Season with No Social Distancing and Masks
The unexpected but pleasantly surprising drop in influenza cases during the COVID-19 pandemic last year proved that many of the social-distancing restrictions were effective. Moreover, wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, and school and workplace closures also contributed to controlling the spread of the influenza virus. And while COVID-19 continued to spread despite these measures, they proved to be exceptionally beneficial in controlling the flu virus.
But now that the world is opening up again, travel restrictions have been relaxed, and children are going back to school, there will likely be a surge in the cases of flu. Additionally, we can expect a higher need for hospitalization due to the influenza virus and more deaths this year.
This virus affects around 9% of the global population and between 3% and 11% of the U.S. population each year. Moreover, more than 40% of individuals over the age of 6 months in the U.S. receive flu vaccine coverage on a yearly basis. So while we can expect a better flu season in the US, it is also likely to be the case for the rest of the world.
For this year’s flu season, the CDC recommended using face masks for all faculty, students, and staff in K-12 schools; however, several states have banned mask mandates given that an increasing number of people have already received COVID-19 immunization in these states.
According to epidemiologist Benjamin Cowling, from the University of Hong Kong School of Public Health, it is still best to wear a mask to protect yourself and others, especially when visiting crowded areas or public facilities like transportation hubs and vehicles. He also mentioned that immuno-compromised individuals must get the flu vaccine along with wearing a mask during the flu season.
Why Should You Get a Flu Vaccine Even When You Have Already Received COVID-19 Vaccination?
Influenza and COVID-19 are both viral respiratory infections that are contagious and can also be life-threatening. The SARS-CoV-1 that causes COVID-19 is a lot more contagious than the flu virus, and hence, you need to take appropriate measures and immunization to control the spread of COVID-19. However, the COVID-19 vaccine is designed to develop immunity against the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, so a separate vaccine specially developed to enhance your immunity against the influenza virus is also needed.
More specifically, Influenza is a common but potentially dangerous respiratory disease that can lead to hospitalization and may even cause death. Every flu season is different though and the flu virus affects different people differently. Regardless of how it impacts you, the flu affects millions of people worldwide with hundreds and thousands of people who may need hospitalization and some may die.
The annual flu vaccine offers protection against flu and flu-related complications. This vaccine can help avoid the complication of the flu which include ear infections, bacterial pneumonia, and worsening of chronic health conditions including asthma, diabetes, and heart diseases. Hence it serves an entirely different purpose than the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore you need to get your annual flu vaccine this year even if you are already vaccinated for COVID-19.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine has NO implications against your risk of getting the flu this season!
Final Words
Keeping your hands clean with soap or sanitizer is a great way to avoid getting and spreading the COVID and flu viruses, but getting a flu shot is the best means to keep safe!
Healthcare professionals have several concerns over the upcoming flu season. While there was a surprisingly low number of cases and deaths due to flu last year, this year’s flu season is going to be different. With relaxed travel restrictions, reopening of facilities including workplaces, malls, and schools, and reluctance to wear a mask for many in everyday situations, we can expect a surge in flu cases and associated deaths this year.
But you can change this prediction by getting your annual flu vaccine and taking measures such as wearing a mask and frequent hand washing. Let’s hope for a safer world and a much better flu season this year!
Antibodies have a Y shape. This is a 3D concept of antibodies attacking virus cells and pathogens. Bigstock
Antibodies, (AKA Immunoglobulins) are the body’s natural defenders to protect you from infections. They are produced by your immune system to continuously look for foreign entities, called antigens, such as bacteria and viruses, and other dangerous invaders. If a foreign entity is found, antibodies are the first line of defense that aid in the destruction of these unwanted entities.
How Do Antibodies Operate in Your Immune System?
In the absence of an infection, antibodies are on standby. They are kept dormant by two kinds of cells: T cells and B cells. Once a foreign invader is located, the T cells awake and open the gate for the antibodies to move out and take on the task of removing these cells that infected your body.
B cells are white blood cells that respond to foreign invaders by producing antibodies. The exact proportion of B cells and T cells depend on the cellular-level balance that’s developed in the body over the course of your lifetime. However, it’s generally accepted that the immune system does its best to make every effort to help eliminate these foreigners from your system.
So the B cells keep the existing antibodies in check and the T cells are ready to produce more of them should an invader penetrate your body.
How You Can Help Antibodies Fight Infections
Eating healthy foods is one of the best ways to maintain the antibodies in your system.
One of the best recommendations to boost your immunity are to keep up a healthy diet.
Some antibiotics will kill germs, but in most cases, you can outsmart the invading bacteria by not giving them a chance in the first place. Stay up to date on the best foods to eat that help you maintain a good amount of antibodies, not to mention help fight off free radicals as well!
An immune deficiency is when your body is not producing enough antibodies or simply no longer has the ability to make them.
In extreme cases, these deficiencies are life-threatening. It may cause inflammation of the joints, blindness, chronic fatigue, pneumonia, increased risk of infection, or skin rashes. In milder cases, it may cause a cold, sore throat, fatigue, or skin rashes, among others.
Influenza and Rotavirus infections are common causes of immune deficiency. Most cases of the common cold, where influenza viruses are contained, can also be caused by an immune deficiency.
Why the Immune System Needs Help
When someone is sick, the immune system becomes overloaded. For example, someone who has the flu or a stomach virus will start producing a very large amount of antibodies to fight the virus, but the antibodies can be tricked into thinking that healthy cells are invaders.
For example, for people who have an autoimmune disease, such as diabetes, the antibodies will think that healthy cells around the pancreas are foreign and subsequently attack them by releasing proteins called autoantibodies. Autoimmune diseases can take many forms, such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Lupis, and diabetes previously mentioned, as well as many more.
What Happens When You Have a Strong Immune System?
Having an adequate supply of antibodies has been proven to be very useful in combating various infections. Studies have found that people who lack antibodies are at higher risk of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, allergies, and other infections. It has also been found that people who have a strong immune system are more likely to live longer, have lower cholesterol, and be less likely to develop diabetes. However, it is important to note that you do not have to have antibodies to boost immunity. However, the more antibodies you have, the better off you are in fighting infection.
The human body produces antibodies to fight infection or foreign invaders. Antibodies help your body fight off bacterial or viral infections and when injected with a vaccine, it increases the production of the antibodies, enough supply to confront a possible infection and keep it at bay.
Enter the COVID-19 Vaccine
Photo by freepic.com/pikisuperstar https://www.freepik.com/pikisuperstar
The COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be the ultimate killer of the coronavirus. In simple terms, it builds more antibodies in your body, in the form of T-cells that await the oncoming virus should you get infected. The result – you have enough antibody cells that will fight off the disease!
Doctor examining woman before giving childbirth in a maternity hospital
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout started in December 2020, but there have been reservations about the immunization of pregnant and breastfeeding women since then; however recently, the CDC has shared evidence that supports the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination for women who fall into these categories. Here, we share some insight into what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The COVID-19 Immunization for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
The overall risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 is low for healthy individuals as well as those who have been vaccinated. However, pregnant women have a much higher risk of contracting a more severe illness compared to women who are not pregnant and may include the need for hospitalization and intensive care. Additionally, it may also mean that you may need a ventilator or special equipment to breathe, and there is a significantly higher risk of death.
Furthermore, pregnant women with the COVID-19 virus also have an increased risk of preterm birth as well as other pregnancy-related complications compared with pregnant women who do not have the disease.
Immunization is critical for breastfeeding mothers, as there is evidence that mothers can pass on the antibodies to their children through breast milk. However, the data is limited to women who have received the mRNA (trains cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response). vaccine only.
FAQs About COVID-19 Vaccine for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Let’s look at some of the FAQs related to the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
1. Should Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women Receive the Covid-19 Vaccine?
The CDC strongly recommends the immunization of pregnant and breastfeeding women. Since pregnant women are considered a high-risk group that can contract severe COVID-19 illness, it is best for them to receive immunization. The recommendation for immunization is valid for both pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as for women who are planning to get pregnant soon and are actively trying to conceive.
2. Is the Vaccine Available for Pregnant Women?
The vaccines are available for both pregnant and lactating women. As of May 2020, only 16% of the pregnant women in the U.S. received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The number has risen up to 23% by August 2021. Moreover, more than 200,000 pregnant women have received an initial dose of the mRNA vaccine without experiencing any major side effects or specific safety concerns.
3. Is the Vaccine Safe for Lactating Mothers?
Based on the available data, the COVID-19 vaccine is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. While there is limited research, one thing is for sure that the mRNA vaccines do not contain live viruses. Hence, being vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine does not pose a risk to the baby.
In addition, there is evidence that breastfeeding women who have received mRNA vaccines can pass on the antibodies to their young ones through breast milk. Hence, COVID-19 is not only safe for mothers and protects them against the virus but is also effective in keeping breastfeeding kids safe and healthy.
However, this is only the case with the mRNA vaccine. There is limited evidence on how other formulas for the COVID-19 vaccine may affect the lactating child.
4. Does COVID-19 Vaccine Affect Fertility?
One of the critical concerns for women who are planning to get pregnant in the near future or are actively trying to conceive is how the vaccine will affect their fertility. Given the data we have so far, there is no evidence of COVID-19 immunization affecting your fertility. Hence, according to the latest research, if you are planning to get pregnant or are trying to conceive, there are no reasons to delay your pregnancy due to COVID-19 immunization.
5. How Immunization Affects Pregnant Woman’s Immune System?
The vaccine is designed to activate the immune system response so the body can fight a viral infection. The immunization’s mode of action works exactly the same as for a person who is not pregnant.
6. Does the COVID-19 Vaccine Increase the Risk of Miscarriage?
A relatively recent study indicates that there is no change in the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester among women who received the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. However, more research is still required to determine how the COVID-19 vaccine can change the risk of miscarriage for pregnant women.
7. Can I Get COVID-19 Following the Immunization?
You may experience mild, temporary side effects following the immunization. However, you can still get the infection following the immunization but you are less likely to get a severe illness, and there is likely to be a lesser need for hospitalization. There have been exceptions about the severity, although rare, so you may want to speak with your medical professional prior to getting vaccinated.
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
So far, there is limited evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, the data is growing. Given the CDC’s data so far, the benefits of COVID-19 immunization outweigh all potential risks associated with vaccination during pregnancy and lactation.
According to the first data released by the CDC regarding the safety of receiving an mRNA vaccine during pregnancy, there is no increased risk of miscarriage among pregnant women who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. Moreover, a recent study from Israel compared pregnant people who were immunized through an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine with those who did not. The data showed that the vaccination lowers the risk of severe infection from the COVID-19 virus.
Furthermore, there is evidence that the antibodies produced in a pregnant mother’s body after getting an mRNA vaccine were also found in umbilical cord blood, which may protect the fetus against the virus.
The trials on finding the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers as well as those who are planning to get pregnant are still underway. The next few months are critical as they will help researchers assess the data and find out more about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Since we have been exposed to this virus for close to two years now, more definitive results have been determined, but many are still fully inconclusive. With that said, it is best to follow the studies that are homogeneous and not those that contradict each other. Additionally and perhaps most important, consult with your physician on the best route to follow based upon your particular metabolism and health.
Let’s look at some of the FAQs related to the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 