We hope the coronavirus outbreak will lead to important changes, such as:
People regain appreciation for the need to wash hands frequently and not touch the face
People return to the practice of staying home when sick, to avoid infecting others and to limit community spread
People and science gain a greater appreciation for the dangers arising from transmission of animal pathogens to people
People and science recognize the danger of cross species transmission of pathogens, which can allow the evolution of animal pathogens
People and science begin to understand and investigate the role of acute and chronic infections, in chronic disease
Development of new methods for the diagnosis of pathogens, allowing routine and rapid diagnosis of many pathogens at the same time, rather than requiring a physician or researcher to investigate one pathogen at a time—which could aid in discovery of the root causes of many chronic diseases
Development of new anti-viral medications and vaccines, which can help in the prevention and treatment of other viruses, such as RSV, which causes many young children to be hospitalized