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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
3 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Developing A Vaccine For COVID-19? Part 1

It is often stated vaccination has made the greatest contribution to global health of any human discovery, other than clean water and sanitation, and their impact on everyday life is immediately evident. We have managed to completely eradicate two major infections from existence (smallpox and rinderpest) , and the WHO are working towards adding polio to that list.

In these cases the numbers speak for themselves. It is estimated that the eradication of smallpox in 1980 has saved 5 million lives per year, adding up to 150 to 200 million by 2018. Common vaccination programmes for polio, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies and hepatitis A have prevented nearly 200 million cases from occurring in the US alone over the past 50 years, and 4.5 billion instances of the diseases worldwide.

We have achieved a 99% immunisation rate against polio, preventing children from suffering crippling paralysis, and only 3 countries remain. Sadly, around 1.4 million children under 5 still die from preventable diseases each year as they do not have access to these life saving vaccines, but charities and public health organisations around the world are working hard to improve access.

So what are vaccines? And how will they help is in the face of the latest pandemic? Here we will go into the challenges behind making vaccines, and why a vaccine against COVID-19 is unlikely to be ready in the next few months, or even this year.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4024226/ contribution of vaccination

https://www.who.int/features/factfiles/polio/en/ polio eradication

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170303163208.htm study article

WHAT IS A VACCINE

The human body’s immune system is incredibly smart. It is able to distinguish between infective organisms, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites, from our own body’s cells, target these invaders for destruction and keep our bodies healthy. Even better, the body remembers any previous infections it has had before, recognise these previous infections even quicker and even eradicate the disease before we know we are infected.

Vaccines target the immune system’s memory by presenting them with pieces of these infective diseases. The small amounts do not cause any infective symptoms, but if the person is infected later in life their body will mount a quicker response and prevent them from falling ill. These vaccines can contain broken up parts of the organisms, “dead” organisms or “live” versions that have been severely weakened so they cannot cause any harm.

In summary, medicines treat us when we get an infection. Vaccines make sure we never suffer from an infection in the first place.

https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center/making-vaccines/how-are-vaccines-made Making Vaccines

THE HURDLES WE FACE IN RESEARCH

Making a vaccine is a difficult process, one that can take 3–5 years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, sometimes billions of dollars. This is because there are many difficult steps to be taken in the process of creating a vaccine that is effective, but more importantly one that is safe.

To start with the troubling organism has to be identified. For COVID-19 it took a few weeks to recognise the virus responsible, and some time more to understand its genetic code and grow the virus in lab conditions. We then have to understand the virus, how it infects, how it causes symptoms, and how it has mutated compared to the coronaviruses responsible for SARS and MERS.

After this, we have to isolate parts of the virus our immune system will recognise. This is usually the outside coat of the virus. The DNA responsible for making these parts need to be found in the virus’ genetic code, and put inside other “skeleton” viruses. This will force the dummy virus to look like coronavirus, without the ability to infect and kill someone.

These dummy viruses can be injected into animals to see if it causes an immune reaction, whether the immune system recognises it as the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, and whether it will protect the animal from the real COVID-19. Up to now the research has likely cost a few million dollars. The next step is when the price inflates up to billions.

If the vaccine appears safe in animals, it can be tested in humans. This can be dangerous at first, since we don’t know whether a vaccine that works in an animal will work in a human. And we don’t know if there will be any side effects to the vaccine. Human testing has to be very thorough, very careful, and safe for use. If you give too much of the virus it might make the person sick, too little and it wont immunise the person. These clinical trials can take years, and if the vaccine fails at this point its back to the drawing board, to try another step.

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/10/how-to-make-an-ebola-vaccine-5-simplified-steps/454443/ ebola vaccine

Now we have a basic understanding of what vaccines are and why it takes so long to make a vaccine. In the next part we will look at why viral vaccines can cause even more problems, and how far we have come with the COVID-19 vaccine,

Dr Rajan Choudhary, London UK

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H5N1 bird flu: Symptoms, causes, and Treatment

The H5N1 bird flu, also known as avian influenza, has been a growing concern due to its severe impact on both bird populations and human health. This blog delves into the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and preventive strategies for H5N1 bird flu, while also discussing advancements in vaccine development. Let’s explore how this virus affects humans and the steps we can take to mitigate its impact.

What Is H5N1 Bird Flu?

H5N1 bird flu is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that primarily affects birds but can also infect humans under certain circumstances. First identified in 1997, this virus has caused multiple outbreaks worldwide, leading to significant economic and public health challenges.

Symptoms of H5N1 Bird Flu

Recognizing the symptoms of H5N1 bird flu is critical for early diagnosis and treatment. In humans, the symptoms often mimic those of seasonal flu but can quickly escalate in severity. Common H5N1 bird flu symptoms in humans include:

High fever (often above 100.4°F or 38°C)
Cough and sore throat
Muscle aches and fatigue
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain
In severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

The H5N1 bird flu incubation period ranges from two to eight days, which means symptoms may take time to appear after exposure to the virus. Prompt medical attention is crucial for individuals exhibiting these symptoms, especially if they have had recent contact with birds or travelled to affected areas.

Causes of H5N1 Avian Influenza

The primary causes of H5N1 avian influenza are related to the interaction between birds and humans. The virus thrives in wild aquatic birds, such as ducks and geese, and can spread to domestic poultry through direct contact or contaminated environments. How does H5N1 bird flu spread to humans?

Direct Contact: Handling infected birds, their droppings, or feathers.
Contaminated Surfaces: Touching surfaces contaminated by the virus and then touching the face, eyes, or mouth.
Consumption of Undercooked Poultry: Eating infected poultry that has not been properly cooked can also pose a risk.

The risk of human-to-human transmission remains low, but mutations in the virus could potentially increase this risk, making ongoing surveillance essential.

How H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads

Understanding H5N1 transmission methods is key to controlling its spread. The virus is primarily airborne in bird populations, spreading through:

Droplets from sneezing or coughing
Contaminated feed or water sources
Contact with infected bird droppings

In humans, the virus is less likely to spread through casual contact, but healthcare workers and caregivers are at higher risk due to prolonged exposure to infected individuals.

Treatment Options for H5N1 Bird Flu

H5N1 treatment options aim to manage symptoms and reduce the severity of the infection. Currently, there is no specific antiviral drug designed exclusively for H5N1, but existing antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), have proven effective in reducing symptoms and complications.

Hospitalization may be required for severe cases, particularly if respiratory support is needed. Early detection and prompt treatment significantly improve the chances of recovery.

Prevention Strategies for H5N1 Bird Flu

Adopting effective H5N1 prevention strategies can minimize the risk of infection. Here are some key measures:

Avoid Contact with Birds: Limit exposure to live bird markets, farms, and other areas with bird populations.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after handling birds or poultry products.
Cook Poultry Thoroughly: Ensure that poultry and eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Vaccination for Poultry: Farmers should vaccinate poultry to prevent outbreaks in bird populations.
Use Protective Equipment: Healthcare workers and poultry handlers should use masks, gloves, and other protective gear when in contact with potentially infected birds or patients.

Advancements in H5N1 Vaccine Development

Researchers are making significant progress in H5N1 vaccine development to provide long-term protection against the virus. Several vaccines are currently in various stages of clinical trials, focusing on enhancing immune response and reducing side effects. Governments and health organizations are collaborating to stockpile vaccines in preparation for potential outbreaks.

Vaccination efforts for at-risk populations, including poultry workers and healthcare providers, are crucial in preventing the spread of H5N1.

H5N1 Bird Flu vs. Seasonal Flu

It is essential to distinguish between H5N1 bird flu vs. seasonal flu as their symptoms and impacts differ significantly. While seasonal flu is caused by influenza viruses that circulate annually, H5N1 bird flu is rare but far more severe. The mortality rate for H5N1 is much higher compared to seasonal flu, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and prevention.

Final Thoughts

The H5N1 bird flu poses a serious threat to both animal and human health. Understanding the H5N1 bird flu symptoms, transmission methods, treatment options, and prevention strategies is critical in managing its impact. Advances in H5N1 vaccine development offer hope for better protection against future outbreaks.

By staying informed and adopting preventive measures, we can collectively reduce the risk of H5N1 bird flu and ensure a safer environment for everyone.