Module 5.2 (Viral Infections and COVID 19) Flashcards
Describe the structure of viral particles
GENOME: single/double RNA/DNA
CAPSID: protein coat
OUTER ENVELOPE: derived from membrane of host cell
VIRAL PROTEINS: allow virus to interact with receptor proteins on host cell
Explain the process of viral infection
ATTACHMENT: to host receptor proteins grants them access into cell
UNCOATING, SYNTHESIS, TRANSLATION, ASSEMBLY: every virus has different mechanisms (all need host machinery)
RELEASE: different process
Define epidemic
Widespread occurence of infectious disease in community for period of time
Define pandemic
Widespread occurence of infectious disease worldwide/over large area over long period of time
Give an overview of the 1918 Influenza pandemic
3 waves (2nd wave especially lethal)
1/3 population infected
50-100 million people died (2-5% of pop.)
Origins unknown
Deaths common in young healthy adults
Theory of 1918 influenza mechanism of action
Overactive inflammatory response
Secondary pneumonia
Tissue damage
Death
How did indigenous communities protect themselves from the 1918 flu pandemic?
Not letting anyone into community during outbreak
Give an overview of COVID 19
Caused by SARS-CoV-2 with spike proteins
Explain the SARS-CoV-2 mechanism of action
ENTRY: oral/nasal cavity
ATTACHMENT: enter lungs attaching (lock and key) to ACE2 allowing virus into cell
REPLICATION: virus hijacks machinery of host to self replicate
RELEASE
INFECTION: virons infect other tissues/people
How do ACE2 receptors affect symptoms?
ACE2 receptors on many different cell types allow for wide range of symptoms
Define a variant under monitoring
Large number of mutations
Evidence of community transmission
Define a variant of interect
Growth advantage over other variants
Genetic changes known to affect virus characteristics
Define a variant of concern
Meet VOI criteria
Also meets one of following;
- detrimental change in severity
- large impact on health care system
- decrease in effectiveness of vaccine
What are the vulnerable populations in pandemics?
- Long term care residents
- Low socioeconomic status
- Racism
- Addiction
- Mental Health
- Food security
Similarities in 1918 Flu and COVID 19
- sudden onset
- multiple waves
- mutations
- large number of patients overwhelm healthcare system
