Role of vitamin D in COVID-19 and other viral infections

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is naturally produced in the body or obtained through dietary sources,primarily under the influence of UVB radiation.This essential nutrient has a vital role in numerous physiological processes,encom-passing immune function,cell growth,differentiation,insulin regulation,and cardiovascular well-being,along with its pivotal role in sustaining the delicate equilibrium of calcium and phosphate concentrations in the body.Moreover,vitamin D reinforces mucosal defense and bolsters the immune system through immunomodulation,making it a critical component of overall health.Numerous studies have unveiled the profound connection between vitamin D and the predisposition to respiratory tract infections,including well-known viruses such as influenza and the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Vita-min D deficiency has been consistently linked to increased severity of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and a heightened risk of mortality among afflicted individuals.Retrospective observational studies have further substantiated these findings,indicating that levels of vitamin D are linked with both the occurrence and severity of COVID-19 cases.Vitamin D has its influence on viral infections th-rough a multitude of mechanisms,such as promoting the release of antimicrobial peptides and fine-tuning the responses of the immune system.Additionally,vitamin D is intertwined with the intricate network of the renin–angiotensin system,suggesting a potential impact on the development of complications related to COVID-19.While further clinical trials and extensive research are warranted,the existing body of evidence strongly hints at the possible use of vitamin D as a valuable tool in the prophylaxis and management of COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases.

A Comparative Study of Myocardial Damage Caused by Novel Coronavirus Infection and Influenza A Virus Infection in Children during the COVID-19 Epidemic Period

Objective: To explore the comparative study of myocardial damage in children infected with COVID-19 and influenza A virus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Retrospective analysis of myocardial injury caused by COVID-19 infection and influenza A virus infection in children during the COVID-19 from October 2022 to May 2023, including 106 cases of COVID-19 infection, that is, the COVID-19 group;And 164 cases of influenza A virus infection, namely, H1N1 group;Two groups were tested for various indicators of myocardial enzyme spectrum, and the situation of myocardial injury was compared between the two groups. Result: In the enrolled cases, there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of men and women in the COVID-19 group (P > 0.05);There was no statistically significant difference in the average age between men and women (P > 0.05);The comparison of the incidence rates between males and females in the H1N1 group showed a statistically significant difference (P 0.05);There was no statistically significant difference in the average age between the two groups of girls (P > 0.05). A comparison between two groups of various indicators of myocardial enzyme spectra showed that the results of AST, -HBDH and LDH were statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: Both COVID-19 infection and influenza A virus infection in children have different degrees of myocardial damage, but COVID-19 infection causes more myocardial damage than influenza A virus infection, and influenza A virus is more prone to myocardial infarction, which deserves our attention.

Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Strategies in Risk Departments during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Objective: To explore the practice and application of infection prevention and control strategies in risk departments during the COVID-19 epidemic, and to formulate the infection prevention and control measures to provide advice and guidance in risk departments. Methods: According to the latest plan of diagnosis and treatment, prevention and control issued by the National Health Commission, expert advice and consensus, combined with the actual situation in our hospital, a series of infection prevention and control measures of COVID-19 in risk department was formulated. Results: During the epidemic period, the prevention and control measures of nine risk departments including emergency operation, anesthesiology, endoscopy center, blood purification center, otolaryngology, stomatology, medical imaging department, medical cosmetology department and pulmonary function room were established from six aspects, including pre-examination and screening, medical technology control, personnel management, personal protection, environmental disinfection, medical waste disposal, etc. Conclusion: During the epidemic period, the infection prevention and control strategy of risk departments is one of the key links to control the spread of the epidemic, and risk departments must pay attention to and strictly implement various infection prevention and control measures.

COVID-19 infection and inactivated vaccination:Impacts on clinical and immunological profiles in Chinese children with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has been linked to an increased incidence of diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA).However,the relationship between COVID-19 infection and progression to type 1 diabetes(T1D)in children has not been well defined.AIM To evaluate the influence of COVID-19 infection and inactivated vaccine adminis-tration on the progression of T1D among Chinese children.METHODS A total of 197 newly diagnosed patients with T1D were retrospectively enrolled from Children's Hospital of Fudan University between September 2020 and December 2023.The patients were divided into three groups based on their history of COVID-19 infection and vaccination:the infection group,the vacci-nation-only group,and the non-infection/non-vaccination group.Comprehensive clinical assessments and detailed immunological evaluations were performed to delineate the characteristics and immune responses of these groups.RESULTS The incidence of DKA was significantly higher in the COVID-19 infection group(70.2%)compared to the non-infection/non-vaccination group(62.5%)and vac-scination-only group(45.6%;P=0.015).Prior COVID-19 infection was correlated with increased DKA risk(OR:1.981,95%CI:1.026-3.825,P=0.042),while vacci-nation was associated with a reduced risk(OR:0.558,95%CI:0.312-0.998,P=0.049).COVID-19 infection mildly altered immune profiles,with modest dif-ferences in autoantibody positivity,lymphocyte distribution,and immunoglobulin levels.Notably,HLA-DR3 po-sitive children with a history of COVID-19 infection had an earlier T1D onset and lower fasting C-peptide levels than the HLA-DR3 negative children with a history of infection(both P<0.05).CONCLUSION COVID-19 infection predisposes children to severe T1D,characterized by enhanced DKA risk.Inactivated vaccination significantly lowers DKA incidence at T1D onset.These findings are valuable for guiding future vaccination and T1D risk surveillance strategies in epidemic scenarios in the general pediatric population.

Combined prevention and treatment measures are essential to control nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is a highly contagious positive-sense,single-stranded RNA virus that has rapidly spread worldwide.As of December 17,2023,772838745 confirmed cases including 6988679 deaths have been reported globally.This virus primarily spreads through droplets,airborne transmission,and direct contact.Hospitals harbor a substantial number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients and asymptomatic carriers,accompanied by high population density and a larger susceptible population.These factors serve as potential triggers for nosocomial infections,posing a threat during the COVID-19 pandemic.Nosocomial infections occur to varying degrees across different countries worldwide,emphasizing the urgent need for a practical approach to prevent and control the intra-hospital spread of COVID-19.This study primarily concentrated on a novel strategy combining preventive measures with treatment for combating COVID-19 nosocomial infections.It suggests preventive methods,such as vaccination,disinfection,and training of heathcare personnel to curb viral infections.Additionally,it explored therapeutic strategies targeting cellular inflammatory factors and certain new medications for COVID-19 patients.These methods hold promise in rapidly and effectively preventing and controlling nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a reliable reference for adopting preventive measures in the future pandemic.

COVID-19/Tuberculosis Co-Infection at the Epidemic Treatment Center (ETC) of Saint-Louis (Senegal): About 9 Cases

Introduction: COVID-19 is a global public health emergency that can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome. In countries where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, coinfection of COVID-19 and TB is often encountered, which increases the risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of COVID-19/TB coinfection at the Epidemic treatment center (ETC) in Saint-Louis (Senegal) and to describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and outcome profile of co-infected patients. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive cohort study based on the records of COVID-19/ TB co-infected patients who were hospitalized at the ETC in Saint-Louis (Senegal) over an 18-month period from March 2020 to September 2021. Results: Out of a total of 454 hospitalizations, we collected records of 9 patients co-infected with COVID-19/TB, resulting in a prevalence of 2%. The study included patients with a median age of 34 years (range: 10-86 years), with a male predominance (7 cases) and a sex ratio of 3.5. The majority of patients (88.9%) had severe forms of COVID-19. Dyspnea and cough were reported in all patients (100%). Pulmonary TB was the most frequent localization, with 9 cases. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by nasopharyngeal PCR in all patients (100%). Bacilloscopy was positive in 3 out of 5 cases. One patient tested positive for GeneXpert? MTB/RIF without rifampicin resistance. All patients were prescribed the hydroxychloroquine-azithromycin combination and anti-tuberculosis treatment. Out of the nine patients, four recovered (44.4%) and five died (55.5%). Conclusion: COVID-19/TB coinfection had a low prevalence in our cohort, but was associated with a high mortality due to the frequent occurrence of severe forms of the disease.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: A Case of Lymphadenitis Following COVID-19 Infection

Introduction: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare disease of uncertain origin proposed to be secondary to viral or autoimmune causes. It presents as unilateral cervical lymphadenopathy and fever, typically resolving within a few months, however, it mimics malignant lymphoma, leading to extensive work-up fearing malignancy. Case History: A 33-year-old female with a history of Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis (not on immunosuppressive therapy) and recent COVID-19 infection two months ago presented with episodes of flu-like symptoms;fever (101˚F), chills, and myalgias for two months. Upon evaluation, she had leukopenia (WBC 1.8 k/uL), neutropenia (1.0 k/uL), elevated CRP (134 mg/L), and CT neck demonstrated multiple enlarged cervical lymph nodes with necrosis. The patient was started on Cefdinir and doxycycline for a possible atypical infection given neutropenic fevers and the patient continued to have fevers. A biopsy showed focal necrosis with no evidence of malignancy, suggesting KFD that was likely triggered by a recent COVID infection. She was treated with Prednisone and naproxen, which led to an improvement in symptoms and recovery of her pancytopenia. Discussion: This case is unique since the patient’s recent infection with COVID-19 may have triggered the clinical manifestations of KFD. There have been a few case reports of children who were diagnosed with KFD after a COVID-19 infection and adults diagnosed with KFD following COVID vaccinations;however, this is the first case report involving a young adult in her thirties who was diagnosed with KFD two months after COVID-19.

COVID-19与分泌性中耳炎的研究进展

冠状病毒(coronavirus disease 2019,COVID-19)是一类引起人类呼吸道感染的RNA病毒,是一种极易传播和变异的新型冠状病毒。COVID-19可以影响到许多疾病,可以造成严重炎症、肺损伤、急性呼吸窘迫综合征(acute respiratory distress syndrome,ARDS)和器官衰竭等,但目前国内关于其与分泌性中耳炎的相关性研究较少。本文主要在回顾国内外文献的基础上,对COVID-19流行情况、发病机制及与分泌性中耳炎的相互关系研究进展进行综述。

基于马尔可夫链的COVID-19流行病患病区域变化趋势预测

在COVID-19疫情环境下,为精准预测不同症状状态的人群人数和区域级别的发展趋势,以SIR传染病模型为基础,基于马尔可夫链预测时空相关的特性,设计了感染人群状态与管控措施相关的K-SIRD传染病预测模型.根据COVID-19疫情人群之间传染性的特征及受距离影响造成有效传染数R e的变化而导致不同的症状状态改变的转移规律,实时精准预测了不同状态的人员人数变化,并根据同一区域人群症状状态分布情况不同,针对不同级别的区域采用不同等级的管控措施.

温针灸联合刺络拔罐治疗轻型COVID-19感染的临床观察

目的观察温针灸联合刺络拔罐治疗轻型新型冠状病毒(corona virus disease 2019,COVID-19)感染患者的临床疗效。方法将82例COVID-19轻型患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组41例。对照组予连花清瘟颗粒口服,治疗组在对照组基础上给予温针灸联合刺络拔罐治疗。比较两组退热时间,两组治疗前后咳嗽视觉模拟量表(visual analog scale,VAS)、中文版莱塞斯特咳嗽生命质量问卷(Mandarin Chinese version of the Leicester cough questionnaire,LCQ-MC)、咽干/痛缓解程度,并比较两组安全性情况,追踪观察两组患者是否出现“长新冠综合征”和COVID-19二次感染情况。结果两组退热时间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组治疗后咳嗽VAS评分低于治疗前,且治疗组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组治疗后LCQ-MC评分低于治疗前,且治疗组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组治疗后咽干/痛程度分布优于治疗前,且治疗组优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组“长新冠综合征”发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组COVID-19二次感染率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组疗法安全性均可。结论在口服中成药的基础上,温针灸联合刺络拔罐治疗COVID-19轻型患者在急性期临床疗效显著,安全性高。

一类具有脉冲干预措施的COVID-19模型的稳定性分析

建立了一类对易感人群实施脉冲干预措施的COVID-19模型,得出了模型的基本再生数R_(0)和无病周期解。当R_(0)<1时,根据脉冲微分不等式和Lyapunov函数分析了无病周期解的全局稳定性,并数值模拟了这一结论。最后,探讨了脉冲预防策略在COVID-19传染病预防中的效果。

COVID-19疫情前后中国居民城际出行网络空间结构及其演变特征

综合、全面地分析COVID-19疫情前后中国居民城际出行网络的空间结构及其演变特征,对掌握重大安全事件影响、引导区域间交流合作、促进区域协调发展以及提升区域韧性等具有重要意义。该文采用2019—2023年每年3月逐日高德迁徙数据构建居民城际出行网络,从宏观、中观、微观尺度分析网络的时空格局、结构演变及组织模式,探讨疫情对中国居民城际出行网络结构的影响。结果表明:(1)宏观层面,COVID-19疫情影响下,中国居民城际出行规模下降趋势明显,但恢复速度较快。疫情结束后,周五出城、周日回城的周期性城际出行规律凸显。在COVID-19疫情暴发期及恢复期,居民城际出行网络在“震中”区域呈显著的“结构洞”空间分布格局,在与其紧密关联的“近邻”区域呈第二阶梯衰减特征。(2)中观层面,疫情暴发前后居民城际出行网络的空间组织结构相对稳定,仅局部区域变化明显。2019年居民城际出行网络的空间组织结构最松散,随后趋于紧凑。珠三角—中三角、川渝—黔滇2个城际出行网络空间集群片区在2021年后基本趋于稳定,而长三角—京津冀、西北片区变动频繁,尤其在COVID-19疫情暴发期。(3)微观层面,疫情冲击下,居民城际出行网络城市节点中心性的空间分布不均衡现象进一步加剧。2021年和2023年高优势度的城市数量呈逐渐增多之势,但主要位于“胡焕庸线—博台线”第一、二象限;第三、四象限城市节点的优势度在空间上虽具有相对均衡分布特征,但节点在网络中的地位竞争和更新并不明显。

COVID-19对前列腺增生患者逼尿肌收缩功能的影响

目的:采用超声影像尿动力学检查(sonography video urodynamics studies,SVUDS)分析新型冠状病毒肺炎(coronavirus disease-2019,COVID-19)对前列腺增生(benign prostatic hyperplasia,BPH)患者逼尿肌收缩功能的影响。方法:纳入桂林医学院第二附属医院及邵阳市中心医院2023年1—6月诊断为BPH伴或不伴COVID-19感染患者124例进行回顾性研究分析。根据病毒核酸检测阳性或阴性情况分为COVID-19(+)组51例和COVID-19(-)组73例。比较两组患者一般情况、炎症指标及SVUDS参数差异,分析COVID-19(+)组患者炎症指标及无创性SVUDS参数与逼尿肌收缩功能的相关性。结果:COVID-19(+)组患者C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)、白介素(interleukin,IL)-6高于COVID-19(-)组患者(P<0.05)。两组患者年龄、IL-1β、前列腺特异性抗原(prostate specific antigen,PSA)、游离前列腺特异性抗原(free prostate-specific antigen,fPSA)、fPSA/PSA、前列腺体积(prostate volume,PV)、前列腺特异性抗原密度(prostate specific antigen density,PSAD)、前列腺突入膀胱距离(intravesical prostatic protrusion,IPP)、最大尿流率(peak flow rate,Qmax)、尿道阻力因子(urethral resistance factor,URA)、膀胱出口梗阻指数(bladder outlet obstruction index,BOOI)、基点(footpoint)、曲率(curvature)差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。相比COVID-19(-)组,COVID-19(+)组最大逼尿肌压(maximum detrusor pressure,Pdet.max)、最大尿流率逼尿肌压(detrusor pressure at peak flow rate,Pdet.Qmax)、膀胱收缩指数(bladder contractility index,BCI)和最大瓦特因子(maximum Watts factor,WF_(max))降低,膀胱壁厚度(bladder wall thickness,BWT)和残余尿量(post-void residual volume,PVR)增加(P均<0.05)。COVID-19(+)组患者BWT与WF_(max)呈负相关(r=-0.313,P=0.036),PVR与BCI(r=-0.471,P=0.001)和WF_(max)(r=-0.491,P=0.001)均呈负相关。结论:BPH患者若合并COVID-19感染可能进一步加重逼尿肌活动低下,导致残余尿量增加甚至尿潴留,逼尿肌活动低下可能是BPH患者“long-COVID”尿动力学表现之一。

What would Hippocrates have sworn upon witnessing the COVID-19 mandates and mortality paradox

For the first time in human history,hundreds of millions of people all over the world have been subjected to compulsory vaccination with a new type of nucleic acid based vaccines in order to keep their jobs or be able to travel due to some notorious coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)mandates.The vast majority of African countries were either initially deprived of these vaccines,or later,a majority of the population was too skeptical to receive them and preferred a safe early treatment pharmacological approach.Yet,Africa had the lowest COVID-19 mortality rate compared to those countries that adopted mass vaccination.This letter to the editor adds African insights that should be helpful in future pandemics to save millions of precious lives.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and hepatic SARS-CoV-2 infection:Regulation,association,and therapeutic implications

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)enters host cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)receptor.Mounting evidence has indicated the presence of hepatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and liver injury in pa-tients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Understanding the mechanisms of hepatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial for addressing COVID-19–related liver pathology and developing targeted therapies.This editorial discusses the signi-ficance of ACE2 in hepatic SARS-CoV-2 infection,drawing on the research by Jacobs et al.Their findings indicate that hepatic ACE2 expression,frequency of hepatic SARS-CoV-2 infection,and severity of liver injury are elevated in patients with pre-existing chronic liver diseases.These data suggest that hepatic ACE2 could be a promising therapeutic target for COVID-19.

Feelings and Thoughts of Infected Nursing Undergraduates with COVID-19 in China: A Qualitative Study

Background: COVID-19 had become much less virulent but still infectious, and China had loosened controls on its prevention after three years of zero-COVID policy. Nursing students were faced with infection. However, the symptoms of the vast majority of them were not serious. Objectives: To understand the feelings and thoughts of nursing undergraduates first infected with COVID-19 after implementing the policy of loosening controls on COVID-19 prevention in China. Methods: A semi-structured in-depth interview was adopted to collect data from 19 nursing undergraduates in a nursing school in China in January 2023, which were then analyzed using the Colaizzi analysis method. Results: Two main themes and seven sub-themes were induced: feelings after the diagnosis of being infected (feeling calm by professional confidence, feeling afraid of the consequences of being infected, feeling depressed, feeling relieved/lucky/happy), and thoughts brought by COVID-19 infection (becoming more active in learning, committed to a nursing career, and feeling shaken about becoming a nurse). Conclusions: Schools and hospitals should pay attention to infected nursing students’ mental reactions and changes in study motivation and professional intention. Targeted measures, such as education for epidemic prevention and education for cultivating the professional spirit, should be taken to promote their mental health and reserve their talents for nursing.

Perceived infection transmission routes, infection control practices, psychosocial changes, and management of COVID-19 infected healthcare workers in a tertiary acute care hospital in Wuhan: a cross-sectional survey

Background:Many healthcare workers were infected by coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)early in the epidemic posing a big challenge for epidemic control.Hence,this study aims to explore perceived infection routes,influencing factors,psychosocial changes,and management procedures for COVID-19 infected healthcare workers.Methods:This is a cross-sectional,single hospital-based study.We recruited all 105 confirmed COVID-19 healthcare workers in the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from February 15 to 29,2020.All participants completed a validated questionnaire.Electronic consent was obtained from all participants.Perceived causes of infection,infection prevention,control knowledge and behaviour,psychological changes,symptoms and treatment were measured.Results:Finally,103 professional staff with COVID-19 finished the questionnaire and was included(response rate:98.1%).Of them,87 cases(84.5%)thought they were infected in working environment in hospital,one(1.0%)thought their infection was due to the laboratory environment,and 5(4.9%)thought they were infected in daily life or community environment.Swab of throat collection and physical examination were the procedures perceived as most likely causing their infection by nurses and doctors respectively.Forty-three(41.8%)thought their infection was related to protective equipment,utilization of common equipment(masks and gloves).The top three first symptoms displayed before diagnosis were fever(41.8%),lethargy(33.0%)and muscle aches(30.1%).After diagnosis,88.3%staff experienced psychological stress or emotional changes during their isolation period,only 11.7%had almost no emotional changes.Arbidol(Umifenovir;an anti-influza drug;69.2%)was the drug most commonly used to target infection in mild and moderate symptoms.Conclusion:The main perceived mode of transmission was not maintaining protection when working at a close distance and having intimate contact with infected cases.Positive psychological intervention is necessary.

The Effectiveness of Infection Control Practices among Health Care Workers Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Background: The world is currently experiencing a healthcare crisis caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the forefront of controlling the spread of the disease;this response has resulted in a huge number of infections amongst HCWs and unfortunately some casualties. Infection prevention and control practices (IPC) are practical, proven methods that prevent avoidable harm to patients and protect health workers from contagious infection. This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of IPC practices utilized in COVID-19 testing drive through facility in Lagos Nigeria. Method: The facility recruited 42 HCWs who were trained on IPC and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Training on donning and doffing of PPEs, preparation of decontaminants and sample handling were done for relevant personnel. A daily log for monitoring COVID-19 symptoms was deployed to all HCWs;to help early detection of COVID-19 infection and prevent transmission amongst staff. Results: Of 42 personnel, 92.8% had a tertiary level of education while 71.4% had at least 5 years work experience. A total of 5 (11.9%) out of 42 HCWs were positive by week six of the study. All infected persons worked at the drive through centre. Most common symptom filled in the daily log tool was headache and fatigue. Conclusion: Despite all the measures introduced, 11.9% of HCWs became positive within 6 weeks, showing the highly infectious nature of the virus and the need to research into more effective measures in preventing the transmission of highly infectious pathogens to HCWs during outbreaks.

Infection Prevention Strategy in Operating Room during Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19)Outbreak

A novel coronavirus that emerged in late 2019 rapidly spread around the world.Most severe cases need endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation,and some mild cases may need emergent surgery under general anesthesia.The novel coronavirus was reported to transmit via droplets,contact and natural aerosols from human to human.Therefore,aerosol-producing procedures such as endotracheal intubation and airway suction may put the healthcare providers at high risk of nosocomial infection.Based on recently published articles,this review provides detailed feasible recommendations for primary anesthesiologists on infection prevention in operating room during COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19 Pandemic, Part I: What to Do and Who to Blame? Susceptibility to Viral Infection via Jeopardized Immunity

When this tragedy ends, it will become clear whether it is a pandemic, epidemic, mass infection, or mass psychosis (initiated by mass media with heavy engagement from political and economic establishments). The USA and other countries are raining accusations upon China, and vice versa. This problem will have future impacts on human society and civilization will be quite different following the “Pandemic of COVID-19”. Although this series of papers will discuss a broad array of related problems, the author contends that the most important priorities are developing medications against diseases and improving our scientific understanding of the social situations and substances that jeopardize human health and increase our susceptibility to viral infection. Later papers in this series will provide support for the Chinese claim that chloroquine may be a useful medication for patients with viral infection.