COVID -19: An Enemy against Humanity – Detailed analysis

COVID-19 officially named as novel coronavirus (nCOV-2019), believed to be originated from Wuhan, a new strain and world knew little about it at first place. Its spread was exponential. Hence, WHO declared it ‘an epidemic’ that means a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time, which witnesses large number of infected cases than the expected number. In a couple of weeks, its status changed to pandemic, which derived from Greek word means “Everyone” – a serious infectious disease that could spread to multiple continents like cholera that engulfed the lives of one million people in 1850s. That is where we stand today with respect to COVID-19 as this menace has reached to over 199 countries across the globe, exterminated around 220,000 so far while infected another over 3.1million and count is still on. Presently, many of us argue that there are many other diseases and reasons that cause more deaths than COVID-19. They come up with vague argument as they might be oblivious of the fact that COVID-19 is highly contagious unlike others and is spreading exponentially across the globe. So far, there is no vaccine or drugs available to prevent its spread. Therefore, Harvard scientists have already suspected that 40 to 70% of human beings across the globe are likely to get this monstrous virus. Isn’t it alarming? 

What COVID-19 does to your body?

Many of us need to know that how these microscopic organisms work and attack to human body? Virus is an infectious agent that remains inactive without host but when it gets its desired host in a cell, it hacks the machinery of a cell and generates its own copies through the process of replication through which huge number of viruses infect other cells. Similarly, coronaviruses are large groups of viruses whose host is lungs and known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold, influenza to MERS and SARS. At this juncture, it’s pertinent to mention here that corona is a Latin word means crown as outer shape of virus resembles a crown. It is originated from animals transferred to human beings and now carrier is a human being. It transmits from person to person through tiny droplets from nose or mouth owing to coughing and sneezing. These droplets land on different surfaces and objects from few hours to days and their viability is different on various surfaces and objects; may catch by others through touching these surfaces and breathing in droplets as described in the New England Journal of Medicine. According to US National Institutes of Health, COVID-19 can also remain infectious in droplets in the air for hours. Pretty scary! That’s why many despite taking apposite measure are being infected by this heinous virus. Hence, it’s the need of the hour to maintain a distance of at least one meter away from others to actualize the purpose of physical distancing. 

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues, medical experts and scientists are in full swing to learn about its level of damage to human body particularly lungs. New findings are being shared at regular interval. At first place, throat cell linings, airways and lungs are infected as virus multiplies there to generate huge copies to infect more cells. Symptoms at this stage are not guaranteed. Slight fever, body ache and may be headache is owing to immune system responding to the infection. It means that body has identified the atrocious invader and signals to the rest of the body to respond by releasing cytokines who are the chemical messengers to stimulate the immunes system against foreign attack and helpful to prevent  damaging inflammatory events.  These initial symptoms do not require specialized treatment because 80% can be recovered through bedrest, plenty of fluids, paracetamol and healthy diet. This stage lasts for 7 days mostly. 

Damaging form of COVID-19

Nevertheless, some might develop a more damaging form of COVID-19 because of overreacting of immune system that might cause inflammation. Hence, balance should be there as too much inflammation can lead to collateral damage to the body. This leads to pneumonia – an inflammation of lungs. At this stage, wall of the air sacs in the lungs starts to get infected through which oxygen to red-blood cells in human body is provided, but in pneumonia the tiny sacs become thick and start to fill with water and can eventually cause shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. This is a critical stage as wall gets thicker, transfer of oxygen gets harder, which ultimately leads towards severe illness. Some patients require ventilator for breathing at this juncture. This is where body starts to throw in the towel and there is an obvious chance that patient might kick the bucket. The chance of survival through ventilator is only 20% as per experts. If the immune system cannot supersede the virus then it will eventually lead to every nook and corner of the body. It can even disrupt kidneys to clean the blood. 

According to Chinese experts, most of the patients died had acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) irrespective of age because lungs become unable to provide enough oxygen to the body due to widespread inflammation. According to Lancet Medical journal, healthy looking persons who are chain-smokers don’t have healthy lungs and are more vulnerable to this COVID-19 severe attack. 

Now the purpose of reflecting this all is to aware general public about the scourge of this deadly virus. It is therefore requested to take it seriously as directed by incumbent premier Mr.Imran Khan in his recent address to the nation. Remember, it’s not only about you, you might survive the virus disease but someone who receives it by you might not recuperate. Hence, physical distancing, quarantine and other measures in the light of guidelines issued by present government are mandatory.

Let’s Break this Chain and help others

Non-seriousness shown towards COVID-19 by world community

Life was usual yesterday as everyone was busy in their normal routines when we heard about a breakout of a virus in Wuhan China. At first place, no one was bothered. People at large didn’t give a damn to it and never anticipated the repercussions of this malediction. World turned a deaf ear when first heard about novel coronavirus in Wuhan in December 2019. Many jokes were exchanged against Chinese People. Regrettably, at this crucial moment, Donald Trump termed COVID-19 a ‘Chinese virus’ – manifestation of extreme racism that doesn’t go with the position he holds today as the president of most powerful country of the world. Same response was observed in Europe. But, in a couple of weeks, this deadly virus has made its ground in more than 190 countries, shocked and locked many of us who are unable to foresee that what’s going to happen next. Yes, over half of the world population is experiencing lockdowns and curfews amid coronavirus fears. So, it has proved that viruses have no boundaries and they do not respect or discriminate nationalities, cultures, borders and personalities. Those who were mocking yesterday seem helpless in this unprecedented situation. Their health system has been stretched, overwhelmed and collapsed because they didn’t take desired measures at first place. Hence, they have to reap what they have sown. 

China and America’s Blame Game over COVID-19 Hurts Everyone

Let’s come to the world’s superpower, despite several warnings from intelligence and opposition during first week of January but received cold shoulder. Priorities were to tight the sanctions on Iran and strategies to topple the economy of the China. Eventually, the most powerful country has been witnessing largest toll of infected cases in few days. This may lead to thousands of causalities unlike any other country. USA is leading with respect to reported infected cases along with over 60,000 diseased ; already surpassed Italy within days where 28,000 causalities have been reported so far. Other European countries such as Spain, France and Germany are witnessing hundreds of causalities on daily basis along with Iran when its government brought back all their citizens unlike Pakistan who took sagacious decision at that interval not to repatriate Pakistani students despite huge pressure from public and bashing from media houses.  However, death toll and number of infected cases are increasing drastically with each passing day across the globe. The dark clouds of fear are hovering over the innocent lives and no one knows where it would lead us to.

COVID-19: A Blessing in Disguise for China

No doubt, world knew little about that virus at first place therefore witnessed severe consequences but had they not ignored Chinese model to contain virus, they could have defeated this menace successfully. At this juncture, the astounding actions of China must be considered seriously to overthrow this invisible adversary. To retreat monstrous coronavirus, world could learn from the tenacity of Chinese people, medical squads and other concerned authorities who have shown remarkable example of their services heroically to extricate this prevailing menace. Moreover, lots of myths and controversial theories are in the air pertaining to COVID-19. One segment anticipates it an engineered – a product of bioterrorism launched to topple the economy of China. Although, there is no concrete evidence but if it’s true then it proves to be the blessing in disguise for Republic of China. 

Over 90% of infected ones are now fully recovered as lockdown over there in Wuhan has been relaxed. The epicenter of this menace is coming back to its normal life. Having said that, as reported by Guardian, the deadly virus has now switched to USA from Europe, experiencing highest daily death toll than any other nation so far. Healthcare facilities are experiencing acute shortage of ventilators, masks and other PPEs. Officials over their have predicted over 200,000 deaths because million cases have already reported. Close to 90% are staying at home and experiencing historic worst unemployment. The superpower seems helpless and ready to throw in the towel in the light of current scenario. But still blaming China and tightening of the sanctions on Iran seem to be the top priority rather than engaging resources to grapple the pandemic. At this crucial moment, world leaders should refrain from ruffling the feathers of others. 

At the other side of the spectrum, despite bashing and mudslinging from other countries during catastrophe, Chinese government is in full swing providing services to the world. In this paralyzed situation, Jack-Ma Foundation has sent millions of facemasks and other necessary equipment to America with a loud message that China has a strong economy and its leadership has enough capability to take the bull by its horns in any unprecedented situation at global level. Similarly, Chinese medical experts have been visiting different countries to contain this deadly virus already adulated their relentless efforts by WHO and UN.

It’s pertinent to mention here that viruses have no ethnicity or citizenship; they are neither Chinese nor English (gora). Remember, one can only take safety measures to contain this menace but its spread is inevitable without an iota of doubt. There is no denying the fact that Chinese model is an excellent one and flagship for the entire globe to be followed to cope with this global malady by putting political differences aside. They put relentless effort through lockdown but citizens participation during this phase was mind-blowing must be adulated, a lesson learnt for all others. Now the positive image of China is emerging and with this approach it could likely to surpass USA economy by 2027. Isn’t COVID-19 a blessing in disguise particularly for Republic of China?
Let’s mull over it for a while....

World’s hospitals are overwhelmed because of the coronavirus

We know that COVID-19 is highly contagious, which engulfed more than 200,000 lives within no time so far, paralyzed life on the only planet and believed to be erupted from Wuhan in China. WHO first announced this deadly outbreak epidemic when it hit China but when it made its way to Europe followed by USA, it was declared pandemic. However, the agency has been accused and criticized of delaying to declare the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. This enemy of humanity has belligerently attacked Europe and other two leading economies that drive the world such as USA and China. Unlike USA, China tackled the situation quite well owing to commitment and unity from both ends public and government – their model is an embodiment and flagship for the rest of the world. On the contrary, despite having all the resources and state of the art technologies, the USA is struggling hard to contain this atrocious COVID-19 wreaking havoc of causalities, which is unprecedented in the history of mankind. Its health system seems to be overwhelmed due to highest ever reported positive cases. Healthcare facilities are experiencing acute shortage of ventilators, masks and other PPEs. 

At this juncture, let’s give it a thought wisely if USA, UK and Europe who claimed to have a modern health system are in strange conundrum then imagine what this monster can do to third world countries that are already deprived of basic healthcare facilities and less than average available budget. Massive population is another challenge. Initially, world knew little about this menace hence experienced serious implications. But third world countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka had enough time to learn from the mistakes of USA and Europe and proactive measures of Republic of China where recovery rate is more than 90%, out of 84,000 reported cases more than 78,000 have been fully recovered. Other European countries such as Spain, France and Germany are witnessing hundreds of causalities on daily basis along with Iran when its government brought back all their citizens unlike Pakistan who took sagacious decision at that interval not to repatriate Pakistani students despite huge pressure from public and bashing from media houses. Having said that, the abrupt decision of concerned authorities to release the pilgrims from Taftan border aggravated the situation. But simultaneously public is also not blame free. We can only defeat this through unity. Although, its spread is inevitable but safety measures can surely be helpful to contain this menace. Thus, it’s a responsibility of citizens to cooperate with concerned authorities because example of western world is hovering around.

In a similar vein, medical experts across the globe are in full swing to come up with a drug or vaccine to contain this deadly virus. It’s also a sigh of relief for Asian countries because research is being carried out at regular intervals and new strategies and measures are being proposed to boost up the immunity of the affected ones. There is no denying the fact that one day, very soon, we will find its cure and learn to contain it because relentless efforts are on the way to find out the way out – a silver lining. Fortunately, antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patient are believed to be helpful to fight the monstrous virus as per Dr. Tahir Sultan Shamsi. Lab grown antibodies are being developed by Regeneron – an American biotechnology company. According to New York Institute of Technology, tuberculosis (TB) vaccine and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) could be potential for virus treatment. Similarly, hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial medication is being tested to facilitate with quicker recovery. Malaria-endemic regions as per WHO is less likely to be hit by the wrath of deadly virus because malarial patients have already developed immunity to fight against coronavirus. Within months or two, world might get both vaccine and antiviral drugs. Chinese experiments also offer load of support in combating global pandemic. Moreover, age factor and immunity are also play pivotal role to tackle it. Dietary habits and sound sleep can also be useful. Other studies have emanated great hopes that seasonal variations such as heat and humidity might reduce the activity of the virus. According to Dr. Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to PM on health mentioned that coronavirus spread and severity is different in different regions. Hope is there that its hold would be slackening in summers. 

At this juncture, despite limited resources in Pakistan, it’s the right time to give a tribute to our healthcare workers pursuing a war against brutal invader of the human body. These workers are fighting against an invisible enemy and sacrificing their lives. I salute to the bravery of Dr. Osama Riaz and a British Pakistani nurse Areema Nasreen, 36, who died in the UK and all others who are providing support to this country at this paralyzed situation. They are the real heroes and stars of their nations. 

Traditionally, we have thrown ourselves at the mercy of others. Most in surrounding come up with an argument that it’s fine if some foreign help comes to us otherwise we can survive because of power of faith; wrong approach because along with trust in Almighty, one should tie the camel. Iranian strategy to tackle COVID-19 in this regard is a conspicuous example for all of us. However, at the other side of the spectrum, the incumbent crisis is a blessing in disguise and offers an opportunity to strengthen the dilapidated health system by imposing health emergency. It’s the right time to invest more in health sector and bring it to a level of state of the art hospitals with respect to quality services such as Shaukat Khanum, Agha Khan and Al-Shifa. All these three share best practices in quality and patient safety and hold JCI certification. Unlike others, Shaukat Khanam is in full swing to provide its services to masses through education and awareness on social media; has established COVID-19 camp, isolation wards and offering free testing for suspected patients. Hence, it’s a moral obligation for all the haves of the society to make donations in order to save lives at this crucial time.  

Similarly, our existing health system’s capacity to track and test the patients is limited; thousands of suspected unscreened ones are strolling around that have not been tested –not a good omen. Yuaval Noah Harari, a great historian has already warned the world about COVID-19 ramifications. He adds that decisions of concerned authorities will probably shape our health systems, economy and politics in the time of biggest crisis of our generation. Therefore, it’s the right time to act before it’s too late. We should have our own mask making machines available on Ali Baba. Government should encourage private sector to acquire and start mass production in order to get rid of shortage at the time of crisis. In a similar vein, steps should be taken to develop smart and portable ventilators. This will surely give a boost to our exports. To share the burden of hospitals in the light of current situation, primary clinics at particular locations should be established for initial screening then to hospital. District Administrations have decided to establish tele-clinics for the provision of modern treatment to citizens –a good omen. There are many initiatives and lesson learnt that concerned authorities could opt to turn the tide in its favor. 

No doubt, Prime Minister Imran Khan is striving hard and put relentless efforts to stop its spread but he needs to lead from the front and take the bull by its horns like he did in case of Shaukat Khanum. Undoubtedly, this storm will pass; most of us will survive but will inhabit a different world. We shouldn’t forget that it’s a National Hazard that should be dealt with national spirits.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/613438/covid-19-a-blessing-in-disguise-for-china/
https://dailytimes.com.pk/611876/covid-19-blessing-in-disguise-for-pakistans-health-sector/

Haider Ali is young professional works as a Health Safety & Environment Officer in Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH & RC), holds a degree in MPhil Environmental Science from Government College University, Lahore. He writes on burning issues and has been involved in various projects.