write a report on covid 19
Answers
With more than 100 vaccines currently in various trial phases and some reaching the pre-approval stage or being authorized for emergency use, accurate science reporting has never been more important. Journalists play a vital role in informing the public on science, specifically vaccine, developments, in an unprecedented period of scientific publishing.
The situation is constantly evolving but there are some general guidelines that should be followed whenever possible.
Don’t just report the topline
Read the full study or report before publishing an article about it. The findings in a study’s summary may not be truly indicative of the full study’s findings. Medical journals are reviewing and publishing reports faster than they normally would, so knowing how to read them critically is crucial to accurately reporting their findings.
Don’t report based only on a press release. Always read the full study or research report.
Don’t trust data automatically
Be aware of and willing to question stakeholders and data collection methodology. Request the raw data where possible and always include the details of the research methods in your reporting.
Use trusted and reliable sources
Reporting is only as good as its sources. Be sure to use expert and knowledgeable sources to inform your stories on COVID-19 and vaccines.
When reporting on a new vaccine or study, consult your country’s science media centre for expert evaluations of the latest developments.
State the source
When reporting on scientific studies, reports, case numbers and vaccines, name the source of the information to show credibility and allow readers to search for more information on the topic.
Define the terms
Although certain scientific words may be used frequently in reporting on COVID-19 and vaccines, it is important to define scientific terms in every article, or link to a glossary of terms that will allow the reader to educate themselves.
Use clear language
Most readers will not be familiar with scientific language. Some terms can be defined within the article but make an effort to frame explanations in simplified terms so that readers across all levels of comprehension will understand.
Explain the stage
Some research may show exciting results based only on a preliminary set of data. Check whether a report or study has been peer reviewed and make sure your writing states which stage it is in. Early-stage research should not be reported as equal to a peer-reviewed paper from a science journal.
Report the numbers
There are dozens of vaccines in various stages of development at any given time. When reporting on a vaccine or study, it’s important to specify the size, numbers tested, and time period of the trial.
Disclose the side effects
No vaccine in history has progressed through clinical trials and pre-approval as fast as the recent COVID-19 vaccines. Clearly stating the possible side effects of any given vaccine will help inform the public and ease their reservations as will reporting on any side effects experienced by participants in a vaccine trial.
Use appropriate imagery
Choice of illustration in articles about vaccines is important. Vaccines are not something to fear, so avoid such visuals as crying babies, anxious-looking patients and oversized needles. Ensure that illustrations represent all readers by showing a range of people working on, administering and receiving vaccines.
Don’t forget demographics
Not every vaccine will be equally effective across all populations. When reporting on the efficacy of a vaccine in clinical trials, note the demographics of the participants in the trial. This information can usually be found in Table 1 of reported studies.
Remind everyone of the benefits of vaccines
Reporting on potentially effective COVID-19 vaccines is vital for informing those who already plan to be vaccinated, but with misinformation rife during the pandemic, don’t forget to inform readers of the importance of all vaccines.
Tackle vaccine hesitancy by reporting facts and figures on vaccine efficacy in ending epidemics throughout history.
Further resources:
WHO’s new COVID-19 vaccines page includes WHO news and resources, explainers on key topics, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO): COVID-19, An Informative Guide: Advice for Journalists
WHO situation reports: The Weekly Epidemiological Update provides an overview of the global, regional and country-level COVID-19 cases and deaths, highlighting key data and trends, as well as other pertinent epidemiological information concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.
Journalism in a Pandemic: Covering COVID-19 Now and in the Future is a free, self-directed online course produced by the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas in collaboration with WHO, UNESCO, and UNDP; it
Answer:
Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as the coronavirus, or COVID, is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 . The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease has since spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing pandemic.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are variable, but often include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and loss of smell and taste. Symptoms may begin one to fourteen days after exposure to the virus. At least a third of people who are infected do not develop noticeable symptoms. Of those people who develop noticeable symptoms enough to be classed as patients, most develop mild to moderate symptoms, while 14% develop severe symptoms, and 5% suffer critical symptoms . Older people are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms. Some people continue to experience a range of effects for months after recovery, and damage to organs has been observed. Multi-year studies are underway to further investigate the long-term effects of the disease. Those particles may be inhaled or may reach the mouth, nose, or eyes of a person through touching or direct deposition . In those conditions small particles can remain suspended in the air for minutes to hours. People who are infected can transmit the virus to another person up to two days before they themselves show symptoms, as can people who do not experience symptoms. People remain infectious for up to ten days after the onset of symptoms in moderate cases and up to twenty days in severe cases.
Several testing methods have been developed to diagnose the disease. The standard diagnostic method is by detection of the virus' nucleic acid by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, transcription-mediated amplification, or by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification from a nasopharyngeal swab.
Preventive measures include physical or social distancing, quarantining, ventilation of indoor spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, hand washing, and keeping unwashed hands away from the face. The use of face masks or coverings has been recommended in public settings to minimize the risk of transmissions. Several vaccines have been developed and many countries have initiated mass vaccination campaigns.
Although work is underway to develop drugs that inhibit the virus, the primary treatment is symptomatic. Management involves the treatment of symptoms, supportive care, isolation, and experimental measures.
Name
During the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China, the virus and disease were commonly referred to as "coronavirus" and "Wuhan coronavirus", with the disease sometimes called "Wuhan pneumonia". In the past, many diseases have been named after geographical locations, such as the Spanish flu, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and Zika virus. In January 2020, the WHO recommended 2019-nCov and 2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease as interim names for the virus and disease per 2015 guidance and international guidelines against using geographical locations, animal species, or groups of people in disease and virus names in part to prevent social stigma. The official names COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 were issued by the WHO on 11 February 2020. Tedros Adhanom explained: COfor corona, VIfor virus, Dfor disease and 19 for when the outbreak was first identified . The WHO additionally uses "the COVID-19 virus" and "the virus responsible for COVID-19" in public communications. All structural features of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus particle occur in related coronaviruses in nature.
SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to the original SARS-CoV. It is thought to have an animal origin. Genetic analysis has revealed that the coronavirus genetically clusters with the genus Betacoronavirus, in subgenus Sarbecovirus together with two bat-derived strains. It is 96% identical at the whole genome level to other bat coronavirus samples . The structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 include membrane glycoprotein, envelope protein, nucleocapsid protein, and the spike protein . The M protein of SARS-CoV-2 is about 98% similar to the M protein of bat SARS-CoV, maintains around 98% homology with pangolin SARS-CoV, and has 90% homology with the M protein of SARS-CoV; whereas, the similarity is only around 38% with the M protein of MERS-CoV. The structure of the M protein resembles the sugar transporter SemiSWEET.
SARS-CoV-2 variants
The many thousands of SARS-CoV-2 variants are grouped into either clades or lineages. This viris continues to plague the world despite the development of several vaccines.