Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 108
Based on
12/15/2021 at 6:56 PM
Deadliest Enemies by Michael Osterholm, a world renowned epidemiologist and virologist, it is recognized that a virus is neither alive nor dead, it is technically in the fine line between the two, and that no matter what, we will always be one step behind a virus. It's purpose is to adapt, change, evolve and survive. Does this mean we as a species are doomed? No, it means we are just going to have to do our best to minimize impact, spread and effect, which is the challenge.
Currently, the virus' have only reached a second level of threat, that being a Variant of Concern, which means there is potential for vaccine evasion(this doesn't mean vaccines are ineffective, though, as vaccine and booster use still minimizes spread and symptoms). If we get to a level three event, called a Variant of Consequence, then we are in trouble, but it doesn't necessarily mean we won't have a chance to still alter the trajectory. The biggest thing to understand is that we must continue to monitor a virus pathway and use our best resources to trace infections in order to alter the trajectory.
Remember that as a virus travels through region to region, culture to culture, population to population, it picks up dna "info" and it changes and adapts according to the new "ingredients" which is why we see variants. This is why there is no true"cure" for even seasonal influenza. At the beginning of a flu season, vaccine producers aim at the global region which typically starts off the flu spread, and use samples of that specific strain to "build" the vaccine will work on it. Again though, a virus is incredibly adaptive, which is why some people don't see what they consider to be protection against the flu late in the flu season. This doesn't mean it they are useless, in fact, it actually further supports why early use and detection is important in prevention and treatment.
Remember that at one time, rabies had a 100% mortality rate, but thanks to science, we were able to minimize, treat, and basically contain rabies to a point that it is no longer a threat. Same with many different virus' throughout history. Even though we are always a step behind, we can still get positive momentum and "catch up" enough to create a good outcome.
The problem we will face more is actually our own fractured efforts to contain and reduce transmission. Obviously this comes from those who are resistant to using vaccines for a variety of reasons, and also from low vacination rates in regions that are unable to provide rapid access in the efforts to contain and treat infections.
I could go on and on about the problems we face, but to be honest, my opinion of anti vaxxers or the "anti-everything" crowd isn't a good one, so it's best I avoid the topic by saying that we must continue to do what we can through rapid access to testing, occasional isolations and restrictions to help reduce the strain on health care facilities, and just keep practicing good common sense in our societal movement to reduce transmission until our vaccines and immune systems build up better defenses and allows for stronger community immunity to prevent strain development and movement. Trust the experts, that's what they are there for.
I know tensions are high, and resistance to change is evident, but unfortunately, nothing about this fight will be easy or perfect. Our biggest strain is the one we create for ourselves by continuing to promote divison instead of unity, regardless of what side our beliefs lean towards. Just do the right thing for your neighbors sake, and consider their safety and protect them the best way you can, evey day. The results will speak for themselves one day, guaranteed.
Edited by Xplanation, 2021-12-15 19:16:00