In the first part of this Keynote thread, we discussed the role and functionality of interferons in relation to the pandemic. Their importance is apparent from the very many projects in this field taking place around the world.

The current pandemic can be viewed from three distinct perspectives:

1. Epidemiological: Research by epidemiologists around the world is gradually leading to a consensus view of the measures that are required to tackle the virus.

2. Economic: This is driven by the decisions taken during the pandemic. It is of utmost importance that any strategy for dealing with the pandemic is effective and that collateral damage to the economy is not unnecessarily severe. Political considerations are a major factor here.

3. Individual: This third personal perspective may not always coincide with that of society as a whole, in which the priority has to be a reduction in the overall number of infections. The priority of the individual will, of course, always be the optimization and maintenance of his or her own health.

The warnings are growing louder about a winter in which we not only have to contend with the risks posed by SARS-CoV-2 but also by influenza viruses. It is still not clear whether the viruses are mutually reinforcing.

As we have already reported in our WhatsApp broadcast, an examination of the genetic mutations in the various types of SARS-CoV-2 virus currently circulating in the world reveals two trends.

On the one hand, the viral load is in some cases significantly higher than before because of these mutations, and as a result the viruses are easier to catch, as can be seen from the sharp increase in the number of cases being reported. On the other hand, the multiplicity of mutations observed suggests that the number of very severe Covid-19 cases is decreasing and that the mortality rate is slowly falling. Yet overall mortality remains high due to the sharp increase in the number of infections. However, there are also several mutations that lead to more complex and complicated courses of the disease.

The one place in the body where the virus cannot be shaken off.

Fatigue, headaches, strokes – SARS-CoV-2 also causes serious damage in the brain. It has now been proven that the virus can cross the blood-brain barrier and even infect unborn babies. How can it be stopped?

An incorrectly formulated vaccine can significantly exacerbate the harm done by the virus.

We have previously reported on the long-term damage that results from Covid-19, and examinations conducted by pathologists are providing an especially rich source of information confirming this. Some time ago, we wrote about a study at UKE in Hamburg, which is looking at the effect on various organs. In this Keynote, we will address the issue of long-term cardiovascular damage.

Gam-Covid-Vac is a joint project between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the internationally little-known Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. Starting on 20th August, the world’s first vaccine against Covid-19 will be widely distributed for use on the general public. The first large-scale trials began some time ago on thousands of military personnel as well as doctors and teachers. The decision has now been taken to extend it to the entire population.

Many people who catch the coronavirus manage to avoid infecting anyone else. The disease is mainly spread by just a few individuals. In this podcast, we explain what makes these individuals so infectious and the significance of the k factor.