We are on the precipice of so many things. The coronavirus pandemic could spur innovation and lead to the discovery of the root causes of many chronic diseases, through development of new diagnostic tools and routine availability of better diagnostic tools, in patient care and research. It could lead to new medications and vaccines for other viral illnesses; and a better understanding of the role of immortal bacteria, bacterial pneumonia, and underlying co-infections, in chronic disease and acute viral illness. It provides greater awareness of the danger of zoonotic transmission of pathogens, causing acute and chronic disease; and could open minds to possible infectious causes of chronic diseases that develop decades after an acute infection.
We already have drugs to treat many pathogens that cause chronic disease; but, the pathogens are not diagnosed! Big Pharma has emphasized new drug development for genetic and rare diseases, which affect a small percent of patients and can be sold at extremely high prices; rather than on common diseases, common pathogens, the usefulness of existing drugs, and seeking expanded indications for existing drugs.
We can cross great divides in medicine; we can open our minds to infectious causes of chronic disease; and we can choose a better future in medicine and chronic disease. This can be an opportunity—it is a defining moment in our lives!
Pictures: Abiquiu, NM & Rio Grande Gorge, in NM
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