A layman view of a pandemic scenario
Imagine for a second, a parallel universe where viruses are intelligent because in our universe viruses are not alive let alone intelligent!
We can assume that the intelligent viruses will not ever create pandemics because it will be endangering their reign, instead will be controlled bursts of epidemics, strong enough to kill a pre-determined percentage of the non-virus population. So, with an annual mutation of the epidemics, the intelligent species of that parallel universe learned that every annual cycle some of them will die and as a whole, the number of intelligent entities will remain a constant not in a rigorous mathematical way but more as an average. So, in the above-mentioned parallel universe, the intelligent entities will live their lives, love, procreate and die, without knowing that they are “protected” by their God: The Intelligent Virus!
Back to our universe, the intelligence is on mankind's side, the viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, are lifeless and dumb and stupid, and yet we have a pandemic scenario on our hands so to speak (more on our lungs actually!) and the intelligent beings are dying by the millions.
Let’s take a closer look at the infamous SARS-CoV-2.
Regardless of its origins, nature made like its older relatives or man-made by Batman with a funny name from China, the fact is that SARS-CoV-2 exists, and it is killing millions of people.
Another fact is that nobody on Earth knows precise details about virus life span, transmission mode, behavior on various surfaces (plastic, metal, wood, etc), mutation cycle, and protection against it.
The “commons sense” rules wash your hands, use a tissue for coughs, and avoid touch your face.
Masks? Yes, use a mask is it is the approved one! Be careful about which mask is approved. Use a mask mainly indoors, outdoors only if the authorities demand it.
Key symptoms: fever and tiredness, continuous cough, loss of taste and smell, and breathing difficulties. (Source NHS via BBC)
Now, I am not saying that the virus will create brain fog, lowering the IQ of the affected person with 5–10 points or that the humble aspirin is the universal panacea for the virus, but some “studies” are suggesting that.
The pandemic scenario has five major components: death, health, mental health, human rights, and the economy.
Death is inevitable unless you are a Highlander, and the virus has proven that we not. The question about the “real” number of deaths caused by SARS-CoV-2 and the number of deaths caused by a combination of SARS-CoV-2 and previous health issues is moot because dead people are dead people!
If somebody survives SARS-CoV-2, there are major health issues as a result of the virus, just mentioning respiratory, cardiac, and lymphatic issues. The brain can also be affected.
The isolation, working from home, no social dialog has a serious impact on our mental health. There is a sharp rise in anxiety and suicide cases, also people turning to alcohol are on the rise. Another aspect is domestic and family violence not mentioning gambling.
In terms of human rights, the pandemic proved to be the most dangerous. Across the globe, governments have reacted differently to the crisis, with tight lockdown rules or a bit more relaxed one. The common denominator is the fact that all the governments, in the name of public safety have broken the civil liberties and rights and the major problem is that for some countries will be very difficult to reverse those restrictive rules once the pandemic is over.
The economic impact of pandemic is a long term one. Shutting down the global economy is already taking a huge toll on the countries with no economic protection, but make no mistakes all the countries, all the people will be severely affected by the economic crisis. Do not believe that if you have billions you are safe, your wealth will be worthless when there will be nobody to prepare your meals and drinks and to drive your expensive cars.
As a wise man said: The pandemic will pass, not all of us will witness it!
