As medical science progresses and medicines and surgical techniques become progressively more sophisticated, their impact on the patient and society at large becomes less predictable and, at the same time, more impressive, where they are successful. In turning to modern medicine for solutions to their health problems, people are usually satisfied with the response that they receive. However, there remain certain illnesses which cannot be cured, and these are typically caused by pathogens known as viruses. Vaccine formulation development is an essential process in trying to counter viruses and their spread.
Unlike other pathogens, a virus cannot be destroyed by an antibiotic, since, technically it is not alive (i. E. Biotic in nature). Also, it is a germ, so it cannot be eliminated through mechanical techniques such as surgery or ultrasound. The only effective known intervention is a vaccine.
The principle behind a vaccine is extremely simple. It is similar to the virus in question, so it elicits the same response in the patient's body, but it does not have the same serious or lethal outcome. It therefore causes the body to start producing antibodies, once the immune system has registered that the virus-like particles are in the system.
These antibodies are the natural reaction to the viral infection. The immune system manufactures them in response to the virus' presence, and only the human body is able to do this. After the infection has been eliminated, the antibodies remain in the system, preventing relapses for the rest of the person's life. This is why vaccination has the potential to bring about permanent resistance (or immunity) to a specific virus.
The process of the immunization of infants and young kids is based on this principle. They are typically immunized against common yet serious diseases like measles and polio. Immunization has become a standard practice, yet it is necessary. Smallpox and polio, two supposedly archaic names, used to be substantial threats to public health and maimed, disfigured or killed many people.
Some of the most serious diseases are viral in nature, such as the notorious Ebola, AIDS, viral meningitis (which sets in within 48 hours and has terrible symptoms), and, as stated above, polio. These are all potentially lethal infections. The development of vaccines to counter them is thus of extreme importance.
Once a vaccine has been formulated, however, the same virus may yet become a problem in the future. This occurs through the natural process of genetic mutation, during the reproduction of the virus. Viruses do this constantly, and so they may turn into a new form or strain, one which is not affected by the patient's antibodies. This sounds terrifying, but it is common. A prime example if the flu virus, which takes on a new strain every year, and so no vaccine has been developed for it. The common cold does the same. No pharmacological intervention lasts more than one season against these viruses, and immunization is therefore not a long-term solution to them.
As effective as a vaccine may be, the public should also be aware that sensible personal health habits are important too. Observing simple principles of personal safety and health are important in limiting or preventing infections and epidemics, especially where the disease is incurable, such as AIDS. In such cases, there is no vaccine, and so relying on one is neither an option nor is it necessary.
Unlike other pathogens, a virus cannot be destroyed by an antibiotic, since, technically it is not alive (i. E. Biotic in nature). Also, it is a germ, so it cannot be eliminated through mechanical techniques such as surgery or ultrasound. The only effective known intervention is a vaccine.
The principle behind a vaccine is extremely simple. It is similar to the virus in question, so it elicits the same response in the patient's body, but it does not have the same serious or lethal outcome. It therefore causes the body to start producing antibodies, once the immune system has registered that the virus-like particles are in the system.
These antibodies are the natural reaction to the viral infection. The immune system manufactures them in response to the virus' presence, and only the human body is able to do this. After the infection has been eliminated, the antibodies remain in the system, preventing relapses for the rest of the person's life. This is why vaccination has the potential to bring about permanent resistance (or immunity) to a specific virus.
The process of the immunization of infants and young kids is based on this principle. They are typically immunized against common yet serious diseases like measles and polio. Immunization has become a standard practice, yet it is necessary. Smallpox and polio, two supposedly archaic names, used to be substantial threats to public health and maimed, disfigured or killed many people.
Some of the most serious diseases are viral in nature, such as the notorious Ebola, AIDS, viral meningitis (which sets in within 48 hours and has terrible symptoms), and, as stated above, polio. These are all potentially lethal infections. The development of vaccines to counter them is thus of extreme importance.
Once a vaccine has been formulated, however, the same virus may yet become a problem in the future. This occurs through the natural process of genetic mutation, during the reproduction of the virus. Viruses do this constantly, and so they may turn into a new form or strain, one which is not affected by the patient's antibodies. This sounds terrifying, but it is common. A prime example if the flu virus, which takes on a new strain every year, and so no vaccine has been developed for it. The common cold does the same. No pharmacological intervention lasts more than one season against these viruses, and immunization is therefore not a long-term solution to them.
As effective as a vaccine may be, the public should also be aware that sensible personal health habits are important too. Observing simple principles of personal safety and health are important in limiting or preventing infections and epidemics, especially where the disease is incurable, such as AIDS. In such cases, there is no vaccine, and so relying on one is neither an option nor is it necessary.
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