Fast forward to January 2021. In less than a year we have developed a process of encapsulating the viral mRNA that encodes this protein and effectively deliver it into humans where our cells, through transcription and translation, produce this protein and present it to the immune system for identification and attack. The science that is at work here is based on decades of research and falls nothing short of miraculous. We are effectively using viral genetic code to create a human immune response and confer immunity; we are putting foreign RNA into our bodies to make us stronger. Science fiction has met reality.
I received my second vaccine 3 days ago. Roughly 6hours later I could feel it begin to take effect. I developed diffuse body aches that progressed over the next 12 hours to quite severe myalgias, rigors, sweats, chills, and even nocturnal hallucinations. I eventually needed to take acetaminophen just to help me sleep the next day away. I am not making this up. It was quite unpleasant and reminded me of such scenes as Peter Parker getting bit by that first spider, or Wolverine wakening after his adamantium core was installed. It hurt, a lot. But unlike a typical flu, I knew that it had an endpoint and I simply needed to wait patiently. That endpoint has now come. Three days later my energy is almost back to normal. I never had runny nose or cough. But now I can assume that I have protection. Current statistics suggest that I have only a 5% chance of contracting symptomatic COVID-19 should I have direct contact with an infected individual. No data is currently available w regard to my ability to transfer infection to others, however; so I could still potentially bring it home. And, there is currently talk that a coronavirus mutation has been identified that may have sufficient differences in its spike protein RNA sequence that our current vaccination may be less effective. This poses the question, if a 3rd booster is required, would I be willing to tolerate the side effects to receive it? That question has not been formally asked and, frankly, I am not ready to give a definitive answer.
We did sit and watch The Predator (2018) last night. Interesting to watch ideas that were floating around before the ‘Real Life HorrorStory.’ Without giving away too much, the general premise was that the Predators were traveling the galaxy in search of great hunters and fighters so they could collect their DNA (by separating their heads and spinal columns from their bodies) and use it to make themselves genetically superior. Unlike the updated Predator, I am not expecting to get ripped abs and grow several feet taller, but as of today, SARS-CoV-2 can think twice before trying to invade my host system. I have been genetically modified to fight off SARS-CoV-2 abd thus have a low chance of becoming a host to this pathogen and developing symptomatic COVID-19.
I need to just trip out for one more minute on the technology at play here. We have isolated an invisible offending agent, SARS-CoV-2 which as of today 1/30/21 has led to more than 102 million cases and over 2 million deaths globally. We have identified the protein structure responsible for virus-human cell binding and further identified the viral RNA responsible for producing this protein. We have encapsulated this mRNA into a liproprotein mycel for delivery via intramuscular injection into the human system thereby allowing human immunology to take over and produce an immune response that confers nearly 95% immunity to the virus. Put simply, NERDS RULE. Even if we don’t make it out of this disaster, we should be proud of what we have accomplished. There are many other sociological, political, geographic, and economic factors at play currently so Nerds cannot take all the credit but vaccine distribution is not necessary when there is no vaccine to distribute. Now we must keep our fingers crossed (and washed) and wear a mask while we patiently wait for herd immunity to develop in the coming months to years.
Also worth checking out: 2020-Acta_Pharmacologica_Sinica-SARS-CoV-2-spike_protein-Review_article
And, so far, so good for flu season. Seems like masking and social distancing is having a very positive effect. Will be interesting to see how the holidaze are handled for xmas season 2021