BY DR. KALU NELLY
There are two options for a virus that has made into a human system after an ecological event; proliferation and replication (now is the time for fancy words).
Proliferation is that it attacks the human host and the human dies and it ends there, for example the rabies virus while replication, it finds a way to adapt then multiplies where it can now be transmitted from human to human.
There are several factors that has led to zoonosis happening more often; the rapid increase in population which has led to massive deforestation causing animals to live in closer proximity to humans.
Then the fact that viruses’ device better ways to infect their host (yes, you read right) through reassortment and mutative adaptation (more fancy words right?).
Reassortment happens when two viruses exchange gene segments and this can be seen when there is the presence of two viruses in a host [human or animal].
So, let’s say an unlucky person already has the human flu and he contracts bird flu (let’s observe a moment of silence)…..
That means the two viruses will “shake hands” inside the host and “buy themselves drinks”, they will try to catch up because they are cousins (they actually belong to the same family).
Then they exchange gene segments between them to make them better suited to attack their host (Lord have Mercy!!!).
The worst assumption is yet to come; what if the viruses adapt to transmitting from one human to another because infection is one thing and learning to transmit from host to host is another, does that that mean a new unknown virus is formed?
Think about it when you want to consume your favorite bush meat next time. In Nigeria, Bush meat goes well with Palm wine (don’t let gluttony dictate when you would die).
Adaptive mutation is another mechanism virus uses to deal with their human hosts, it is a well-known fact that viruses are made up of genetic components like RNA and DNA (if you don’t know, now is a good time to use Google).
RNA viruses are the worst (I said what I said), they can adapt to their hosts even in the worst kind of situation.
They have the ability to replicate abnormally adapting to their hosts preparing themselves for a proper means of transmission to several other hosts.
Mutation means they can change their form if it means they can anchor themselves well to their new hosts.
The great news is that they find it difficult to adapt to nonliving objects because they need hosts (living) to survive.
This is why proper hygiene is paramount in preventing most viruses like the Corona and the Flu.
Evidences have shown that some of them die hours after it gets to an innate object (Non-living object).
This shows that sufficient evidence is only gathered over time when it comes to new strain of virus the human body has not encountered yet.
That is why there is a lot of panic when it comes to COVID-19.
Remember maintaining proper hygiene through hand washing and wiping clean all surfaces then avoiding touching face with dirty hands will protect everyone from contracting Corona virus.
Dr Kalu Nelly [OD] is an optometrist with over 10 years’ experience in the field of eye health. A Social commentator and a health blogger. She writes from Abuja.
