hope against virus is vaccine
Lockdown, containment, masks.social distancing etc has not prevented the spread as desired .It may not be lethal but has led to loss of lives in many countries, good recovery but is highly contagious .WHO has now issued warning on possibility of spread thro aerosols for the first time. Repurposed drugs , immunity boosting concoctions have had no perceptible outcomes even though their are some reliefs. Many countries are in the race for finding a vaccine ,oxford and ICMR have advanced on human trials .Oxford has shown antibodies and T cells generation .Repeat dose may provide better cover .The cost may be Rs 1000/ per dose and will be subsidised by Govt and philanthropy .The test are in the age group up to 55 years and no immunity is seen in the age group of 70 plus .WHO opines that it may take upto almost a year before it is certified as a cure .At least the efficacy is predicted to be 65. percent .The productions, distributions will need to be ramped up to meet global demand and is being fast tracked in anticipation. The fact that many are in the race with different approaches will make it easy to supply. The priority will be to use it on health workers, police and high risk , most vulnerable groups including elders .The purpose is to to prevent spikes entering the cells and kill the cells that are infected .In case of mutations it will be a problem to be addressed, separately. But mutations can also render virus ineffective to enter the cells and thus curtail spread of infections There is hope generated and rightly so with advancement in scienceand technology , otherwise vaccine productions takes many years of hard work .Only global partnerships in large scale productions will effectively meet demandsand reduce costs so that the marginalised are not at a disadvantage .There is hope at the horizon of early break through. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPhone