Planning for the next one
At the end of 2019, all infectious disease experts knew that something like the novel coronavirus was coming sooner or later, just as they know today that Covid is not the last pandemic. A complete plan for the next global revolution is needed – one that could protect the U.S. from mass death, catastrophic economic damage and (hopefully) incompetent political leaders who invest public trust – be more complete. There are likely to be at least five areas of scrutiny and investment. For the most part, careful preparation is required. Here are some key areas:
Pathogen analysis
The world cannot eradicate emerging diseases. Too many people live close to animals, and too much international air travel. If we had a better hand at what was happening pathogenically, we could work to identify the revolts that have the potential to be heavy. Think of a kind of National Weather Service for pandemics that would predict the course of emerging pathogens. These official predictions would be more authoritative than the hodgepodge of competing disease models out there now, making it easier for governments to take potentially neutral mitigation measures such as border closures or ordering locks. before a revolution takes place.
Repairing and contributing to the WHO
Pandemic investigation and response are global efforts, almost by definition, which means that it is time to consider a new worldwide partnership to monitor them. The global muscle health consortium could provide funding to eliminate “wet markets,” where wild animals are sold for food, and to encourage jungle deforestation, which pushes animals (and viruses they carry) closer to humans. And it could help train more site staff in remote locations instead of relying on the current ad hoc system, which will include a mix of nonprofits, universities, and freelancers. willingly, together with the WHO, deal with emerging threats.
Genetic sequence
Virus detection and detection is usually thought of as a labor-intensive process that involves building lists of patient contacts and then calling these people one at a time to see who else is. may be infected. Gene sequences, by contrast, allow tantalizing to monitor virus transmission with molecular precision. Frequent, intense viral sequences would help answer questions such as the extent to which a particular snoring is spreading within a community such as a school and whether or not the strain may be conflicting. the existing vaccine.
Johnson & Johnson reported that the single-vaccine vaccine appears to be 66% effective in global testing at moderate to severe Covid-19 inhibition.
Photographer: Cheryl Gerber / Johnson & Johnson
Developing more vaccines, faster
Vaccines have by far been the most remarkable success story in the conventional pandemic. There are already two very effective options on the US market, and the third vaccine from Johnson & Johnson could clear up within weeks. However, there is scope for improvement.
Outsourcing circulation and logistics
Changing logistics in a medical system as large and complex as the U.S. system can take months of advance planning and coordination, and databases need to be developed to track everything. Not enough of that work happened in 2020, as the Trump administration required state governments to handle testing, acquire and distribute personal protective equipment, and implement vaccine circulation protocols.
Given the current state of affairs, the next pandemic – and there will be another – does not have to be so severe. It will definitely bring a lot of preparation from there.–Robert Langreth
Listen up
When we come down with a cold, or even show the first signs of Covid, changes in our voice can indicate that something is wrong. But often these vocal biomarkers are beyond what we can find.
Photographer: Patricia Suzara
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