Over the past three years, SARS-CoV-2 has continued to evolve by accumulating genetic variations. A co-infection of multiple lineages of the virus could result in recombinations between genomes that can give rise to chimeric genomes or recombinants. While most recombinations may not give rise to viable viruses, a rare possibility exists where recombination could result in the creation of a new lineage of the virus with better functional capabilities than either of the parent lineages.
Pandemic
Vigilance and Preparedness: India’s Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Covid-19 and Influenza Surge
Today, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting to evaluate the Covid-19 and Influenza situation in India. The meeting focused on the readiness of health infrastructure and logistics, the progress of vaccination efforts, the emergence of new Covid-19 variants and Influenza strains, and their public health implications for the nation.
Reduced Immunity and Decreased Precautions Lead to Surge in H3N2 Influenza Cases in India: Experts Call for Continued Vigilance and Caution
Experts have recently observed a surge in cases of H3N2 influenza in India, which they attribute to a combination of reduced immunity due to negligible flu cases in the past three years and decreased adherence to Covid-appropriate behavior such as wearing masks and frequent hand washing.
WHO Announces Pandemic Transition Point, Urges Continued Action Against COVID-19
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the pandemic has reached a “transition point”. However, this does not mean the public health emergency of international
COVID Measures set to Expire as America Returns to Normalcy
The White House’s COVID emergency measures will come to an end in May. President Biden told Congress of the plan, opposing the House Republicans’ proposal
COVID-19 vaccines acceptance increased globally to 79.1%
The global acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines increased from 75.2% in 2021 to 79.1% in 2022, according to a survey in 23 countries (including India) representing
Universal Flu Vaccine Enters Clinical Trial
The National Institutes of Health recently announced it is beginning its phase one trial for a universal flu vaccine. Currently, the yearly seasonal flu shot
World Health Day 2022: Our Planet, Our Health
World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO), as
Anxiety, depression & mental health disorders rising after covid-19 infection
A study published by The BMJ finds that covid-19 is associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and sleep disorders, up to one year after initial infection.
Masks and good ventilation important for reducing spread of COVID-19 in classrooms
A new study from the University of Central Florida suggests that masks and a good ventilation system are more important than social distancing for reducing the airborne spread of COVID-19 in classrooms.