With the very recent outbreak-turned pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that originated in Wuhan, China in late 2019, it is important to be familiar with ongoing research into the development of a vaccine. COVID-19 is a virus from the coronavirus family, which is a family of viruses that mainly target the respiratory system. Other coronaviruses include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), as well as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), both of which have catalyzed major outbreaks in the past. Like other coronaviruses, COVID-19 mainly targets the respiratory system; Common symptoms include a fever, coughs and shortness of breath. However, the effects of the virus are much more detrimental in elderly patients or those with underlying conditions -- this may develop into further complications, most commonly pneumonia. Although the main casualties are the elderly and individuals with underlying medical conditions, this shouldn’t create complacency within the younger, healthy populous as the virus is highly unpredictable. Even if you're young and fit, you should still take appropriate precautions, as the virus is highly infectious, and can be easily transmitted to the more vulnerable population.
Because of the severity of the current pandemic, the infectious nature of the virus as well as the lack of concrete treatment for the virus, mildly affected COVID-19 patients rely mostly on over the counter medication to relieve their symptoms, resting and allowing their body to fight the virus and avoiding contact with other people to reduce the spread. More gravely affected patients are hospitalized or otherwise taken into intensive care if their status becomes critical. The widespread impact of the virus has prompted the rapid development of a COVID-19 vaccine, which will reduce the spread of the virus, and prevent the possibility of another major outbreak.
The international response to the pandemic has been staggering with several nations racing to produce a vaccine and rushing to reach the trial phase of the vaccine to test whether or not the vaccine will work as intended. As of the time of writing, recently in Seattle, Washington, the human trial for an experimental COVID-19 vaccine has commenced, with four healthy volunteers being injected with the experimental vaccine produced by Moderna Inc. They will soon be monitored to observe how the body will react with the vaccine as the vaccine is intended to train immune systems to properly respond to a viral threat. Even though the vaccine itself will not cure anyone afflicted with COVID-19, it will make containment more effective, and will serve to lighten the capacity of our currently overwhelmed hospitals. It’s not only Moderna Inc. that is working towards a vaccine, biotechnology company Inovio Pharmaceuticals is also developing another experimental COVID-19 vaccine and is expected to begin their safety trials next month in the United States, Korea and China. Other countries have also been heavily involved. Russia has initiated testing experimental COVID-19 vaccines on animals, the United Kingdom will begin animal testing a week from when this was written and will commence human testing a month from now, and China having an experimental vaccine being approved for clinical trials.
Promising news as it seems, but the development is essentially still in its infancy. Even though it is reported that around 20 experimental vaccines are currently being developed, human testing still has to be performed in order to test the overall safety of the vaccine. if the vaccine is found to be safe, a lengthy monitoring process is required, which may take months to facilitate. Assuming the vaccine trials were successful and a proper vaccine has been formulated within this year, it may also consume an abundance of time and resourced before it enters the market on a mass scale. Furthermore, with a multitude of unpredictable external factors, the risk of further delays is also probable. Present projections range from 12 - 18 months to 2 years before the vaccine is ready to be used.
However harrowing the situation may seem, the best course of action is to simply practice self - isolation and social distancing to reduce the risk of getting infected with COVID-19, as well as to prevent the infection of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or the immuno-compromised. We can not remain complacent. Remember to wear masks, maintain a good distance, and to consistently wash your hands.
If you’re currently experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, do isolate yourself from others to reduce transmission. If your condition is gradually worsening and has no signs of getting better, do not hesitate to approach a hospital and get the proper care required. Within these times of pandemic, there is not much that the common citizen can do to contribute, other than to simply isolate themselves. Do your part in protecting others, including the scientists who are tirelessly conducting research into this virus, as well as the overworked medical heroes, and stay home.
Bibliography
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“Pharma Chiefs Expect Coronavirus Vaccine in 12-18 Months.” CNA, 20 Mar. 2020, www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/pharma-chiefs-expect-coronavirus-vaccine-in-12-18-months-12559212.
“Russia Starts Testing Coronavirus Vaccine Prototypes on Animals.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 20 Mar. 2020, www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-russia-tests/russia-starts-testing-coronavirus-vaccine-prototypes-on-animals-idUSKBN2170PP.
Salo, Jackie. “China's First Coronavirus Vaccine Approved for Clinical Trials.” New York Post, New York Post, 18 Mar. 2020, nypost.com/2020/03/18/chinas-first-coronavirus-vaccine-approved-for-clinical-trials/.
Sample, Ian. “Trials to Begin on Covid-19 Vaccine in UK next Month.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 19 Mar. 2020, www.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/19/uk-drive-develop-coronavirus-vaccine-science.
Spinney, Laura. “When Will a Coronavirus Vaccine Be Ready?” The Guardian, 20 Mar. 2020, www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/20/when-will-a-coronavirus-vaccine-be-ready.
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