The Omicron outbreak brought along a swift and powerful wave of Covid cases around the world. During late 2021 and early 2022, the Omicron mutation accelerated the spread of sickness and death. Thankfully, while still dangerous, Omicron doesn't cause severe illness as frequently as previous strains. However, with the high number of cases, hospitalizations reached all-time highs. Omicron is quite skilled at infecting the upper respiratory system, but it's not as great at attacking the lungs, making it less deadly.
Unveiled in 2019 in China, Covid-19 quickly traveled across the globe in 2020. Bringing along confusion, rumors and fear. Even in 2021, much about this virus remains uncertain. In comparison to the seasonal flu, Covid is more infectious and has a greater mortality rate. Scientists and health officials race to combat it with modern remedies and vaccines. Meanwhile, governments shut down borders and quarantine individuals. How should one respond when a curious microbe arrives at the doorstep and the possibility of a modern-day plague looms? Stay cool and uncover the truth.
COVID-19 is the new kid on the block in the land of zoonotic diseases. It gets its name from the corona-like spikes on its surface, but don't let that scare you - it's not here to rule. Just like its cousins SARS and MERS, it took a ride on an animal host (bats, civets, and camels, oh my!) before making its way to us. Sorry-not-sorry, humans, but sometimes Mother Nature has a funny sense of humor. So let's be mindful of our interconnectedness and try not to mess with wildlife food markets, okay?
The Covid virus keeps catching scientists off guard, mutating quickly and accelerating just when it seems like it's slowing down. Our success in this battle against flu, measles, Covid, and other illnesses depends on our wits versus the microbes' genes. To come out victorious, we must think carefully, educate ourselves, and give respect to the microbial world. Covid might become an endemic infection, constantly circulating and becoming a normal part of our lives. Only time will tell when this new chapter in the Covid saga will begin.