Disease X: Four years after COVID-19, the world is preparing for a possible new pandemic
Waiting for a possible new epidemic, scientists are exploring research to prepare the world for a new, still unknown virus. While the world is still facing the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19scientists continue to research the possibilities of future respiratory virus pandemics.
A recent study on patterns of social interactions and health strategies not only issues new warnings about how to deal with future pandemicsbut also highlights the importance of science and the collaboration of the world’s population in protecting health.
The study, prepared by researchers from UFES, the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Jones dos Santos Neves Institute (IJSN)presented in March this year the results of research that developed samples of a pattern of social interactions that will potentially serve to help in the next pandemics and epidemics of diseases caused by respiratory viruses.
The researchers observed that non-pharmacological strategies, such as isolation or strong social distancinglike the use of masks (in particular the so-called filtering facepiece, PFF2), were of great importance in containing the spread of the disease and those infected by new variants of the virus. With this, the researchers established subsidies for the discussion of health policies and service provision in the Unified Health System (SUS), aiming for a more focused approach to combating COVID-19 and its various mutations, in addition to other acute respiratory syndromes.
O F5 Online Portal talked to the infectious disease specialist Dr. Fernando Chagaswhich emphasizes the importance of understanding patterns of social interaction and implementing effective public health strategies to mitigate the devastating effects of other future pandemics.
“Public health systems must be more prepared than ever to face similar challenges in the future. While the COVID-19 pandemic has been a painful lesson, it also offers a unique opportunity to learn and prepare for the future. COVID-19 has brought us the need to invest in research that has a rapid response to ensure that society is better prepared to deal with public health crises.”
Furthermore, the infectious disease specialist highlights the need to implement effective preventive measures, such as social distancing and the use of masks, and to be prepared to respond quickly to future outbreaks. “The threat of new respiratory virus pandemics is real and preparation is essential to protect the health of the population.”
Four years after the outbreak of the first case of COVID-19, the possibility of a new pandemic unfolding before our eyes worries the scientific community. The most recent edition of World Economic Forum, held in January this year, discussed in one of its panels the risks of a new global disease. Nicknamed “disease X” by World Health Organization, the new virus is still a mystery. This is because it is not a concrete threat, a disease already in circulation, but rather an eventual risk.
“What is known, according to the scientific community, is that this virus can cause 20 times more deaths than the coronavirus pandemic”said Chagas.
What is Disease X?
According to the infectious disease specialist who spoke with the F5 Online Portalthe term “Disease” was created by the WHO itself in an attempt to prepare the world for a new epidemiological disease, such as COVID-19which may be caused by a currently unknown pathogen.
“It is a disease, the next one that will appear, but we do not know what it is, but we do know that it exists and that the population must be prepared for it”he said.
But there is still no reason to panic, says Fernando Chagas. He highlights that in the context of these findings it is important to remember that the scientific community, public health and world leaders are much more prepared today to respond to future public health crises, and highlighted the importance of public health policies based on scientific evidence. solid principles and international collaboration in the prevention and control of pandemics.
“Today we already know how pandemics spread and how important public health measures are to prevent further damage. We need to understand and face the challenges of future respiratory virus pandemics, they have always occurred in the world and will continue to happen”he concluded.
