The Pandemic of Our Times: Conversations Concerning Covid-19
By Anu Acharya, CEO, MapmyGenome
(Cause, Origins, Viruses, Intervention, and Disease)
A massive shortage of masks, hand sanitisers, and more. There is a sudden surge to protect ourselves from this pandemic called Covid-19, caused by a novel mutation of the coronavirus. Didn’t we always know that “Prevention is cheaper than Cure”? This mass hysteria can move people towards understanding the value of prevention and early detection.
What Exactly Is a Virus?
A virus is a small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. Unlike bacteria, a virus is teeny tiny and has a coat of protein around it. Inside that is some DNA or RNA — an instruction booklet that tells it what to do when it invades a healthy cell. Its modus operandi is to hijack the cell, force it to make more viruses, and then kill the cell. That’s how a virus causes disease.
Our body has a defence mechanism that recognises this virus as an invader and tries to get rid of it. This is why the virus is most harmful to the elderly, whose immune systems are the most compromised.
The Coronavirus Family
Over the past few years, some of the major epidemic outbreaks have something in common — the coronavirus. This includes the common cold, SARS, MERS, and now COVID-19. These viruses are transmitted from animals to humans: SARS from a civet cat, MERS from dromedary camels, and COVID-19 likely from bats.
Is There a Genetic Angle?
Yes. There is a higher risk of infection and severity of disease if you are at risk for or suffer from diabetes, heart conditions, and more. Studies have also shown that the ACE2 gene receptor — which the coronavirus spike protein binds to — plays a key role in COVID-19 severity. Genetic factors related to immunity play a very important role in SARS-CoV pathogenesis.
What You Can Do
Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Keep a hand sanitiser with you always
Avoid coming in close contact with those who are already sick
Avoid touching mouth, eyes, or nose with your hands
Disinfect areas of work around you
Know Your Genetic Immune Profile
Genomepatri by MapmyGenome analyses your genetic predisposition to immune-related conditions, vitamin deficiencies, inflammatory response, and comorbidities that affect COVID-19 severity — helping you personalise your prevention plan.
