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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

THE CHALLENGES FACED IN MAKING A VACCINE FOR COVID-19 — Part 2

Previously we’ve seen the difficulties researches face in trying to make a vaccine. But even if we make a vaccine, that’s just half the battle. Viruses are unique because they can mutate, and they can mutate to astonishing degrees. In humans mutations to tiny parts of our DNA can cause severe diseases or even death. In viruses mutations can change their structure, making them more infective and giving them a new coat. It gives them a survival advantage, the ability to evade our immune system and make our vaccines ineffective. This is why we need a new flu vaccine every year.

If it takes months to a year to develop a vaccine, it will be based off the virus found in December 2019. By this time the virus may have spread and mutated to such a degree that it is not effective. This does not mean all the effort was for nothing. Going through the steps and understanding the issues faced with making a COVID-19 vaccine can make the process quicker for subsequent vaccines against its mutated versions.

https://www.sciencealert.com/who-says-a-coronavirus-vaccine-is-18-months-away So Long to Develop a Vaccine

FAILURES FROM THE PAST

These issues were faced during the Ebola and Zika virus epidemics, and many large companies are understandably hesitant to develop vaccines for COVID-19. Ebola first broke out in 2014, and it was only in December 2019 that the first vaccine was approved for use by the European Commission and the United States. This is despite multiple large institutes in Canada and the UK working together to develop it.

13 different Ebola vaccine candidates had been identified soon after the outbreak, but none had been tested on humans. Unfortunately this is the most expensive part of development, and the area biopharmecuticals stand to loose the most money. Return on investments is also low, since epidemics usually take place in poorer countries, and the potential customers are unable to pay the high prices for these brand new treatments. It is an unfortunate realisation that research into medicines is driven by rich countries, for diseases that affect the rich.

https://newint.org/features/web-exclusive/2016/06/16/why-did-the-market-fail-to-produce-an-ebola-vaccine Ebola

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

This is all well and good, but what does it mean for COVID-19? We know we cannot rush a vaccine, because a poorly designed vaccine with unknown side effects can cause more harm than good, especially if given to children or the elderly. Currently the WHO are tracking 31 different attempts at making a COVID-19 vaccine, using different methods as discussed before. All of these are currently in the pre-clinical stage, focusing on isolating parts of the virus and creating a target the body will recognise and react to.

Researchers at the University of Queensland were one of the first to start using the genetic code of COVID-19, released openly by Chinese researchers. They have developed a test vaccine within 6 weeks using state-of-the-art genetic techniques, used for the first time. If animal models prove successful then human testing might begin within 6 months. In the pharmaceutical industry advancements this quick are almost unheard of.

Additionally over 293 clinical trials are taking place in China using existing drugs on the market. The advantage is we already know these drugs are safe to use in humans, but we are trying to work out if they will work against COVID-19. Some scientists are also looking at medications that were initially developed against SARS and MERS, but never completed because these outbreaks died down and the medication was no longer required.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/china-recovered-develop-effective-covid-19-treatments-200302082850237.html COVID-19 treatments

https://www.who.int/blueprint/priority-diseases/key-action/novel-coronavirus-landscape-ncov.pdf?ua=1 WHO news

https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/28/21156385/covid-coronavirus-vaccine-treatment-moderna-remdesivir-research COVID-19 treatment

Its not all doom and gloom. Challenges drive innovation, and we are already benefitting from this. New forms of genetic sequencing, new methods for extracting viral proteins, new techniques in creating a vaccine. These innovations are already benefitting us on the drive to create an effective vaccine for COVID-19, and they will benefit us in the future when the next pandemic hits.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, Product Manager Second Medic UK

www.secondmedic.com

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Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation in the Body: Early Warning Signs Explained

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism that helps the body fight infections and heal injuries. However, when inflammation persists for months or even years without a clear cause, it becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation can silently damage tissues and increase the risk of serious diseases.

In India, rising cases of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune disorders are often linked to long-term inflammatory processes. Recognizing the symptoms of chronic inflammation in the body is essential for early prevention and treatment.

What Is Chronic Inflammation?

Acute inflammation is short-term and occurs in response to injury or infection. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is:

Persistent
Low-grade
Often symptomatically subtle
Linked to long-term health conditions

It may occur due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, stress, obesity or underlying disease.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation

1. Persistent Fatigue

Ongoing tiredness that does not improve with rest may indicate systemic inflammation.

Inflammatory chemicals in the body can interfere with energy production.

2. Joint and Muscle Pain

Unexplained pain, stiffness or swelling in joints may suggest inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Pain may:

Last for weeks
Worsen in the morning
Occur without injury

3. Digestive Issues

Chronic inflammation may affect the gut, leading to:

Bloating
Diarrhea or constipation
Abdominal discomfort
Food sensitivities

Gut health and immune function are closely connected.

4. Frequent Infections

A weakened immune response due to chronic inflammation may result in:

Recurrent colds
Slow wound healing
Persistent sore throat

5. Skin Problems

Inflammatory skin conditions include:

Acne
Eczema
Psoriasis
Rashes

Persistent skin issues may reflect internal inflammation.

6. Brain Fog and Mood Changes

Inflammation can affect brain function, causing:

Difficulty concentrating
Memory issues
Irritability
Low mood

Mental and physical health are interconnected.

7. Unexplained Weight Changes

Inflammation may disrupt metabolism, leading to:

Abdominal weight gain
Difficulty losing weight

Obesity itself can further promote inflammation.

Causes of Chronic Inflammation

Common contributing factors include:

Poor diet high in processed foods
Excess sugar intake
Smoking
Alcohol abuse
Chronic stress
Lack of exercise
Sleep deprivation
Environmental pollution

Addressing these factors is essential for prevention.

Diseases Linked to Chronic Inflammation

Long-term inflammation is associated with:

Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Cancer
Autoimmune disorders
Fatty liver disease
Alzheimer’s disease

Early intervention reduces risk significantly.

How to Reduce Chronic Inflammation Naturally

1. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Include:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Nuts and seeds
Fatty fish
Olive oil

Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar.

2. Exercise Regularly

Moderate physical activity lowers inflammatory markers.

Aim for at least 30 minutes daily.

3. Manage Stress

Chronic stress increases inflammatory hormones.

Practice:

Meditation
Yoga
Deep breathing exercises

4. Improve Sleep

7–8 hours of quality sleep supports immune regulation.

5. Maintain Healthy Weight

Reducing excess body fat lowers inflammation levels.

6. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Both habits promote inflammatory responses in the body.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

Persistent fatigue
Joint swelling
Recurrent infections
Unexplained pain
Long-lasting digestive problems

Blood tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) may help assess inflammation levels.

Chronic Inflammation in the Indian Context

Rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyle and dietary shifts in India have contributed to increasing inflammatory-related diseases. Public awareness about preventive measures can significantly reduce healthcare burden.

Early lifestyle changes play a crucial role in improving long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation may present subtle symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, digestive issues and brain fog. Although often overlooked, long-term inflammation can increase the risk of serious diseases.

Adopting healthy eating habits, regular exercise, stress management and adequate sleep can help reduce inflammation naturally. Recognizing early warning signs and seeking medical advice when needed ensures better long-term health.

Taking proactive steps today can prevent major complications tomorrow.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research – Chronic Disease Reports
World Health Organization – Non-Communicable Disease Guidelines
National Institute of Nutrition India – Dietary Recommendations
Lancet Global Health – Inflammation Research
Journal of Clinical Medicine – Chronic Inflammation Studies

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