Understanding the Recent Insights on Covid-19 and Its Effects
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Chapter 1: The Mystery of Anosmia
Recent findings from Johns Hopkins University have shed light on an intriguing aspect of Covid-19: the loss of smell, also referred to as anosmia. This condition has been reported in as many as 57% of patients suffering from the virus. As Dana Smith elaborates in the Medium Coronavirus Blog, the reason for this loss may be linked to specific cells in the nasal region responsible for detecting odors. These cells possess a significantly higher number of ACE2 receptors, which are essential for the coronavirus to infiltrate cells, compared to other nasal cells.
A New Study Explores the Mechanism Behind Smell Loss
Dedicated olfactory cells in the nose can have up to 700 times more viral receptors than respiratory cells, providing an explanation for the prevalence of anosmia among Covid-19 patients.
Chapter 3: Preparing for Flu Season Amid a Pandemic
As flu season approaches in the United States, it is vital to remember that the ongoing global pandemic does not diminish the importance of receiving a flu vaccination. Interestingly, the preventive measures currently being implemented to curb Covid-19 might lead to a milder flu season. According to Alexandra Sifferlin's report on the Coronavirus Blog, flu cases in the southern hemisphere, which typically peaks in August, are lower than usual. This suggests that practices such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand hygiene could similarly benefit the U.S. — provided there is widespread adherence to these guidelines.
How to Safeguard Against the Dual Threat of Covid-19 and Influenza
With a potential silver lining for the United States, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for the challenges posed by both Covid-19 and the flu.