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Published on: Jul 17, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

MRNA Vaccine Against SARS CoV2

An mRNA Vaccine against SARS CoV2

We have previously discussed vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. On the 14th of July, a preliminary study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, an internationally reputable medical journal. This study looks at mRNA vaccines in Phase 1 human clinical trials, a first for the virus. Here we will discuss what this means and the results of the study.

mRNA vaccine

Vaccines target the immune system’s memory by presenting them with pieces of these infective diseases. The small amounts do not cause any infective symptoms, but if the person is infected later in life their body will mount a quicker response and prevent them from falling ill. These vaccines can contain broken up parts of the organisms, “dead” organisms or “live” versions that have been severely weakened so they cannot cause any harm.

In 2018 a new type of vaccine was described. Instead of using pre-made protein markers that identify infectious organisms, mRNA vaccines contain genetic material with instructions to produce these markers. Once injected, the person’s cells use these instructions to produce copies of these protein markers. These markers are displayed on the surface of the cell, which in turn is recognized by the immune system, initiating an immune response and producing protective antibodies.

BENEFITS

A major advantage of RNA vaccines is the ease by which they can be made in a laboratory from a DNA template. During a pandemic, this would result in a rapid response and vaccine against a new disease. Conventional vaccines require the use of chicken eggs or cells to produce the vaccines, which can be expensive and time-consuming. These vaccines can be delivered via injections into the skin, blood, muscle, or organs, needle-free into the skin, or via nasal spray. Because these vaccines are so new, we still do not know the best way to deliver it.

Because these vaccines are not made with parts of infective organisms or from live organisms, they are not infectious and will not cause harm through a strong immune response to the vaccine itself, or by causing the disease they aim to vaccinate against. They also appear to be very efficient at generating a reliable immune response to produce antibodies and are well tolerated with few side effects.

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

Because these types of vaccines are so new there is still a lot we do not understand about them. They may cause unintended effects that we have not yet encountered in human clinical studies. These vaccines also need to be frozen or refrigerated, and so would not be suitable for countries with limited or no refrigeration facilities.

COVID

The SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine codes for one of the virus’ surface spike proteins, responsible for recognizing target cells and fusing the virus into the cell for entry and infection. It was previously recognized as a target for the SARS and MERS viruses.

45 participants received 2 intramuscular injections 28 days apart. None of the participants had any serious side effects after the first injection, or any side effects significant enough to stop the trial. Many had minor to moderate side effects after their second injection (such as fatigue, chills, headache, myalgia, and pain at the injection site), and half the participants taking high dose vaccines had febrile side effects. Overall the side effects were rated as acceptable.

Prior to the vaccine trials, none of the participants had any antibodies against COVID, or any capacity to stop a COIVD infection. After the injections, all participants had noticeable increases in antibodies produced, measurable in their blood. After 43 days, the participant's blood had enough antibodies to reduce infection by SARS-CoV-2 by over 80%.

What is the takeaway? The vaccine is capable of producing an adequate response to protect the vaccine recipient without eliciting any major side effects. These results will be used in phase 2 clinical trials (enrolment began in May) and a phase 3 trial in July 2020. Essentially this means further human trials to further look for side effects in a larger number of volunteers with a more diverse health profile.

This represents an interesting development in producing a rapid vaccine against a new virus responsible for a world-changing pandemic. This new type of vaccine may be the future of vaccines for a broader range of viruses, bacteria, and even cancers.

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why fatigue should not be ignored

Feeling tired occasionally is a normal response to physical exertion, lack of sleep or emotional stress. However, when fatigue becomes persistent, overwhelming or unexplained, it should not be dismissed. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms reported in healthcare, yet it is also one of the most frequently ignored.

Understanding why fatigue should not be ignored is essential because it often acts as an early warning sign of deeper physical or mental health issues.

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue is a state of ongoing physical, mental or emotional exhaustion that:

lasts longer than expected
interferes with daily activities
does not improve with rest or sleep

Unlike ordinary tiredness, fatigue affects motivation, concentration and overall functioning.

Why Fatigue Is Commonly Ignored

Fatigue is often dismissed because:

busy lifestyles normalise exhaustion
symptoms develop gradually
people attribute fatigue to stress or ageing
rest temporarily masks the issue

Ignoring fatigue allows underlying conditions to progress unnoticed.

Common Medical Causes of Persistent Fatigue

Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in:

iron
vitamin B12
vitamin D
magnesium

can significantly reduce energy levels and cause weakness.

Anaemia

Anaemia reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to:

constant tiredness
breathlessness
dizziness

It is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed causes of fatigue.

Thyroid Disorders

Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions affect metabolism.

Symptoms include:

fatigue
weight changes
cold or heat intolerance

Thyroid-related fatigue often persists despite rest.

Chronic Infections

Low-grade or unresolved infections keep the immune system activated, causing prolonged fatigue.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones regulate energy, sleep and metabolism.

Imbalance may lead to:

exhaustion
poor sleep
low motivation

Poor Sleep Quality

Even with sufficient sleep duration, poor sleep quality can cause fatigue due to:

sleep apnea
frequent awakenings
stress-related insomnia

Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety, depression and chronic stress commonly present with fatigue as a primary symptom.

Mental fatigue is as real and impactful as physical fatigue.

Lifestyle Factors That Worsen Fatigue

Certain habits intensify tiredness:

irregular meals
excessive caffeine
dehydration
lack of physical activity
prolonged screen use

Lifestyle-related fatigue often coexists with medical causes.

How Fatigue Affects Daily Life

Persistent fatigue impacts:

work performance
concentration and memory
emotional regulation
physical activity
social relationships

Over time, quality of life declines significantly.

Warning Signs That Fatigue Needs Medical Attention

Seek evaluation if fatigue:

lasts more than two weeks
worsens progressively
occurs with weight loss or fever
is associated with breathlessness
interferes with daily tasks

These signs suggest an underlying issue.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Early identification of fatigue causes:

prevents disease progression
simplifies treatment
improves recovery time
restores normal energy levels

Delayed care often leads to chronic complications.

Diagnostic Evaluation for Fatigue

Assessment may include:

detailed history
blood tests
nutritional screening
hormonal evaluation
sleep assessment

Testing helps identify root causes rather than treating symptoms alone.

Can Fatigue Be Prevented?

Some preventive measures include:

balanced nutrition
adequate hydration
regular physical activity
consistent sleep routine
stress management

However, prevention does not replace evaluation when fatigue persists.

Fatigue and Chronic Disease Risk

Long-term fatigue may be linked to:

cardiovascular disease
metabolic disorders
immune dysfunction

This makes fatigue an important early health signal.

When Rest Is Not Enough

If energy does not return after:

adequate sleep
reduced workload
lifestyle changes

medical evaluation is essential.

The Cost of Ignoring Fatigue

Ignoring fatigue can lead to:

delayed diagnosis
worsening health conditions
reduced productivity
emotional burnout

Listening to the body early prevents long-term consequences.

Conclusion

Fatigue is not merely a sign of a busy life—it is often the body’s way of signalling imbalance or illness. Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest should never be ignored. Whether caused by nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, chronic stress or underlying disease, fatigue deserves attention. Early evaluation and timely care can restore energy, prevent complications and significantly improve quality of life. Listening to fatigue is an act of self-care and preventive health.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Fatigue and Lifestyle Health Report
World Health Organization (WHO) – Chronic Fatigue and Health Guidelines
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Nutrient Deficiency and Energy Research
Lancet – Fatigue as a Marker of Chronic Disease Studie
Indian Journal of Medicine – Persistent Fatigue and Diagnosis
Statista – Fatigue, Stress and Health Trend Analysis

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