COVID-19. EXPLAINED. [Chapter 1]
This is a different kind of post.
I've always been fascinated by good science writing. For instance, writers like Jared Diamond and Bill Bryson who explain complex concepts using simple language and evocative metaphors.
After more than a year of being with Covid-19, I thought there should be some good writing about this devastating disease. But I couldn't find a resource that really explained what this disease was - in layperson language. Something that even a school-going kid could understand.
Answers to basic, fundamental questions such as:
- What is this virus?
- What does it actually do in our body?
- How and why do the stated remedies work?
And so on.
So I've attempted writing a post on the same.
Unsurprisingly, that project took a life of its own...becoming an e-book.
And so, here's my attempt at explaining - really explaining - Covid-19.
Today I'm releasing Chapter 1. Based on the response, I'll work on the next set of chapters.
[Do Note: this is written by a CA-MBA-Consultant turned storyteller. In other words, I am no medico.
Having said that, I have run this past 3 doctors - all of whom have confirmed that the facts are accurate. But none of this should be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your physician, before you take any action based on what is written here!]
I've been fortunate to get some inputs from some generous doctors. One of them in particular who's taken time from her busy schedule to read this and point out a lot of specific corrections is Dr Karishma Kaushik of Pune. Her inputs were clear, specific and polite. For instance:
- "You could say viruses 'hijack' the host cells copying machines (instead of access)."
- "I would change 'loopholes' to 'gates' or 'entry points'"
Check out her detailed website here. She has a fun video series - 'Talk to a Scientist' on YouTube. It's great fun and super informative!
Finally, here's the post - it’s easier to read on my blog.
I'm trying this (science writing) as an experiment. Based on your response, I will add more chapters in the coming weeks.
Please do share your comments for corrections if any... and any good material you get!
Thanks
Ravi
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Information sources
While I’ve tried to be comprehensive in my list of sources, I may have missed some out – sincere apologies for the same:
Size of the Coronavirus: The Size of SARS-CoV-2 and its Implications: https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Size-of-SARS-CoV-2-Compared-to-Other-Things.aspx
How Covid-19 attacks your lungs: https://www.indiaspend.com/how-covid-19-affects-your-lungs/
About the ACE2 receptor: https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-ace2-receptor-how-is-it-connected-to-coronavirus-and-why-might-it-be-key-to-treating-covid-19-the-experts-explain-136928
Also: This video by The Print
Size of Alveolus: The Alveoli in Your Lungs: https://www.healthline.com/health/alveoli-function#:~:text=Each%20alveolus%20(singular%20of%20alveoli,that%20also%20have%20thin%20walls
About Alveoli: https://www.healthline.com/health/alveoli-function#alveoli-health
The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson
Cleveland Clinic: Respiratory system: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21205-respiratory-system#:~:text=The%20respiratory%20system%20is%20the,waste%20gases%20like%20carbon%20dioxide.
All about Alveolar macrophages: https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/rccm.2210007#:~:text=Alveolar%20macrophages%20are%20the%20primary,and%20the%20mucociliary%20transport%20system
How Coronavirus attacks the cell: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/11/science/how-coronavirus-hijacks-your-cells.html
Bad news in a protein: Inside the Coronavirus genome: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/03/science/coronavirus-genome-bad-news-wrapped-in-protein.html#:~:text=A%20virus%20is%20%E2%80%9Csimply%20a,virus%20that%20causes%20Covid%2D19.