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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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Why Always Tired Even After Proper Sleep

Feeling tired after a long workday is normal. But if you still feel exhausted even after a full night’s sleep, it could mean that something else is affecting your energy levels. Many people experience this and often overlook the actual cause. Understanding why always tired even after proper sleep can help you take practical steps to regain energy and improve your daily life.

1. Poor Sleep Quality

You may be in bed for 7–8 hours, but that doesn’t mean your body gets proper rest. Sleep quality is just as important as the number of hours. Disturbed sleep, frequent waking, or light sleep can prevent your body from entering deep sleep stages, which are necessary for repair and recovery.

Fix it:

Maintain a fixed sleep routine
Avoid screens 1 hour before bed
Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool
Limit caffeine after afternoon

2. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

One of the most common hidden causes of constant fatigue is nutrient deficiency. Low Vitamin D and B12 levels or iron deficiency can cause tiredness, low concentration, and muscle weakness even if you get enough sleep.

Fix it:

Get a lab test for Vitamin D, B12 and Hemoglobin
Eat foods like leafy greens, eggs, fish, and whole grains
Take supplements if advised by a doctor

3. Thyroid Imbalance

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows metabolism. This makes you feel tired all the time, even after proper rest. Thyroid disorders can also cause weight gain, dry skin, and low mood.

Fix it:

Get a Thyroid Function Test (T3, T4, TSH)
Follow up with medication and regular monitoring if needed

4. Poor Diet and Dehydration

Eating high sugar, fried, or processed foods can lead to spikes and drops in energy levels. Dehydration reduces circulation and affects oxygen supply to the brain and muscles, making you feel sluggish and tired.

Fix it:

Eat balanced meals with complex carbs, vegetables, and lean protein
Drink at least 2–2.5 liters of water daily
Avoid skipping meals

5. Stress and Mental Fatigue

High mental stress keeps your nervous system active at night, which interferes with deep sleep. Even if you fall asleep, your brain continues to stay active, which reduces the quality of rest.

Fix it:

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or short meditation
Reduce screen time, especially work-related tasks before bed
Set clear boundaries between work and personal time

6. Lack of Physical Activity

It might seem surprising, but lack of exercise can actually make you feel more tired. Regular physical activity improves circulation, oxygen delivery, and hormone regulation. All these support better sleep and higher daytime energy levels.

Fix it:

Aim for at least 30 minutes of walk or light exercise daily
Choose activities you enjoy to stay consistent

7. Hidden Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions such as sleep apnea, anemia, diabetes, and heart disorders can also cause fatigue even when you sleep adequately. In such cases, early diagnosis is essential to prevent complications.

Fix it:

Schedule a health check-up if fatigue persists
Follow medical advice and treatment plans as directed

Conclusion

Waking up tired every day can affect your productivity, mood, and overall quality of life. If you want to boost your energy levels, look beyond just “getting enough sleep”. Pay attention to your diet, activity levels, stress, and underlying health issues. A simple set of tests and small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your daily energy.

Take the first step today and find out why always tired even after proper sleep — and get back to feeling healthy and energetic again.

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