Global pandemia: lessons and prospects

Global pandemia: lessons and prospects

I. Epidemiological landscape to COVID-19: Preparation and vulnerability

A. History of Pandemius and Epidemics:

1. Determination of pandemia and epidemics: A pandemic is an epidemic spreading in a large territory, usually to several continents or around the world, and affecting a significant part of the population. An epidemic is the rapid spread of an infectious disease among the population in a particular region or community over a certain period of time exceeding the usual level of incidence. The difference lies on a geographical scale and the degree of influence on the population.

2. Significant historical pandemias (plague, cholera, flu):

   • Black death (plague, XIV century): One of the most deadly pandemes in the history of mankind caused by a bacterium Yersinia pestistransferred by fleas parasitizing on rodents. She claimed life, according to various estimates, from 30% to 60% of the population of Europe, Asia and North Africa. The consequences were catastrophic: demographic crisis, economic collapse, social shocks and changes in religious and cultural practices. Lessons: the importance of sanitation, hygiene, control of rodents and quick identification and insulation of infected.

   • Cholera (19th Century): It is caused by a bacterium Vibrio choleraespreads through contaminated water and food. In the XIX century, numerous pandemias of cholera took place, which affected Asia, Europe and America. Cholera pandemia contributed to the development of public healthcare, including the construction of water supply and sewage systems, as well as the development of the concept of infectious control. Lessons: the need to ensure access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as quick diagnosis and treatment.

   • Spanish flu (1918-1920): Caused by the influenza virus A (H1N1). It is considered one of the most deadly pandemics in history that has claimed a life from 50 to 100 million people around the world. Young and healthy people were especially affected. The Pandemia of Spanish influenza demonstrated the importance of rapid response to new infectious diseases, the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs, as well as public informing. Lessons: the importance of developing and maintaining the global systems of the epidemic, investments in the research of influenza viruses and willingness to develop and produce vaccines on the scale of pandemia.

3. Later epidemics (Sars, Mers, Ebola, Zika):

   • Sars (heavy acute respiratory syndrome, 2002-2003): Caused by Sars-Cov coronavirus. The flash began in China and spread to other countries, including Canada, Singapore and Vietnam. SARS demonstrated the ability of new coronaviruses to cause serious diseases in humans and spread around the world. Lessons: The importance of early detection and reports of new infectious diseases, rapid isolation and quarantine of infected, as well as international cooperation.

   • Mers (Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome, 2012 – present): Caused by Mers-Cov coronavirus. It is mainly found in the Middle East. Transfer from camels to man. Mers has a higher mortality than SARS, but less easily transmitted from person to person. Lessons: The importance of studying the tanks of viruses in nature, the development of preventive measures to prevent the transfer of viruses from animals to humans and readiness for Mers outbreaks.

   • Ebola (West African epidemic 2014-2016): Caused by the Ebola virus. Basically affected West Africa, especially Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. High mortality. The Ebola epidemic revealed shortcomings in healthcare systems in injured countries and the need for international response to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Lessons: The importance of strengthening healthcare systems in high risk countries, developing quick diagnostic tests and vaccines, as well as effective control of infections and prevention.

   • Zica (2015-2016): It is caused by Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes. The flash mostly affected the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. The Zika virus can cause microcephaly in newborns if the mother was infected during pregnancy. Lessons: the importance of combating infections, vaccines and diagnostic tests, as well as public informing about risks associated with ZIK virus.

B. Globalization and distribution of diseases:

1. Growth of international trade and travel: Globalization has led to an increase in international trade and travel, which accelerated the spread of infectious diseases. People and goods move faster and further than ever before, which allows pathogens to quickly spread around the world. Large international airports and seaports become key points of the spread of infections.

2. Urbanization and population density: Urbanization has led to an increase in population density in cities, which contributes to the spread of infectious diseases. In densely populated areas, people live closer to each other, which increases the risk of transmission of infections with airborne droplets or through contact. Inadequate sanitation and overpopulation can also contribute to the spread of diseases.

3. Climate change and impact on the distribution areas of carriers: Climate change affects the distribution of infections of infections, such as mosquitoes and ticks. An increase in temperature and a change in precipitation can expand the habitats of these carriers, which will lead to the emergence of new cases of diseases in areas where they have not been previously found.

C. Readiness for pandemia: gaps and achievements:

1. National readiness for pandemia: Many countries have developed national readiness for pandemia, but their effectiveness is often limited due to insufficient financing, the lack of coordination between different departments and insufficient attention to local preparation.

2. International organizations (WHO) and their role: The World Health Organization (WHO) plays an important role in coordinating international efforts to combat pandemias. WHO provides technical assistance to countries, develops leaders and recommendations, and also coordinates research and development of vaccines and drugs. However, WHO is also faced with problems such as limited financing and political influence.

3. Investments in the research and development of vaccines and drugs: Investments in research and the development of vaccines and drugs are important for preparing for pandemias. However, these investments are often insufficient, especially for diseases that mainly affect countries with low and average income. Investigations for the private sector for investing in the development of vaccines and drugs for pandemic diseases are needed.

4. Systems of Epidtains and Early Warning: Epidtain and early warnings systems are important for rapid detection and response to outbreaks of infectious diseases. However, many countries do not have sufficient opportunities for the epidemic, especially in remote and rural areas. Investments in strengthening the systems of epidemic and early warning around the world are needed.

II. COVID-19: the occurrence, distribution and effects

A. The origin and characteristics of the SARS-COV-2 virus:

1. Hypotheses about the origin of the virus: Initially, it was assumed that the SARS-COV-2 virus arose in the juanan seafood market in Jun, China. However, later studies have shown that the market was probably a place of supercreting, and not a source of the virus. Currently, the opinion prevails that the virus arose in bats, and then transmitted to a person through an intermediate host, possibly Pangolin.

2. Genetic structure and mutations of the virus: SARS-COV-2 is a single-chain RNA virus. Its genome contains about 30,000 nucleotides. The virus is subject to mutations, which leads to the emergence of new options. Some options, such as Alpha, Delta and Omicron, turned out to be more contagious or capable of evading the immune response.

3. Transmission routes and distribution factors: The SARS-COV-2 virus is mainly transmitted by airborne droplets, with coughing, sneezing or conversation. Transmission is also possible in contact with contaminated surfaces, although this transmission path is considered less significant. Factors contributing to the spread of the virus include high population density, poor precaution, such as carrying masks and social distance, as well as international trips.

B. Pandemia global spread:

1. The first cases in Jun and distribution to China: The first cases of Covid-19 were registered in Jun, China, in December 2019. Soon the virus spread throughout China, and then around the world. China has introduced strict measures to contain the virus, including cities quarantine and traffic restriction.

2. Distribution around the world: Europe, America, Asia, Africa: The virus quickly spread around the world, primarily through international air travel. In Europe, Italy has become the first country to seriously affected from the pandemic. In America, the United States has become an epicenter of pandemia. Asia, Africa and other regions of the world are also badly affected by the Covid-19.

3. Waves of the pandemia and the appearance of new options: Covid-19 pandemic was characterized by several waves, each of which was caused by a new variant of the virus. The options for alpha, delta and omicron led to a sharp increase in the number of cases of disease and hospitalization.

C. The impact of pandemia on various spheres:

1. Health system: overload, lack of resources, deferred medical care: Covid-19 pandemia exerted great pressure on healthcare systems around the world. The hospitals were overloaded with patients with Covid-19, which led to a lack of beds, IVL devices and medical personnel. Many people postponed the receipt of medical care for other diseases due to fear of infecting the Covid-19 in the hospital.

2. Economics: decline, loss of jobs, violation of supply chains: Covid-19 pandemia led to a global economic downturn. Many enterprises were forced to close, which led to the loss of jobs. Violations in supplies chains led to a lack of goods and raising prices.

3. Social sphere: isolation, mental health, inequality: Covid-19 pandemic had a serious impact on the social sphere. Many people experienced isolation and loneliness due to quarantine and social distance. The pandemic also led to a deterioration in mental health, especially among young people. The inequality was aggravated during the pandemic, since people with a low income and minority representatives disproportionately suffered from the economic consequences and health problems.

4. Education: closing schools, distance learning, loss of knowledge: Closing schools during the pandemic Covid-19 led to serious disorders in education. Remote training turned out to be difficult for many students, especially for those who do not have access to computers and the Internet. Studies show that students have lost a significant amount of knowledge due to the closure of schools.

5. Politics: response measures, public trust, international cooperation: The Covid-19 pandemic demanded that the governments take fast and decisive response measures. Public confidence in the governments played an important role in the success of response measures. International cooperation is important for the fight against pandemia, but it was often complicated by political disagreements.

III. Pandemia response measures: efficiency and disadvantages

A. Public health measures:

1. Quarantine and isolation: Quarantine (restriction of the movement of people who could be exposed to an infectious disease) and isolation (separation of infected people from healthy ones) are important public health measures to contain the spread of infectious diseases. However, these measures can be difficult to comply with and may have negative consequences for economics and mental health.

2. Social distance: Social distance (maintaining a physical distance between people) helps reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases by airborne droplets. Social distance measures include the abolition of mass events, the closure of schools and enterprises, as well as the recommendation of people to stay at home.

3. Wearing masks: Wearing masks reduces the risk of transmission of infectious diseases by airborne droplets. Masks are especially effective when they are worn by both infected and healthy people.

4. Hand hygiene: Regular washing of hands with soap and water or the use of a disinfectant hand products helps reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases.

5. Testing and tracking contacts: Covid-19 testing and tracking of contacts allow you to identify and isolate infected people and prevent the further spread of the virus. However, these measures require significant resources and an effective contact tracking system.

B. Development and distribution of vaccines:

1. Development of vaccines against Covid-19: Vaccines and effectiveness types: The development of vaccines against the Covid-19 has become one of the biggest achievements in the fight against pandemia. Various types of vaccines were developed, including MRNC-vaccines (Pfizer-Biontech, Moderna), vector vaccines (Astrazeneca, Johnson & Johnson) and inactivated vaccines (Sinovac, Sinopharm). Covid-19 vaccines were highly effective in preventing the severe course of the disease, hospitalization and death.

2. Global distribution of vaccines: problems of equality and access: The global distribution of vaccines against the Covid-19 encountered serious problems of equality and access. Rich countries bought most of the available vaccines, leaving countries with a low and medium income level without a sufficient amount of vaccines. This led to an uneven distribution of vaccines around the world and slowed down the rate of vaccination in low income countries.

3. Vaccination and variants of the virus: reducing the effectiveness and the need for booster doses: The emergence of new options for the SARS-COV-2 virus, such as Delta and Omicron, led to a decrease in the effectiveness of vaccines against infection. However, vaccines still provide protection against the severe course of the disease and hospitalization. To maintain protection against new variants of the virus, booster doses of vaccines were recommended.

C. Covid-19 treatment:

1. Antiviral drugs: Remdesivir, Molnupiralovir, Paklovid: Various antiviral drugs for the treatment of Covid-19 were developed. Remesivir showed some effectiveness in reducing hospitalization time in patients with COVID-19. Molnupiravir and Paklovid were effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death in patients with high risk.

2. Monoclonal antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-designed antibodies that are aimed at the SARS-COV-2 virus. They turned out to be effective in preventing the severe course of the disease, if they are introduced at the early stage of infection.

3. Supporting therapy: oxygen therapy, Ivl: Supporting therapy, such as oxygen therapy and Ivl, is important for the treatment of patients with a severe covid-19.

D. Economic measures:

1. Fiscal incentives: payments to the population, business support: The governments of many countries introduced fiscal incentives to mitigate the economic consequences of pandemia. These measures included payments to the population, business support and expanding social protection programs.

2. Monetary policy: reducing interest rates, lending programs: Central banks reduced interest rates and introduced lending programs to stimulate economic activity during pandemia.

3. Employment support: unemployment benefits, job preservation programs: Governments expanded unemployment benefits and introduced programs for maintaining jobs to support employment during pandemic.

IV. Covid-19 Pandemia Lessons: What did we learn

A. The importance of early detection and response:

1. The need for strong epidemic systems: Covid-19 pandemia showed the importance of strong epidemic systems for early detection and response to flash of infectious diseases. These systems should include opportunities for quick testing, tracking contacts and information exchange between countries.

2. Reaction speed and deterrence of distribution: The response rate to the outbreak of an infectious disease is crucial to contain its propagation. Countries that quickly introduced public healthcare measures, such as quarantine, isolation and social distance, have achieved more success in containing the spread of Covid-19.

3. International cooperation and information exchange: International cooperation and information exchange are important for the fight against pandemias. Countries should cooperate in research, the development of vaccines and drugs, as well as exchange information about the new virus variants.

B. Strengthening health systems:

1. Investments in the infrastructure of healthcare: The Covid-19 pandemic showed the need to invest in healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, laboratories and medical equipment. Countries should have a sufficient number of beds, IVL devices and other necessary equipment for the treatment of patients with infectious diseases.

2. Preparation and protection of medical workers: Medical workers are in advanced fight against pandemias and need preparation and protection. Countries should provide medical workers with a sufficient amount of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as training and support.

3. Strengthening public health systems: Covid-19 pandemic showed the need to strengthen public health systems. Countries should have strong public health programs capable of conducting vaccination campaigns, track contacts and provide information about health to the population.

C. Social and economic consequences:

1. Address support of vulnerable population groups: Covid-19 pandemia had an disproportionate effect on vulnerable groups of the population, such as people with low income, representatives of minorities and people with chronic diseases. Governments must provide targeted support to these population groups in order to mitigate the social and economic consequences of the pandemic.

2. Strengthening social protection systems: Covid-19 pandemic showed the need to strengthen social protection systems. Countries should have strong unemployment benefits, food assistance and other social security to help people who have lost their jobs or have encountered economic difficulties.

3. Investments in education and retraining: Covid-19 pandemia led to the loss of jobs and a change in demand for skills. Governments must invest in education and retraining to help people acquire the skills necessary to work in a changing economy.

D. Communication and public trust:

1. Transparent and timely communication: Transparent and timely public communication is important for building trust and ensuring compliance with public health measures. Governments should provide the population with accurate and relevant information about the pandemic, as well as explain the reasons underlying public health measures.

2. The fight against misinformation: Disinformation can undermine efforts to combat pandemia. Governments should fight misinformation, providing accurate information and working with social networks in order to delete false information.

3. Involvement of communities: The involvement of communities in the development and implementation of public health measures can increase their effectiveness and ensure their compliance with the needs and culture of various communities.

V. Prospects: Future pandemia and readiness

A. The probability of new pandemics:

1. The appearance of new infectious diseases: The emergence of new infectious diseases is a constant threat to public health. Climate change, deforestation and other factors can contribute to the appearance of new infectious diseases.

2. Resistance to antimicrobial drugs: Resistance to antimicrobial drugs is a growing problem for public health. The abuse of antibiotics leads to the appearance of stable bacteria that is difficult to treat.

3. Global health safety threats: Global threats of health safety, such as bioterrorism and random emission of dangerous pathogens, can also lead to pandemias.

B. The need to strengthen global readiness:

1. Strengthening international cooperation: The strengthening of international cooperation is important for preparing for future pandemics. Countries should cooperate in studies, the development of vaccines and drugs, as well as exchange information about new infectious diseases.

2. Investments in scientific research and development: Investments in scientific research and development are important for the development of new vaccines, drugs and diagnostic tests to combat infectious diseases.

3. The development of global systems of the epidemic: The development of global systems of the epidemic is important for the early detection and response to the outbreak of infectious diseases. These systems should include opportunities for quick testing, tracking contacts and information exchange between countries.

4. Strengthening health systems around the world: The strengthening of healthcare systems around the world is important for preparing for future pandemias. Countries should have a sufficient number of beds, IVL devices and other necessary equipment for the treatment of patients with infectious diseases.

C. Technology and innovation:

1. Using artificial intelligence and big data: Artificial intelligence and big data can be used to predict flashes of infectious diseases, track the spread of viruses and develop new vaccines and drugs.

2. Development of new platforms for vaccines and drugs: The development of new platforms for vaccines and drugs can speed up the process of developing and producing vaccines and drugs to combat future pandemias.

3. Telemedicine and remote healthcare: Telemedicine and remote health care can be used to provide medical care to patients in remote areas or in quarantine.

D. Future of public health:

1. Reflecting the role of public health: Covid-19 pandemic forced to rethink the role of public health. Public health care should be more focused on the prevention of diseases, strengthening health and eliminating social determinants of health.

2. Investments in public healthcare: Investments in public healthcare are important for protecting the health and well -being of the population. Countries should invest in public health programs that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, prevent the spread of infectious diseases and provide access to medical care for everyone.

3. Development of the personnel potential of public healthcare: The development of the personnel potential of public healthcare is important to ensure that public health care has enough qualified specialists to solve public health problems in the future.

VI. Psychological consequences of pandemia

A. Anxiety and depression growth:

1. Factors contributing to a deterioration in mental health: The pandemic has become a trigger for many factors affecting the mental state of people. These include the fear of infection, the loss of loved ones, economic instability, social isolation and a constant stream of negative information.

2. Specific risk groups (children, adolescents, elderly people): Children and adolescents were faced with interruption of the educational process, restriction of social contacts, which led to an increase in anxiety and depression. Older people, in turn, were in social isolation, experienced fear of illness and death, which negatively affected their mental health.

3. Long -term consequences for mental health: The psychological consequences of pandemia can persist for a long time after its end. Post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders and depression can become chronic conditions that require long -term support and treatment.

B. Social isolation and loneliness:

1. The influence of quarantine and social distance: Quarantine and social distance, albeit the necessary measures to contain the spread of the virus, led to social isolation and loneliness. The restriction of social contacts negatively affected the emotional well -being of people, especially those who live alone.

2. Increasing the use of social networks and its consequences: During the period of social isolation, many people turned to social networks to maintain social ties. However, excessive use of social networks can lead to negative consequences, such as social comparison, a sense of inferiority and dependence.

3. Strategies for the fight against loneliness and social isolation: It is important to develop and implement strategies aimed at combating loneliness and social isolation. These include the maintenance of social ties with the help of online platforms, participation in virtual support groups, physical exercises and meditation.

C. Stigmatation and discrimination:

1. Stigmatization of patients COVID-19 and their families: During the period of pandemia, stigmatization of patients Covid-19 and their families was observed. People were afraid to get infected and avoided contacts with those who were sick or contacted with patients.

2. Discrimination on the basis of race and nationality: In some cases, discrimination was observed on the basis of race and nationality, especially in relation to people of Asian origin. This is due to the fact that the virus was first discovered in China.

3. The fight against stigmatization and discrimination: It is important to deal with stigmatization and discrimination, providing accurate information about the virus, emphasizing the importance of sympathy and support, as well as taking measures against discrimination.

D. Trauma and loss:

1. Experience in the loss of loved ones: The pandemic led to the death of millions of people around the world. The experience of the loss of a loved one is a traumatic experience, which can lead to long -term psychological consequences.

2. Fear of death and inevitability: Pandemia made people think about death and inevitability. Fear of death can lead to anxiety, depression and other psychological problems.

3. Professional burnout with medical workers: Medical workers were on the advanced fight against pandemia, working in high load and stress conditions. This led to professional burnout, anxiety and depression.

VII. Ethical dilemmas of pandemia

A. Resource distribution:

1. Shortage of medical equipment (IVL devices, bangs in intensive care): During the peak load on the healthcare system, there was a shortage of medical equipment, such as Ivl and beds in intensive care. This put the doctors before a difficult choice which of the patients to give priority.

2. The principles of fair distribution (maximization of benefit, equality, priority to the most needy): There are various principles of fair distribution of resources in conditions of deficiency, such as maximizing benefits, equality and priority to the most needy. However, the application of these principles in practice can be complex and contradictory.

3. Vaccination: priority groups of the population: When distributing vaccines against Covid-19, it was necessary to determine priority groups of the population, such as medical workers, elderly people and people with chronic diseases. The definition of priority groups caused many disputes and discussions.

B. Freedom restriction:

1. Quarantine and social distance: balance between social health and personal freedoms: Quarantine and social distance necessary to contain the spread of the virus limit personal freedoms of people. It is necessary to find a balance between social health and personal freedoms.

2. Mandatory vaccination: ethical arguments for “and” against “: Mandatory vaccination causes many controversy and discussions. Supporters of compulsory vaccination claim that it is necessary to protect public health. Opponents, in turn, believe that it violates personal freedoms and the right to choose.

3. Digital supervision and tracking of contacts: Privacy vs. safety: Digital supervision and tracking of contacts can be effective tools to combat pandemia, but they also raise questions about Privacy and personal data safety.

C. Informed consent and misinformation:

1. The right to informed consent to treatment and vaccination: Patients are entitled to informed consent to treatment and vaccination. This means that they should be completely informed about the risks and advantages of treatment or vaccination before making a decision.

2. The fight against misinformation about Covid-19 and vaccines: Disinformation about Covid-19 and vaccines may undermine efforts to combat pandemia. It is important to deal with misinformation, providing accurate information and working with social networks in order to delete false information.

3. The role of medical workers in the spread of truthful information: Medical workers play an important role in the dissemination of truthful information about the Covid-19 and vaccines. They should be reliable sources of information for patients and the public.

D. Global justice:

1. Uneven access to vaccines in different countries: Uneven access to vaccines in different countries is a serious problem of global justice. Rich countries bought most of the available vaccines, leaving countries with a low and medium income level without a sufficient amount of vaccines.

2. The duty of rich countries to help the poor: Rich countries have a moral duty to help poor countries in the fight against pandemia. This includes the provision of vaccines, financial assistance and technical support.

3. The need for global cooperation in the fight against pandemias: Global cooperation is important for the fight against pandemias. Countries should cooperate in studies, the development of vaccines and drugs, as well as exchange information about new infectious diseases.

VIII. Changes in the lifestyle and behavior

A. Remote work and online education:

1. Advantages and disadvantages of remote work: Remote work has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include flexibility, saving time and money for the road, as well as increasing performance. Disadvantages include social insulation, erosion of boundaries between work and personal life, as well as the need to adapt to new technologies.

2. Problems and opportunities for online education: Online education also has its own problems and capabilities. Problems include the lack of personal contact with teachers and peers, the need for self -discipline and motivation, as well as unequal access to technology. Opportunities include flexibility, accessibility and the ability to learn at their own pace.

3. Long -term consequences for the labor and education market: Remote work and online education can have long-term consequences for the labor and education market. They can lead to a change in the structure of employment, an increase in demand for digital skills, as well as to rethink traditional education models.

B. Increased attention to hygiene and health:

1. Improving the hygiene of the hands and respiratory hygiene: Pandemia led to an increase in attention to hygiene of the hands and respiratory hygiene. People began to wash their hands more often, use disinfectants and wear masks.

2. An increase in interest in a healthy lifestyle: The pandemic also led to an increase in interest in a healthy lifestyle. People began to engage in physical exercises more, eat right and take care of their mental health.

3. The role of prevention in health promotion: Pandemia emphasized the importance of prevention in promoting health. Preventive measures, such as vaccination, healthy lifestyle and regular medical examinations, can help prevent the development of diseases and improve the general health of health.

C. Change in consumer habits:

1. Growth online trade and home delivery: The pandemic led to the growth of online trade and home delivery. People began to buy goods more often