Dr. T. Jacob John is an infectious disease control specialist. And also professor of virology and pediatrics at Christian Medical College Vellore, Tamil Nadu India. He plays a leading role in combating polio and HIV/AIDS in his country, and has a reputation for talking straight. He told Hindustan Times COVID could become another animal in the zoo. In other words, some version will linger for years, but its future is unclear.
The Virus Is Evolving Rapidly With New Variants
There’s always a possibility global vaccination could knock the virus out. On the other hand, it seems equally likely it might eventually settle down and become a ‘minor annoyance’. But the steps we need to take to reach either destination are less clear.
That’s because new variants are emerging in various countries. Crunch time came when Novavax discovered its just-released vaccine failed to perform as well against South African and UK variants. Especially since these are more infectious.
Hindustan Times consulted several acknowledged virology experts. They confirmed a new variant could conceivably appear that dodges current tests, treatments and vaccines. Our focus should therefore be vaccinating as many people as we can, and as quickly as possible.
What Kind of Animal Could COVID Become in the Zoo
Jeffrey Shaman studies viruses at Columbia University, City of New York. He sides with broad opinion that vaccines are unlikely to confer lifelong immunity. If this is correct, then humans will have to learn to live with COVID-19 whatever form it takes.
What nobody seems sure about is the form the ‘COVID animal’ will adopt in the virus zoo. Will we need annual boosts, like the influenza? Or will it appear every few years in another form? Jennie Lavine is a virologist at Emory University, Atlanta. Her take is more positive although it should not lull us into false comfort.
Jennie Lavine predicts the disease will continue to circulate, but mostly only cause mild illness similar to a routine cold. But most of us will require a form of exposure first, in order to build up our immunity.
Related
Origin of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Unraveling
COVID-19 Spread in Ways You May Not Know
Preview Image: Outpatient Department Courtyard
