Science
our thoughts on biology, global warming, the brain, and more
by Jenna Shin
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has begun to settle down in contrast to its very first beginnings, the virus remains to play a significant role in our lives. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, loss of taste/smell, muscle aches, and more. However, these can range within a large scale, as some individuals with the virus experience the symptoms on a more severe scale while others less. Those who already suffer from underlying illnesses are more vulnerable to not only contracting the virus, but also experiencing a higher level of the symptoms mentioned above. Why is this? Scientists have studied the reason why certain individuals experience more discomfort and side effects compared to others. They have discovered that the cause is related to genetics, and mutations in certain genes. For example, the TYK2 gene is responsible for contracting certain viruses from bacteria and fungi. Scientists then identified that those with a mutation in this gene can be subject to higher risk of being infected with COVID-19, along with other variants and strains of the virus. Additionally, the DPP9 gene has been found to have certain variants that cause more critical side effects after infection, or more severe conditions while the virus is present in the body. Not only do genetic mutations and variations play a role in the severeness of COVID-19 in affected individuals, but vaccinations have been proven to fight against the virus. Many who were diagnosed with COVID-19 experienced post-COVID conditions including loss of smell or taste, dizziness after standing up, and muscle pain. However, people who received the COVID-19 vaccine along with the booster shots experienced less severe symptoms during their infection and afterwards as well. This is due to the antibodies the vaccine develops which helps prevent critical conditions after being infected with the virus. The vaccine allows patients to fight against the virus without experiencing any discomfort or potential harm to the body. Lastly, those with underlying health conditions or those who are over the age of 65 are at higher risk of contracting the virus, due to their weakened immune system. “In 2020, this age group accounted for 81% of US COVID-19 related deaths,” according to the CDC. Patients who are already placed at a higher risk have been recommended to receive the vaccine and take extra precautions in order to avoid getting COVID-19. As we have seen for the past two years, masks have also played a significant role in preventing the virus, but with many obstacles coming from citizens who refused to follow the mask mandates. In conclusion, not only do we have to be cautious of our surrounding for our own health, but we must also take responsibility to prevent others from getting sick. We never know who may be at higher risk of getting COVID-19, and we cannot tell who might have genetic variations that cause them to experience more critical conditions. For the sympathy of our families and others, it is important to stay safe and continue to help prevent the possibility of another outbreak. Sources: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01773-7 https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2021/11/06/rod-s-ride-for-recovery- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/underlyingconditions.html
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