Hey Health Deskers! It’s 2022 and we’re back to bringing you the latest information on health, science and the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Omicron variant spreads and peaks around the world, and vaccine manufacturers race to update their formulas, we’re seeing more and more evidence that booster shots offer the strongest protection against the virus. Late last week, researchers reported that viral vector and mRNA vaccines showed promise for people who received an original two-dose Sinovac regimen.
There are other things to look ahead to this year, including the increasing global burden of antimicrobial resistance. Drug-resistant infections may be worse than we originally thought, and the burden is falling predominantly on low and middle income countries. Read more below about a new study from Oxford that measured 1.27 million deaths in 2019 caused by drug resistant infections.
Plus, this week and over the holiday our scientists wrote about the science behind Viagra, “Flurona”, and new studies on antibodies transferring from moms to their babies. Check it all out below and as always, reach out to us at health@meedan.com for all your questions about health, science and climate.
First, a look ahead…
Global Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance
In a recent study, Oxford University's Big Data Institute and the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimated that 1.27 million deaths in 2019 were caused by a drug-resistant infection, much higher than previously thought. The burden was greatest in low- and middle-income countries and roughly 1 in 5 deaths linked to drug resistance were in children under five. Scientists estimate that six pathogens caused 73% of AMR deaths, including e. Coli, pneumococcus, and staphylococcus aureus (i.e. "staph infections"). The problem is more than just the use of antibiotics. Steps like improved hygiene, less use of antibiotic medication in food production, and improved quality of care and diagnostics may help reduce mortality related to these infections. We are hoping for potential new guidance documents issued by international health organizations and new drug development proposals from government agencies given the urgency presented by this report.
Saudi Arabia Combatting False Health Information
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior issued new penalties for people who spread rumors about COVID-19 across different apps and social media platforms. The country has established a penalty of $26,000 to $266,000 USD or imprisonment from one to five years with repeat violations doubling the minimum penalties or prison time. Included in the provisions are anyone who "spreads rumours about the pandemic, circulate misinformation that can cause panic or incite violating measures against the virus," according to World Gulf. Due to a recent rise in COVID-19 infections, officials in the nation have issued new restrictions as well as reimposing older mandates including mask wearing and social distancing. Authorities also brought back distancing in the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet Mosque inMedica after they were canceled in October of 2021. We do not expect other nations to employ such drastic measures against misinformation, but this action speaks to the severity of false information's impact on the pandemic.
A Need for a New Global Health Leader?
The G20 Presidency and meetings this year will be held in Indonesia, but it's not going to business as usual. The island nation is proposing the development of a new global health agency, similar to the International Monetary Fund, because they believe the World Health Organization has shown a limited ability to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The president of Indonesia said the group would help create standardized protocols for international travel across borders, and would work on improving manufacturing capacity for both medicines and medical equipment. The nation is asking the world's major governments to help finance the organization and establish an agreement during the year. The slogan of this year's G20 presidency is "Recover Together, Recover Stronger" as its focus will revolve around global health architecture, transitioning to sustainable energy, and digital transformation. Whether this agency will come into fruition is another question, given the funding challenges currently faced by international health organizations. However, obtaining international verbal support for stronger health infrastructure is a goal the G20 is likely to get behind.
Now: You asked, we answered. Here’s what our experts said about your health questions.
What do we know about sildenafil and COVID-19?
The main ingredient in Viagra is called sildenafil and it increases blood flow in the body by relaxing muscles cells and thus, blood vessels, causing them to widen (vasodilation). Viagra, the prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, is currently being researched alongside nitric oxide to determine if it can help the immune system's fight against COVID-19. More evidence is needed to definitively determine if the two play a potential role in COVID-19 treatment.
“Viagra increases the impact of nitric oxide by relaxing muscles, and potentially improving blood flow in other areas of the body like the lungs. Now, scientists are trying to determine if the impacts sildenafil and nitric oxide have on the body can help prevent and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Research is focused on nitric oxide's potential ability to impact blood vessels by opening them and potentially aiding in oxygen circulation in the lungs, potentially helping patients with respiratory challenges.”
What do we know about getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?
According to the World Health Organization, anyone can be co-infected with COVID-19 and influenza, but certain individuals face a higher risk for severe illness from a co-infection. They include older adults, people with a chronic medical condition, people who are immunosuppressed, healthcare workers, pregnant people, or those who recently gave birth. Cases of co-infection have been observed in children and adults, including those who have received both the COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines.
“The presence of multiple diseases in the same person has been observed before, for example, during the 1957 and 1968 influenza pandemics. A similar term, superinfection, is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an infection that is acquired after diagnosis of another infection, especially when caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The primary difference between co-infection and superinfection is the timing of the second infection.”
Do COVID-19 antibodies transfer from pregnant moms to babies?
One new study found that levels of antibodies in babies' stool tended to be greater when the mother had stronger side effects from vaccination. Breast milk antibodies from mRNA vaccines also appear to be different than breast milk antibodies from COVID-19 infection, scientists have reported. The main differences include different types of specific antibodies and duration in how long those antibodies last. Scientists have also found some evidence that babies get more antibodies when there is more time between COVID-19 infection and baby delivery. This is because there is more time for the transfer of antibodies across the placenta.
“During the last three months of pregnancy, antibodies from a pregnant individual are typically passed to the unborn baby through the placenta. This type of immunity transferred to an infant is called “passive immunity,” because the baby has been given antibodies from the mother rather than making them on their own. The level and specific type of antibodies transferred to the baby depends on the mother's level of immunity, how long it's been since the mom was infected, and the type of virus.“
That’s all for now. Make sure you check out health-desk.org for our full list of explainers and resources for reporting and fact-checking your COVID-19 claims.