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EDITORIAL: Old problem of viruses has few new solutions [The Aegis, Bel Air, Md.](Aegis, The (Bel Air, MD) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sept. 30--In a world where modern technology makes it seem sometimes as though solutions are only a mouse click away, it is important to keep in mind that there are some primordial realities that have had the potential to inflict damage since people first appeared on the scene. Among the most potentially devastating are viruses. So devastating, that computer programmers adopted the term to describe little bits of hacker code that can take down entire computer networks. Computer viruses are very much analogous to the real thing. A virus is essentially a bit of the code of life, deoxyribonucleic acid, more commonly known as DNA, encapsulated in a protein coating and having a goal of taking over the genetics of more advanced life forms and using them to make more viruses. Similarly, computer viruses use a short bit of code to render massive amounts of computer code useless. It's also important to point out that there are no cures for viral infections. The infected person's immune system will either devise a defense or it won't, often to deadly consequence. Best selling author Michael Crichton observed decades ago in the novel "The Andromeda Strain" -- about dealing with a deadly pathogen derived from micro-organisms that had been sent into space on satellites -- that viruses which end up killing their hosts aren't particularly successful, because the death of the host limits the ability of the virus to reproduce. It is these presumably unsuccessful viruses that are the most frightening -- especially as cures generally aren't in the offing. Hence the international stories and near-panic concerns about an outbreak of the virus known as ebola in western Africa. Generating less international concern, but of possibly more importance locally is that a virus with the rather high tech name EV-D68 has been confirmed in Maryland. EV is short for enterovirus, and it represents a whole family of infections, including polio. The D86 version, which is not polio, still has the potential to inflict plenty of unpleasant symptoms on its victims. Then there's another category of virus that comes into the forefront at this time of year, the variety that causes the so-called common cold. Others are associated with the flu. The range of damage inflicted by viruses varies greatly, but avoiding viral infections is the preferred course of action. While some infections are spread through particularly close contact, flu, cold and enteroviruses all can be spread through rather casual contact. Thus avoiding them involves following the age old advice given in elementary schools for generations and reiterated recently by the Harford County Health Department: wash hands with soap and water; cover coughs and sneezes; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, especially with unwashed hands; disinfect frequently-touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick; stay home if sick; avoid close contact or sharing of cups and eating utensils with those sick with respiratory illness; provide special attention to children with asthma; stay up to date on vaccinations, especially influenza vaccines. Old and low tech as these actions sound, they remain the best advice for avoiding sickness as the cold and flu season approaches and as other more exotic viruses continue to lurk. ___ (c)2014 The Aegis (Bel Air, Md.) Visit The Aegis (Bel Air, Md.) at www.baltimoresun.com/explore/harford/publications/the-aegis Distributed by MCT Information Services |