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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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Shortness of Breath Causes: From Common Triggers to Serious Health Conditions

Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, is a symptom that ranges from mild discomfort during exertion to a distressing sensation of not getting enough air. In India, increasing air pollution, lifestyle diseases and respiratory infections have made breathlessness a frequent complaint across age groups. Understanding shortness of breath causes is essential to identify when it is harmless and when it signals a medical emergency.

What Is Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath refers to difficulty breathing or a feeling of air hunger.

It may present as:

rapid breathing
shallow breathing
tightness in the chest
inability to take a deep breath

The sensation can develop suddenly or gradually.

Common and Benign Causes of Shortness of Breath

Physical Exertion

During exercise, the body demands more oxygen.

Temporary breathlessness during:

climbing stairs
running
heavy physical work

is normal and resolves with rest.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Stress and anxiety alter breathing patterns.

Symptoms include:

rapid breathing
chest tightness
dizziness

These episodes often resolve with calming techniques.

Respiratory Causes of Shortness of Breath

Asthma

Asthma causes airway narrowing and inflammation.

Symptoms include:

wheezing
chest tightness
breathlessness during exertion or at night

Asthma is a leading cause of chronic breathlessness.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Risk factors include:

smoking
indoor air pollution
occupational exposure

WHO identifies COPD as a major cause of breathlessness in adults.

Respiratory Infections

Infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis reduce lung capacity.

Breathlessness may be accompanied by:

cough
fever
chest pain

Severe infections require urgent treatment.

Heart-Related Causes of Shortness of Breath

Heart Failure

The heart fails to pump blood efficiently.

This leads to:

fluid accumulation in lungs
breathlessness on exertion
breathlessness while lying flat

ICMR data shows heart disease as a major contributor to unexplained breathlessness.

Coronary Artery Disease

Reduced blood supply to the heart can cause:

breathlessness
chest discomfort
fatigue

This may occur even without chest pain in some individuals.

Blood and Metabolic Causes

Anemia

Low hemoglobin reduces oxygen delivery.

Common symptoms include:

fatigue
breathlessness on mild activity
pale skin

NFHS-5 highlights anemia as highly prevalent in India.

Thyroid Disorders

Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic demand, causing breathlessness.

Hypothyroidism may contribute indirectly through weight gain and reduced stamina.

Lung Circulation Disorders

Pulmonary Embolism

A blood clot in the lungs causes sudden, severe breathlessness.

This is a medical emergency and may be accompanied by:

chest pain
coughing blood
fainting

Immediate treatment is critical.

Lifestyle-Related Causes

Obesity

Excess body weight restricts lung expansion.

Breathlessness occurs due to:

increased oxygen demand
reduced lung volumes

Weight management improves breathing efficiency.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Poor physical conditioning reduces respiratory muscle strength.

Even mild exertion may cause breathlessness.

Environmental and Occupational Factors

Air Pollution

Pollutants irritate airways and reduce lung function.

Urban populations experience higher rates of breathlessness.

Workplace Exposure

Dust, chemicals and fumes increase respiratory risk.

Protective measures are essential in high-risk occupations.

When Shortness of Breath Is a Warning Sign

Seek urgent care if breathlessness:

starts suddenly
worsens rapidly
occurs at rest
is associated with chest pain, bluish lips or confusion

These may indicate life-threatening conditions.

How Shortness of Breath Is Diagnosed

Evaluation may include:

physical examination
chest imaging
blood tests
lung function tests
heart evaluation

Diagnosis focuses on identifying the root cause.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Care

Prevention includes:

regular physical activity
pollution protection
smoking cessation
weight control
managing chronic conditions

Preventive healthcare reduces long-term risk.

Importance of Early Medical Evaluation

Delayed diagnosis can worsen outcomes, especially in:

heart disease
lung infections
anemia

Early care improves treatment success.

Conclusion

Shortness of breath causes range from temporary exertion and anxiety to serious heart, lung and blood disorders. While occasional breathlessness may be harmless, persistent or sudden symptoms should never be ignored. Understanding the underlying causes and seeking timely medical evaluation can prevent complications and save lives. Paying attention to changes in breathing is an essential step toward protecting overall health and wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory and Cardiac Health Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Breathlessness and Chronic Disease Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Anemia and Respiratory Health Data
Lancet – Dyspnea Evaluation and Outcomes Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Reports
Statista – Respiratory Disease and Air Pollution Trends

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