Viral and occupational diseases

For decades, human beings have had to live with diseases that have caused thousands of deaths, and out of an instinct for survival, they are working every day in the constant struggle to prevent more victims.

November 10th was celebrated worldwide as Science Day for Peace and Development, a date that celebrates the work of scientists and all researchers who work every day to care for others.

In fact, at the University of Cundinamarca we have protagonists of science, and these are the professionals and students who are educated for life, democratic values, civility and freedom.

In this special, we will talk about HIV, human papillomavirus, the Covid-19 disease and three diseases that continue to affect humans, especially when working from home, and are eye strain, vertigo and neck pain.

Viral diseases

HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects cells of the immune system, altering or destroying their function. It can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person, transfusion of contaminated blood, or sharing needles, syringes, or other sharp instruments.

Globally, it is estimated that by the end of 2019 there were 38 million people living with HIV, and in Colombia, according to the High-Cost Account, the number of people with HIV/AIDS increased by 6.5% in the last year. As of January 2019, 109,056 people were reported to be infected with HIV.

Today, due to the high number of people affected, research continues; for example, some scientists are exploring two different types of cure for HIV: a functional cure and a sterilizing cure.

On the other hand, a researcher from the University of Sao Paulo, Ricardo Diaz, stated that a man was cured after receiving intensive experimental drug therapy.

“I am the first patient in the world to be treated and possibly cured with only antiretroviral drugs, without changing my bone marrow, without altering my blood. That is very gratifying for me,” the patient told the EFE news agency when he was dubbed the “Sao Paulo Patient.”.

The two most recent confirmed cases of cures for the disease worldwide are that of Timothy Brown, known as "the Berlin patient", who underwent a bone marrow transplant; and the other is that of Adam Castillejo, who was cured with a stem cell treatment.

Human papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major cause of illness and death in women. The infection is usually asymptomatic and goes unnoticed by the infected person. According to the World Health Organization, HPV is the cause of cervical cancer and is also responsible for a large proportion of other cancers and genital warts in both men and women. HPV infection is very common.

“We know that cervical cancer is preventable and several strategies have been implemented in Colombia, such as cytology screening, HPV vaccination, and HPV DNA testing, which is included in screening tests with visualization tests,” said Sory Escobar Macualo, a nurse who graduated from the University of Cundinamarca and holds a master's degree in sexual and reproductive health.

She also explained that the WHO has a new project to prevent more victims of this disease. “In August of this year, the WHO met with nearly 200 countries to design the 90-70-90 strategy, which aims to eradicate cervical cancer worldwide and is projected to be achieved by 2030.

”So, the strategy consists of 90 % of girls vaccinated under 15 years of age with the HPV vaccine, 70 % of those women, the population that we want to diagnose in under 35 years of age, and the 90 % who have already been diagnosed so that they can access timely treatment,” Escobar stated.

Covid – 19

Since December of last year, a new coronavirus has been detected that has so far claimed the lives of more than 1,330,000 people worldwide and more than 34,220 in Colombia. It is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. It spreads through droplets expelled from the nose or mouth of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk.

While various medications have been discussed, scientists are working daily to find a vaccine. Lady Carolina Díaz Jurado, a nurse and professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Cundinamarca, shared her perspective on this.

“We wonder why it takes so long to produce a vaccine, and the answer lies in the fact that vaccines must go through several processes that cannot be avoided, and it must be verified that the vaccine counteracts the virus and is safe for humans,” the teacher stated.

The process of developing a vaccine involves several phases: phase 0 refers to the preclinical phase, where laboratory tests are conducted; phase 1 is when the vaccine is distributed in small doses to groups of people to test whether it is suitable for humans; and phase 2 is when it is tested to determine if it can be distributed to humans.

“In total, the WHO says there are 47 vaccines in clinical trials and 155 in preclinical trials. For Colombia, the latest information from Health Minister Fernando Ruiz is that there is hope, with the announcement that Colombia will begin developing a strategy for an effective COVID-19 vaccine by the first half of 2021… This could help achieve the goal of protecting Colombians,” Díaz stated.

The vaccines that will possibly be distributed in Colombia are those from Pfizer and/or Johnson & Johnson laboratories.

Scientific advances in the treatment of diseases

Diseases exacerbated by the pandemic

Eye strain

Eye strain is more of a symptom than a disease. Some people use the term differently. For some, it might mean tired or watery eyes, while for others it might mean blurred vision, according to Laurie Barber, a global ophthalmologist in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Currently, there is no medical treatment for eye strain, but technology companies are working on creating tools to reduce the negative effects people experience when exposed to a screen.

How to prevent work-related illnesses

Vertigo

Vertigo is understood as a perception of movement that doesn't exist. People feel that their body is rotating or that the environment around them is spinning.

The most common symptoms are dizziness, unsteadiness, vomiting, and nausea.

Science has advanced in treatments to control vertigo, using injections, surgery, and medication. However, a prior diagnosis is necessary to determine the ideal treatment.

Cervicalgia

Neck pain is a discomfort that brings together abnormalities in the soft tissues, muscles, ligaments, discs, nerves, vertebrae and their joints.

Scientists are currently working with technology companies to design, for example, ergonomic chairs and posture trainers that are placed on the shoulder blades. Below you will find basic recommendations for avoiding illnesses that have worsened due to working from home.

While science is making progress in finding a cure, humans must be responsible when it comes to eating, exercising, and taking care of their sexual health.

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Special report prepared by:

Sindy Valbuena, Natalie Cruz, Dagoberto Méndez

Communications Advisory Office Team