Most of us are already accustomed with COVID-19.
We may have spent most of our time with our family during lockdown, but businesses and population plummeted.
But today, with the help of vaccines and treatments, the lockdowns are over and the danger may be less prevelant.
Even so, we shouldn’t celebrate just yet.
Because the Ministry of Health recently rolled out about the topic of ‘Disease X’.
So, what is it and what should you know about it?
Let’s dive in.
Disease X
Disease X isn’t a subjective virus, but is a pathogen believed to be in many diseases.
It was a name adopted in 2018 for an unknown pathogen that could cause a future pandemic.
These viruses, if afflicted to a pandemic, are said to be 20 times more lethal than COVID-19.
It may be in diseases such as the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Ebola and the Marburg virus.
Other diseases include MERS, SARS, Nipah virus, henipaviral virus, Rift Valley fever and Zika.
And Disease X isn’t something that’s going to happen, but may happen.
World Health Organization (WHO) director Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that there are still many threats even after COVID-19.
He added, ‘when the next pandemic comes knocking—and it will—we must be ready to answer decisively, collectively and equitably’.
The Terror of the Next Pandemic
A study showed that diseases such as SARS CoV-2 and Zika met the standards to be disease X.
The study also mentions that pathogen X is expected to be a zoonosis, most likely a ribonucleic acid (RNA).
When at the right time and the right situation, the disease may form.
The study also revealed that though a naturally formed pathogen may happen, engineered ones shouldn’t be ignored either.
The release of such pathogens, either due to accidents or on purpose, is still something that needs an eye kept on.
What To Do
Just imagining the picture of another pandemic wave is already terrifying for us parents.
But fret not, as there are many things you can take measure before it’s confirmed if the world has to face this disease.
Sanitation
As many of us may know, children are more susceptible to diseases.
So, make sure your child’s hands are always sanitised at all times.
Clinic Visits
Visits to the clinic can be very pesky due to many factors.
For one thing, it can get crowded and waiting times can be long.
But when it’s risky, it’s better to book ahead or prepare your child to go to a clinic visit.
Isolation
To eliminate a certain disease, one has to be quarantined from everyone until they’re completely healthy.
So, prepare a room your house that’s comfortable and big.
In any case a family member is affected, a quarantine room is ready and is good to go.
Stay Safe and at Bay
As terrifying as a pandemic is, the primary thing you can do is to keep calm.
Take preventive measures so that your family will be at bay and are safe throughout.
Stay safe out there, parents!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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