Kylie Quinn, RMIT University et Damian Purcell, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Several potential COVID-19 vaccines are in the pipeline, and Australian scientists are among those contributing to the research efforts. Here’s a look at where the research is at.
Western Australia is expanding its coronavirus testing criteria from today. So who can get tested in that state, and in other states and territories across Australia?
Before a vaccine is available to teach your immune system to ward off the coronavirus, maybe you can directly use molecules that have already fought it in other people.
A global pandemic is anxiety-provoking for most people. But modifying the way you perceive the situation can set you up to deal with it more effectively.
It seems as though every other day we’re told a cure has been found for coronavirus. This is not strictly true – but there are some therapeutic options showing promise.
You may have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, or just suspect you have it. Either way, if you have mild to moderate symptoms, treat them as you would with any other cold or flu.
Traditional vaccines can take years to create. Rather than immunizing people with viral proteins, the new approach gives the molecular instructions that allows the body to make its own vaccine.
Under pressure to develop a coronavirus vaccine, researchers have turned to protein synthesis, genetics and hybrid viruses. It is likely a mix of these approaches will be used to fight the coronavirus.
The federal government has expanded the testing criteria beyond just returned travellers and those in contact with an infected person. But the new guidelines don’t go far enough.
Canada is investing millions to develop COVID-19 treatments, but there are no safeguards to ensure that those vaccines and medications will be affordable and accessible to the people who need them.
Universities and colleges around the world are closing. People are fleeing from cities. Some people are being forced to move but others must weigh the risks and ethical concerns of travel.
Dean Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor of Vaccinology at University of the Witwatersrand; and Director of the SAMRC Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand