ASSIGN-2 COVID-19 SPECIAL REPORT and MONKEYPOX

Slide 4 ( WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SAY A VIRUS MUTATES OR CHANGES )

Explanation: It is normal for viruses to change and evolve as they spread between people over time. Som
e viruses change quickly and others more slowly. Viruses could have evolved from mobile genetic compo
nents with the ability to travel across cells. They could be descendants of creatures that were formerly fr
ee-living but developed a parasitic replication mechanism. Viruses may have existed before cellular life a
nd contributed to its evolution.

Slide 5 (VIRUS EVOLUTION)

Explanation: We need to realize we are not dealing with the original COVID -19 virus of a year ago. We ar
e now dealing with its variants which we do not know as well because of the speed of mutations that are
occurring and why the “RULES” keep changing because we all must realize this pandemic is a very fluid si
tuation and the rules of last week may differ from the rules of this week.

Basaha ning naa sa pic, understandable na mn nata sya

All variants are different. The Omicron variant has a large number of mutations which may mean the vir
us acts differently from other variants that are circulating. The Omicron variant, it is known to spread m
ore easily, cause more severe disease, escape the body’s immune response, change clinical presentation,
or decrease effectiveness of known tools – such as public health measures, diagnostics, treatments and
vaccines so we must be more responsible.

Slide 6

Explanation: Because the COVID-19 vaccines that are currently in research or have been licensed induce
a wide immune response including a variety of antibodies and cells, they are predicted to give at least so
me protection against future viral strains. As a result, changes or mutations in the virus should not rende
r vaccines useless. If any of these vaccinations prove to be ineffective against one or more variants, the v
accines' composition can be changed to defend against these variants
Slide

To limit spread, we should:

 Follow public health interventions

 If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Call in advance so y
our healthcare provider can direct you to the right health facility. This protects you, and prevents the spr
ead of viruses and other infections.
 Get Vaccinated. If only a few have access to these, the virus will remain active, continue to spre
ad and increase the risk of new variants emerging that evade current treatments and vaccines.
 Be responsible. Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropr
iate precautions.