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Published on: Jul 22, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

The Oxford Vaccine

Recently we wrote a blog on the success of an RNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Within just a few weeks of that incredible research breakthrough, researchers at Oxford University’s Jenner Institute have announced a COVID vaccine that has induced remarkable immune response against the virus.

This study was published in the Lancet, one of the most prestigious medical journals in the world, and a simple summary suggests the vaccine has no early safety concern and is able to induce a strong immune response with both T cells and B cell/antibodies.

THE VACCINE

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, now known as AZD1222, was co-developed by the University of Oxford and one of its spin-off companies, Vaccitech. The vaccine uses a viral vector based on a common cold virus (adenovirus). This carries genetic material for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. In our previous blog, we saw how the spike proteins are used by the virus to target and fuse with our target cells, allowing the virus to invade, replicate and ultimately cause the disease known as COVID. It is also a good target for the human immune system to recognize and attack.

The viral vector delivers the genetic material inside our cells. The spike protein is then produced by our cells, recognized by the immune system as a viral target, and an immune response is created against it. This can be antibodies, which recognize, attach to and mark the virus in our blood, allowing for other white blood cells to destroy the virus.

In this case, the vaccine also produced a T cell response. T cells can recognize cells infected by a virus-based on the markers present on the surface of infected cells. They can tell an infected cell to destroy itself, thereby destroying the virus within without spreading the infection. They also have other functions that we will not discuss in this blog.

THE STUDY

This study was a Phase I/II trial that started in April using the vaccine named ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. This vaccine development started in January 2020, and progress on development has been incredibly rapid. Whilst our previous study had just 45 people, this study looked reviewed over 1,000 healthy adults. 10 of these participants received two doses of the vaccine.

In a study the more participants there are, the greater the power of the study. If the vaccine has any side effects, even ones that rarely occur, it is more likely to be picked up in studies with more people. Similarly having more people helps show that the vaccine is effective, and the strong responses are not merely a fluke or accident. Another benefit of this study is it was able to compare the vaccine against a control group. This shows the results were not simply a placebo and allowed comparison of side effects as well.

The majority of side effects were feeling feverish, chills, muscle ache, headache, and malaise, all symptoms treatable with paracetamol. None of the participants had any serious side effects. It took just 14 days to create a T cell response, and 28 days to make strong antibodies. In 91% of patients, this was enough to neutralize the COVID coronavirus. Receiving two doses gave an even stronger antibody response, and all participants were able to stop the virus.

WHAT NEXT

The news from the University of Oxford is needed, as infection rate and mortality continue to increase in countries such as the US and Brazil. The ability to induce an antibody response without causing harm to the patient shows we have made huge progress in the fight against COVID-19. Further Large scale Phase III trials been set up through a global partnership, and include studies in the US with over 30,000 patients, studies in children as well as some in low to middle-income countries.

If successful a vaccine would be essential in preventing a second wave of COVID in the winter when the elderly population is most at risk. And it would be the key to restarting the economy and getting our everyday lives back to where it was pre-pandemic.

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Monkeypox Virus Symptoms: Early Signs, Disease Progression, and When to Seek Care

Monkeypox, now commonly referred to as mpox, is a viral infection that has gained global attention due to outbreaks beyond traditionally affected regions. Understanding monkeypox virus symptoms is essential for early detection, timely isolation and prevention of further spread.

According to the World Health Organization and Indian public health authorities, awareness of symptom patterns plays a critical role in controlling outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.

What Is the Monkeypox Virus?

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus family, which also includes smallpox. While generally less severe than smallpox, monkeypox can still cause significant illness and discomfort.

The virus spreads primarily through close physical contact.

Incubation Period of Monkeypox

After exposure, symptoms typically appear within:

5 to 21 days
most commonly 6 to 13 days

Individuals may feel well during this period but can become infectious once symptoms begin.

Early Monkeypox Virus Symptoms

Fever

Fever is usually the first symptom and may be:

sudden in onset
moderate to high grade
accompanied by chills

Fever signals the start of systemic infection.

Headache and Body Aches

Patients often experience:

severe headache
muscle aches
back pain

These symptoms resemble many viral illnesses.

Fatigue and Weakness

Marked tiredness and low energy levels are common and may limit daily activities.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are a distinguishing feature of monkeypox.

Common sites include:

neck
armpits
groin

This helps differentiate monkeypox from chickenpox or smallpox.

Development of Monkeypox Rash

The skin rash usually appears:

1 to 3 days after fever onset

It may begin on the face or genital area and spread to other parts of the body.

Stages of Monkeypox Rash

The rash progresses through well-defined stages:

Macules

Flat red spots on the skin.

Papules

Raised, firm bumps.

Vesicles

Fluid-filled blisters.

Pustules

Pus-filled lesions that are painful.

Scabs

Lesions crust over and eventually fall off.

Complete healing occurs once scabs detach.

Distribution of Rash

Rash commonly affects:

face
hands and feet
mouth
genital and anal areas

The number of lesions can vary widely.

Pain and Discomfort

Rash lesions may be:

painful
itchy during healing

Pain severity differs between individuals.

Other Possible Symptoms

Additional symptoms may include:

sore throat
cough
nasal congestion

These reflect upper respiratory involvement.

Duration of Illness

Monkeypox symptoms typically last:

2 to 4 weeks

Recovery occurs gradually as lesions heal.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Severe Illness?

Higher risk groups include:

children
pregnant women
individuals with weakened immunity
people with chronic illness

Early care is crucial in these groups.

Complications of Monkeypox

Though uncommon, complications may include:

secondary bacterial skin infections
dehydration
pneumonia
eye involvement

Prompt medical guidance reduces risk.

How Monkeypox Is Transmitted

Transmission occurs through:

direct skin-to-skin contact
contact with lesions or bodily fluids
respiratory droplets during close contact
contaminated clothing or bedding

Understanding transmission helps prevent spread.

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek medical evaluation if:

fever is followed by rash
lymph nodes become swollen
rash appears in genital or facial areas

Early diagnosis supports isolation and care.

Diagnosis and Testing

Diagnosis may involve:

clinical examination
laboratory testing of lesion samples

Public health authorities guide testing protocols.

Prevention and Control Measures

Preventive steps include:

avoiding close contact with infected individuals
maintaining good hand hygiene
isolating during illness
following public health guidance

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk groups.

Role of Public Awareness

Awareness of symptoms:

enables early detection
reduces stigma
supports timely care

WHO emphasises community education in outbreak control.

Conclusion

Monkeypox virus symptoms typically begin with fever, body aches and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a characteristic rash that progresses through defined stages. While most cases are self-limiting, early recognition, medical evaluation and isolation are essential to prevent complications and reduce transmission. Staying informed and acting promptly protects both individual and public health.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Mpox (Monkeypox) Clinical and Public Health Guidance
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Emerging Viral Infections Reports
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), India – Monkeypox Advisories
Lancet – Clinical Features and Outcomes of Mpox
NITI Aayog – Public Health Preparedness and Infectious Disease Control

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