“SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: From Crisis to Solution”
Comprehensive work led by Dr. Špela Šalamon, MD, Ph.D., just published by World Health Network, with more than 200 references and interdisciplinary contributions from Yaneer Bar-Yam Greta Fox Andrew Ewing Matti T. J. Heino Carlos Gershenson and I.
https://lnkd.in/eXMFCGVx
Some highlights:
“The uncontrolled spread of the virus is accelerating its evolution, outpacing the effectiveness of vaccines, treatments, and immune system adaptation. This preventable disease and others magnified by immune dysfunction are driving staff shortages, supply chain disruptions, and overwhelming healthcare systems.”
Pathogenicity, acute death rates and life expectancy
“(…) acute death rates still remain five times higher than for those hospitalized with influenza. In addition, there has been a sharp decline in global life expectancy since 2020 and countries with most proactive infection control measures have largely avoided it.”
Multisystem and organ damage
“(…) COVID-19 infection can also turn the immune system against its own tissues and trigger autoimmune conditions. It also affects many other organs and systems, such as pulmonary function and the development of pulmonary fibrosis (…), increase the risk of new onset diabetes, and disrupt glycometabolic control, invade, damage and persist in the brain, impairing its metabolism (…) is associated with the development and acceleration of dementias cognitive decline hormonal disturbances, depression, anxiety, behavioral changes, (...). It threatens human fertility and sexuality in various ways (…)”
Broader impact on individuals and society, and mental health impacts
“The consequences of organ and systemic damage have only begun to be considered. Individuals who experience long-term health issues may be unable to work or require long-term medical care, leading to decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs.”
The Costs and the Benefits of Protective Measures
“A direct cost-benefit analysis shows that mitigating and suppressing COVID-19 is highly beneficial. The costs of protective interventions and precautions, testing, isolation and quarantine support, surveillance, air cleaning measures etc. must be compared with ongoing costs of the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19.”
The role and responsibility of healthcare professionals and institutions
“Healthcare institutions are by the nature of their responsibility to protect health as well as the high levels of physical contact and concentrations of both vulnerable and COVID infected individuals—locations in which enhanced protections should be normalized. This includes multiple levels of precautions: the universal use of N95 or better respirators, high frequency testing, enhanced air hygiene, and optimized physical and social distancing.”
#CovidIsAirborne #MasksInHealthcare #DoNoHarm #CovidIsNotOver #VaccinesPlus #CO2 #HEPA #NotMild
