You know that I read a ton of journals. Because it’s the best way I can discern what’s the next big thing, what’s coming down the pike. It’s amazing how many great products (or cures) arise because a brilliant researcher works against the tide, seeking out answers for questions no one else really believe exists.

Which brings up Dr Ralph Baric. By now, y’all are familiar with Dr. Tony Fauci, the brilliant infectious disease specialist that has headed up most of our government’s response to diseases. (And, belatedly given similar free reign under TheDonald to deal with this coronavirus pandemic. You know, after TheDonald rewrote history- first claiming this pandemic was a hoax, it would disappear overnight, maybe affect 5 US citizens- until he declared (mendaciously) that he knew it was a pandemic all along.)

Well, Dr. Baric isn’t as well known as Tony Fauci. But, for about 30 years, he’s been in a tizzy about coronaviruses. He recognized their Houdini-like ability to adapt, mutate- and jump from one species to the next in a (virtual) heartbeat. Had we paid attention to his research (and if we had sentient political officers), we might have been more prepared for this pandemic.

The issue is the coronavirus itself. Like we discussed last Thursday, this virus is single-strand of RNA in a light sheath, coated with fat. And, as you can see from the photograph below, they are so named (i.e., corona) because their surface is replete with spiky proteins (called peplomers). It’s those spikes that grab onto human cells (in particular to ACE2 [angiotensin converting enzyme] receptors) and so infect us. Any human cell that expresses ACE2 is, therefore, susceptible to infection. Which means those cells along our GI and respiratory tracts are the prime targets. (Along those lines- do not for a moment consider terminating your hypertension meds right now!)

The problem- the lethality of the virus- is when and if it traverses down our windpipes, proliferating along the branches of our respiratory system (and lung tissue). Because, then, things get pretty severe. The air sacs in our lung fill with fluid (causing what we typically call pneumonia- even though there is no bacteria present; this virus  like the cold or flu virus are also potential causes).

Not only is the fluid in our air sacs (i.e., alveoli), but there’s secondary damage as our immune system responds to the attack. (These are the white blood cells, our first responders, that degrade the pathogens.) But, for some of us, the immune response is way too robust- meaning that it’s not just the viral-cell combination that is destroyed- but any nearby healthy tissue is also attacked. And, then, the cells that produce mucus, protecting our respiratory tract lining- as well as the cilia that expectorate dirt and secretions out from our body- are permanently damaged. (Not to mention that we are now very susceptible to secondary bacterial infection due to diminished mucus production- where the bugs normally in our nose and throat [and the antibiotic-resistant bugs that thrive in hospitals] can do us in.)

You can see the cascade of failure that results from coronavirus invasion. And, once our body passes the tipping point- due to age, secondary issues like COPD, diabetes, cardiac, and other diseases that we already have- we can’t recover.

Along those same lines, this is Wave 1.  Mostly present on the coasts and the big cities of the USA.  Then, Wave 2 will attack the interior of the US, where many of the folks bought TheDonald’s first lies- that it will disappear quickly and, therefore, they take no precautions.  Or, they believe Jesus will protect them. (I’m just quoting their own words, not making a judgment here.)

Unless, of course, there is a FEDERAL response- to have everyone work from home for 14 to 21 days.  Because if we don’t attenuate the presence in our population, that wave will then reappear when  folks think it’s over and start traveling again- then, we’ll see Wave 3 where wave 1 first appeared.  Which will then travel to the other regions for Wave 4.  Until about 70% of the US will have been infected (most with mild instances) with the virus.  So, the next cycles will only be mild crests, rather than waves….Of course, should  we develop a vaccine to prevent the disease, inoculations will terminate the repeated waves.

Stay safe.

And, wash your hands.

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