COVID and other infectious diseases (Seohyun Park

COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic disease which has been prevalent over a year. The number of cases worldwide has exceeded 127 million and the number of deaths is approaching 3 million people. This is not the only time such infectious diseases have been a global issue. For example, SARS, MERS, and Swine flu are infectious diseases which had global impact. I would like to discuss how these diseases have humanity focusing on mortality rates and infection counts. In addition, the impact of COVID-19 on our lives would be addressed.

Mortality Rates and Infectious Counts

Mortality rate is determined by units of deaths per 1,000 individuals per year.

(Charts retrieved from MRP News. 2020.)

Impacts of COVID-19

• People who are feeling the symptoms of depression increased by about 17 % in the 6 months from August 2020 to January

2021. (source: United States CDC) • Due to the social distancing by pandemic, the rates of anxiety and depression has increased worldwide. • COVID-19 has not only affected personal lives but also greatly affected socioeconomic conditions. • Limitations to travel caused unemployment, and the entire travel market had significant downfall last year. • Increase in sales of disinfectants, vitamins, and coffee.

Solutions and Efforts

• Vaccines were rapidly developed and distributed around the world. • There are voices of concern about the stability of the vaccine.

Personal opinions on safety concerns on COVID-19 vaccine

• I think COVID- 19 vaccine is safe even though it developed quicker than other vaccines in the past because vaccines must go through several safety and stability tests before they get used. • Also, side effects and results of the vaccine are continuously monitored so that it can be confirmed to use in general.

Reference

1. CDC: Depression, anxiety continue rise in U.S. due to COVID-19 pandemic. Gephardtdaily.com. Published March 27, 2021. Accessed March 29, 2021. https://gephardtdaily.com/national-international/cdc-depression-anxiety-continue-rise-in-u-s-due-tocovid-19-pandemic/ 2. McCarthy N. COVID-19’s impact on tourism: Which countries are the most vulnerable? [infographic]. Forbes Magazine. Published online May 5, 2020. Accessed March 29, 2021. https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2020/05/05/covid-19simpact-on-tourism-which-countries-are-the-most-vulnerableinfographic/ 3. Montgomery DH. COVID-19: How it compares with other diseases in 5 charts. MPR News. Accessed March 29, 2021. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/03/11/covid19-how-it-compares-with-other-diseases-in-5-charts