#infectioous disease

[kdmiller55]

The Price of God’s Presence

1 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead. 3 You shall put out both male and female, putting them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.” 4 And the people of Israel did so, and put them outside…

[gumjrop]

COVID is an airborne disease. The US Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology branch acknowledges this fact and has even developed a tool that accounts for the various conditions and estimates the total length of time for the decay of SARS-CoV-2. A recently published study based in China examined a COVID superspreader event at an outdoor night market that strongly suggests outdoor transmission, in particular, a crowded setting highly likely with limited air flow and no wind. The study reported 131 subsequent COVID cases traced back to the outdoor market as a result of three individuals, two of whom were unmasked. The study observed that under appropriate conditions aerosols can remain suspended in the air for 1 hour and 39 minutes. While the study concerns a BA.5 variant that is no longer circulating, COVID can still be a serious risk for infection, including in outdoor settings, and wearing a high-quality mask is a simple step to reduce that risk. The CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) reconvenes on August 22, 2023, and registration to give public comment at the virtual meeting is open until August 17. In their last meeting, HICPAC downplayed the need for N95 respirators for COVID and other airborne pathogens, suggesting that baggy blue surgical masks might be enough. We must take action to stop this dangerous shift and to reinstate universal masking in healthcare. Written comments can be submitted to hicpac@cdc.gov by August 25. You can also ask your senators to require healthcare masking as well as healthcare-acquired infection tracking, and stay tuned to our Substack for further ways to take action. In-N-Out continues to keep its new policy in some states requiring their workers to bring a doctor’s note in order to work with a mask on. This policy is a direct attack on our civil rights, our right to work safely, our bodily autonomy, and our freedom to live a good, healthy life. Please support In-N-Out workers by boycotting In-N-Out, signing this Change.org petition showing your support for workers’ right to wear a mask, and contacting In-N-Out to let them know you are opposed to this discriminatory, deadly policy. Notes: 1) The numbers in this report were current as of 7/24/2023. 2) Changes in testing access as well as data reporting have led many federal data sources to become less reliable. Fewer federal data sources may be included in current and upcoming Weather Reports, and we will do our best to provide context regarding the representativeness of limited data. 3) Check out the links throughout & see our website for more!

[hyperlexia-1]

This study suggests that COVID can reactivate latent viral infections in the body. It also is one of the few studies done on COVID in people with ME/CFS and yes, it can cause the disease to reactivate or worsen.

[mudassir160]

Sweden Confirms First Case of Mpox Strain Outside Africa: What We Know So Far

In a concerning development for global public health, Sweden has confirmed its first case of a newly identified strain of mpox, marking the first known instance of this variant being detected outside of Africa. The announcement has sparked a wave of interest and concern among health experts and the public alike, as the global community grapples with the potential implications of this new strain.

What is Mpox?

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that has historically been endemic to parts of Central and West Africa. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as the variola virus, which causes smallpox. While mpox is less severe and less contagious than smallpox, it can still cause significant illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Symptoms of mpox typically include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion, followed by the development of a rash that often starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. The disease can be transmitted through close contact with respiratory droplets, body fluids, or lesions on the skin or mucous membranes of an infected person, as well as through contact with contaminated materials.

The New Strain: A Cause for Concern?

The confirmation of this new strain in Sweden is significant because it represents the first detection of this variant outside of Africa, where mpox has been largely contained to date. This strain was first identified in a small number of cases in a remote region of Africa, raising concerns about the potential for further spread.

Swedish health authorities have not yet disclosed detailed information about the case, including how the individual contracted the virus or whether there are other suspected cases. However, they have confirmed that the infected individual is currently isolated and receiving treatment. Authorities are conducting contact tracing efforts to identify and monitor anyone who may have been in contact with the patient.

The emergence of this strain outside of Africa could indicate that the virus is evolving or spreading in new ways, potentially making it more difficult to contain. This development has led to calls for increased vigilance and research to better understand the characteristics of this new strain and its potential impact on public health.

Global Response and Precautions

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health bodies are closely monitoring the situation. The WHO has emphasized the importance of early detection and containment to prevent the spread of mpox, particularly in regions where the virus is not endemic.

Countries around the world are being urged to enhance their surveillance efforts for mpox and other emerging infectious diseases. This includes improving diagnostic capabilities, increasing public awareness, and ensuring that healthcare systems are prepared to respond to potential outbreaks.

Sweden’s confirmation of this new strain serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases in a globalized world. While the risk to the general public remains low at this time, it underscores the importance of continued vigilance, research, and international cooperation in addressing public health threats.

Looking Ahead

As health authorities work to learn more about this new strain of mpox, the public is encouraged to stay informed and follow any guidance issued by health officials. This includes practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick, and seeking medical advice if you experience symptoms associated with mpox.

The confirmation of this case in Sweden marks a new chapter in the global effort to understand and combat mpox. While the situation is still unfolding, it highlights the importance of preparedness and the need for a coordinated response to emerging infectious diseases.

[calmdentistrygrayson]

Tooth cavities is a common disease that leads to teeth developing holes. It is caused by poor oral hygiene and eating sugary foods and smoking cigarettes. This result in the accumulation of bacteria which form plaque, damaging the teeth’ surface and causing holes.If not treated, cavities cause pain and tooth loss.Removing plaques and debris in the hidden soft tissues of your teeth is a way to keep you from this dangerous infection.https://graysoncalmdentistry.com/why-dental-cleaning-is-essential-for-healthy-teeth/

[imaec-digital]

Break the Chain of Infection: Correct way for hand disinfection

An overview of the Chain of Infection:

Infectious diseases are caused by the contact of agent, host, and environment, according to the conventional epidemiologic triad model. Transmission happens when a pathogen leaves its reservoir or host by a portal of exit, is transferred by some route of transmission, and infects a susceptible host through an appropriate portal of entry. The infection chain is a term used to describe this sequence. The habitat in which an infectious agent generally lives, matures, and replicates is known as the reservoir. Humans, animals, and the environment all have reservoirs. The reservoir could be the source of an agent’s transmission to a host or it could not. Human reservoirs exist for several prevalent infectious diseases. An individual with an undetectable infection who is capable of transferring the pathogen to others is known as a carrier. Those who are asymptomatic, passive, or healthy carriers exhibit no symptoms while being sick. Carriers frequently transmit the disease because they are unaware that they are infected and, as a result, do not take additional care to prevent transmission. Symptomatic people who are aware of their sickness, on the other hand, are less likely to spread infection because they are either too sick to go out, take care to prevent transmission, or are receiving therapy that keeps the disease at bay.

Infection control: what does it mean?

Infection control, according to the CDC, prevents or limits the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Infection management is vital in any healthcare setting. Because of the nature of the healthcare setting, all patients and professionals are at risk of infection. Infection prevention and control are based on scientific and practical approaches that strive to reduce such vulnerability and safeguard our communities. Infection control procedures are based on epidemiology, social science, and infectious disease expertise. The measures are intended to lower the risk of infections associated with a stay in the hospital while also promoting a safe and healthy environment for patients. Approximately one in every 30 people dies from an infection that could have been avoided if effective infection control procedures had been followed. As a result, hospitals recruit infection control specialists to prevent unintentional and unwanted infections.

Basic infection control procedures are straightforward, efficient, and usually common sense. Many lives can be saved in and outside of hospital environments by taking these procedures seriously and implementing the appropriate measures. These pieces of advice can also be used by the general public to support public health. It commonly includes proper following hand hygiene, and surface and environmental disinfection. One must sanitize hands frequently when present in a hospital environment. Our hands are the hub of microbial contaminants. Therefore, hands must be cleaned before and after touching surfaces, patients, and eating.

Breaking the chain of infection with hygienic hands:

The prerequisite step to breaking the chain of infection is appropriate hand hygiene. Indian culture has been following the ayurvedic practices for thousands of years. A sloka from Asthanga Hridaya states “Washing the hands ensures that the senses do not receive the dust and dirt of the hands travels across life, sleep and the adventures of a curious child.” Diseases and infections are part of the cycle but even after keeping them aside, it is generally good hygiene practice to wash your hands before doing essential activities. Hand Hygiene is an integral procedure in every medical facility as it is an ideal mantra against many preventable diseases. Hospitals are cluttered with alcohol gel dispensers and hand-washing signs, and with good purpose. Hand hygiene is the utmost important action that hospital staff may do to combat infection transmission.

It is estimated that it will curb the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) by 15% to 30%. Infected patients’ skin can shed organisms onto surrounding items or equipment, causing them to be transferred to the hands of hospital workers, where they can thrive for several minutes. If the staff member washes their hands or uses alcohol gel, the organisms are killed before they can spread to the next patient, object, or piece of equipment. Hand hygiene is sometimes disregarded by workers for a variety of reasons. Not only because, in such a hectic hospital setting, but there are also are typically so many other responsibilities that occupy a staff member’s attention. It is critical to ensure that there are enough alcohol gel dispensers in a convenient location around the hospital, as well as that they are refilled on a regular basis. Hand hygiene can be considerably improved by introducing personal bottles of hand gel.

Hand Hygiene solution from IMAEC MEDNTEK:

IMAEC MEDNTEK has a complete hand hygiene solution range that has broad areas of application. We provide the alcohol-based hand sanitisers, Prowipes EN which contains 80% Ethanol and Prowipes IP which contains 75% Isopropyl alcohol. As per the WHO recommendations the alcohol-based hand sanitiser contains 0.125% hydrogen peroxide for the stability of the alcohol. It also contains glycerol for protection from skin irritation. It is most recommended for hand hygiene in hospital facilities, pharmaceutical and food industries, research laboratories, etc. For pediatric use and for sensitive hands IMAEC provides Prowipes NAHS which is a non-alcoholic hand sanitiser. Prowipes NAHS contains benzethonium chloride that a first-generation quaternary ammonium compound. It is a non-flammable and skin protective formulation. All these hand sanitiser formulations are recommended by WHO for the safety of hands.

[groovybluebirdkingdom]

How To Boost Your Immune System Naturally

A study in over 700 people discovered that those who took echinacea recuperated from colds slightly faster than those who received a placebo or no treatment, however the distinction was unimportant. A high quality, 12-week study in 146 individuals discovered that supplementing with garlic minimized the incidence of the acute rhinitis by about 30%.

Sleep definitely does not feel like an active process, but there are lots of essential things happening in your body when you're not awake. "Sleep is essential for immune function and the immune system's homeostasis," states Dr. Lin. To give your immune system the very best possibility to combat off infection and health problem, it is necessary to know just how much sleep you must be getting every night, as well as the steps to take if your sleep is suffering.

Unlike medications, supplements aren't managed or authorized by the FDA.

Tips To Boost Your Immune System Naturally

Physicians and scientists all over the world have actually identified resistance as a major consider figuring out one's medical journey. Immunity is the body's most important defense system and includes inherent and adaptive body immune systems. While an individual gets vaccinated to attain adaptive resistance, there are techniques to improve the natural or currently existing immunity.

Tidy hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. The 11 step hand washing technique is quickly available online and can be a part of daily regimen. The CDC recommends that a person ought to wash hands after sneezing, prior to and after taking in meals, before and after cooking, after utilizing a bathroom, along with while caring for a Covid client in your home.

Despite the fact that those supplements have antiviral homes, coronavirus management still requires individuals to follow appropriate precautions and quarantine measures, any place suitable.

Natural Ways To Boost Your Immune System

It's one of the most reliable methods to avoid the spread of bacteria. There are numerous theories as to why this helps.

A study of over 22,000 individuals discovered that those who slept less than six hours per night or who had a sleep condition were more likely to have colds and other respiratory infections. Merely keeping your hands tidy is among the very best ways to fend off illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Among the most crucial thing one can do to cultivate strong immunity is to start where most of the immune system truly lives: the gut. The gut is where about 80% of your immune cells4 hang out, and it's one of the main areas where our bodies choose what is pal and what is enemy. Some medications and natural home remedy can assist treat mild-to-moderate cases of COVID. However beyond medical treatments and precautions for avoiding the infection, there are ways we can decrease stress and set about producing a healthy way of life for ideal immune function. Healthy living techniques for your immune system include: Specialists advise a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.

Natural Ways To Boost Your Immune System

The finest method to lose weight is by consuming a healthy, balanced diet and getting more exercise. Set a schedule and routine for sleep and practice excellent sleep health.

The guide is in alignment with Centers for Illness Control and Avoidance (CDC) recommendations.

D'Adamo suggests using the following supplements in moderation to assist keep your immune system working at its finest: might help prevent viral, bacterial and other infections by reducing the duration of colds and serving as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory., among the most important immune system-strengthening nutrients, can minimize the risk of colds and flu.

Ways To Naturally Boost Your Immune System

Here is how to tell if you are lacking in vitamin D., when utilized on a short-term basis, can assist support the body's capability to combat infections, especially with respiratory infections. can help in reducing the variety of infections and the duration of the acute rhinitis when taken within 24 hours of beginning.

[lesbianladyeboshi]

Honestly the person who put a "WHITE FEMINISM" book right in the middle of the Witchcraft/New Age/Occult BUT mostly Wiccan fluff section at the bookstore.... ILY and you sparked joy 🥰😍👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏽

Let's meet up 🔮👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏽🦇

[flashdantz]

Wow, windy.

This tick was hanging on to its blade of grass due to the high wind

HD Version on my webdrive https://flash-dantz.com/Tumblr_Drive (personal use)

[allthecanadianpolitics]

So would it be accurate to say that while this coronavirus isn't as deadly as MERS or SARS, it spreads much more easily than those viruses, which is where the danger lies?

Yes.

This virus has already killed more people than MERS and SARS combined even though both MERS and SARS are both far more fatal (34% death rate for MERS and 10% for SARS).

This disease is far more infectioness than the other novel viruses, so even if only 2-3% of people die from it, it has a much larger pool of people to draw from.

3% of 100,000+ people is a lot higher than 10-30% with only a few hundred cases.

[kiranxrys]

Alone Together Episode 3 Transcript

I apologise for taking so long on this one, Episode 4 will be posted much more quickly. This is a viewer-made transcript of Episode 3 ‘Tango’ of Alone Together: A DS9 Companion performed on the Sid City Social Club.

watch: one | two | three | four

read: one | two | four

ANNOUNCER (ON-SCREEN): ‘Alone Together’ – a Deep Space 9companion, Episode 3 – ‘Tango’. Centuries ago, the Military Assault Command was integrated into Starfleet. Not willing to completely abandon the militant aspects of protection, Section 31 of the Federation Charter retained certain aspects of the four founding species’ respective militaries. Eventually, the surreptitious organisation Section 31 enlisted Doctor Julian Bashir as an unwilling operative. Ultimately, he realized one cold fact – that it was better to work from within, than to fight the good fight from the outside. This led to many strange bedfellows and even more regretful complications. However, by playing the game, Bashir has risen to a leadership role in Section 31 with unwelcome alliances from foes old and new in this quadrant.

[fade to black]

RECAP: In our last episode, Jake Sisko joined Doctor Bashir in his efforts to determine the origin of the Cardassian virus. Though a Romulan agent is likely to be responsible, they have not found a cure and time is running out. Garak’s condition is progressing, which suggests his people are also in dire straits. Jake persists in his investigation of the source of the virus, while Doctor Bashir continues his work on a cure.

JULIAN BASHIR (VOICE ONLY): Mission log, stardate 73714.2. I’m continuing to work on the structure of the virus. I know that I’ve seen a similar nucleotide sequence but the Cardassian RNA is complicating matters. Every simulation I’ve run on the computer indicates the vaccine will not work in the same way. The pathogen appears to share characteristics of bacteria and viruses. The vaccine destroys the bacterial sheath, but the underlying virus remains unaffected. I’m hoping to interrupt viral protein synthesis, but the challenge is ensuring other genetic material remains unaffected.

JULIAN (ON-SCREEN): Garak? [pause] Garak, are you there?

ELIM GARAK (ON-SCREEN): Yes, yes – just a moment, Doctor, I’m sorry. Ah, yes, I was in your cursed scanner and I’m still there, wandering about like a beggar in the wilderness. Where-

JULIAN: I’m sorry Garak, unfortunately these tests are the only way to make progress. By the way, when-

GARAK: Ah, good. Good, good. All right. The computer should be compiling – one moment, Doctor. It should be compiling the results now. All right, yes. Where were we…

JULIAN: Well, I asked you, Garak – when was the last time you had a conversation with anyone on Romulus?

GARAK: A conversation? Oh, well… well I suppose it’s been some time.

JULIAN: This virus is working quickly, so please dispel your natural inclination towards suspense. Our best theory is that the Romulans are somehow involved in all of this.

GARAK: All right, all right Doctor. An old acquaintance named Koval, he sent a rather… ambiguous message recently.

JULIIAN: Koval?

GARAK: Yes.

JULIAN: We’ve met.

GARAK: Oh, the pleasures we share. May I continue?

JULIAN: What did he say?

GARAK: He said he heard that Cardassia was returning to its renaissance and I to my roots. He congratulated me! Somehow, he became aware that the Obsidian order was in the midst of a rebirth of sorts. It became necessary to secure Cardassian interests as democracy took hold – a happy people are a sedate people. But Doctor, as the leader of this world, I cannot afford to relax. So I returned to what I knew, and the Order rose from the ashes of the Cardassian past.

JULIAN: I assumed it was something like that, but you said it was an ambiguous message. That seems pretty straightforward.

GARAK: Well, acquaintance was perhaps the wrong word – we were adversaries.

JULIAN: Meaning?

GARAK: Well, Koval tried to have me killed a dozen times during my exile. Once by the Duras Sisters – charming ladies, I so like them – once by Bajoran militants, and once – actually, several times, after the Romulans entered the war. Yes and… and one of their offers would happen by my shop from time to time. Koval always contacted me after each of his failures to congratulate me.

JULIAN: Each time he made an attempt on your life, he congratulated you?

GARAK: Yes, yes. Doctor, Koval is nothing if not a good sport.

JULIAN: Well Garak, don’t you see this time he’s congratulating you before you’re supposed to die. He had you infected.

GARAK: Ooh, circumstantial I suppose, but… well, it does fit all of the appropriate information. According to the Order’s operatives on Romulus, Koval has had to step down.

JULIAN: Tuvan Syndrome?

GARAK: Yes, Tuvan Syndrome, exactly. Koval kept that mostly to his trusted advisor. Only a handful of members of the Obsidian Order found out after he revealed his illness to the senate.

JULIAN: I’m surprised we didn’t learn of this plot. Koval was a mole for Starfleet Intelligence – well, until his recent retirement.

GARAK: Indeed. Of all of his failures to kill me, at least Koval chose the winning team.

JULIAN: Right, uh… let me have a look at your results. Hmm… The microcellular analysis – it looks so familiar. It looks like an intracellular pathogen but… but…

[pause]

GARAK: Well, do take your time Doctor. I mean, genocides are known for their glacial pace.

JULIAN: Quickening. The pathogen has characteristics of both bacteria and viruses. Why didn’t I see this sooner?

GARAK: Quickening? [pause] What is it Doctor, please?

JULIAN: Garak, you need to start all infected Cardassian on the antigen right away. I can send the formula to you. It may even reverse very early infections, but we can’t be sure. Just give me some time to modify it for Cardassian physiology. Another thing, the infected should be isolated from EM fields – scanning and diagnostic equipment could lead to mutation.

GARAK: All right, I’m transmitting the order now to isolate the patients. I eagerly await your formula. [pause] Doctor- Julian, will your antigen cure this… Quickening?

JULIAN: Garak, I can’t even be sure it’ll work at all. This pathogen has been significantly altered. The Quickening caused systemic collapse of vascular structure but didn’t have the capacity to cause neural defects. It has a similar configuration, but it isn’t The Quickening. In the Teplan people, the antigen only worked as a vaccine. Today, there are virtually no infected people left on the planet. But this pathogen… well, it’s far more intricate. If nothing else, the antigen may protect unborn children. Computer – begin a genomic analysis of the viral protein currently displayed. Insert chromosome adaptations into the antigen established for The Quickening to this genome.

COMPUTER: Awaiting additional input.

JULIAN: Garak, I’ll have the formula to you shortly.

GARAK: Well, I- I can’t very well tell my people that some of them must die, a rare few could live and that their children alone will survive. I mean, haven’t you been studying this disease for years?

JULIAN: Yes Garak, but again, this isn’t the same sickness. It looks like The Quickening on the most basic scale. Another doctor may not even have recognised it. The Dominion engineered their viruses specifically to punish the Teplan people for daring to defy them. The pathogen underwent a random mutation that accelerated the vascular collapse without warning. It was unnaturally accelerated by EM emissions.

GARAK: And how does it naturally accelerate?

JULIAN: Look, when I say random mutation, I mean that it happened entirely at random. But the DNA sequence on this virus are almost entirely Cardassian. It was built from the ground up, nucleotide by nucleotide, but it’s definitely based on the pathogen structure of The Quickening. At least the antigen gives us a starting point.

GARAK: Well, then it looks like you have work to do, Doctor.

JULIAN: Yes, yes, of course. Now back to more immediate concerns, Garak – your heart appears to be developing some mild swelling in the fourth ventricle. Give yourself another hypospray with 15 milligrams of improvoline and repeat it every six hours – it should help stabilise your vascular pressure. Add 10 milligrams of cordrazine for any potential discomfort. The challenge of The Quickening is that neither an antibiotic nor an antiviral agent can interrupt its replication process quickly enough to stop its proliferation. It simply hides itself within the lymphatic system, waiting for a new chance to propagate.

GARAK: Well, that sounds rather insidious.

JULIAN: It is, it is, but this pathogen affects neurons, and the closest lymph nodes are in the neck.

GARAK: Oh dear. [pauses]

JULIAN: What?

GARAK: Doctor, as you requested, patients are being isolated from EM fields but I’ve just received word that the first death has occurred in the Coranum sector of the capital, and two new patients in Lakarian City have been placed in quarantine as they’ve begun… babbling.

JULIAN: Well, babbling isn’t the worst of symptoms. Wait- is there any nominal aphasia?

GARAK: It’s… babbling is putting it mildly. They’re both glinns in the military, Julian. Apparently they’ve been revealing classified weapons locations to anyone who will listen. The neurological impact of this virus seems to compel the infected to share secrets. Doctor, it is exactly as I feared. Koval must have been hoping I would betray myself. [chuckles] I’m impressed! And I am not easily impressed.

JULIAN: Well Garak, you are such a practiced liar, I hardly think anyone would believe much of what you would tell them.

GARAK: Oh, why Doctor, I don’t know what to say. Am I blushing?

JULIAN: My recent simulations suggest that the original vaccine won’t be effective. It’s a start, but it won’t do nearly enough to destroy the pathogen. I’m making progress though.

GARAK: I appreciate optimism Doctor, but naivete is hardly in my nature. Perhaps your optimism will be as infectious as this disease.

JULIAN: Perhaps. I hope.

GARAK: Hope? [laughs] Hope, my dear doctor, has never been found in a hypospray. We now have dozens of patients who’ve progressed to this dangerous place of… unchecked honesty. I’m running out of time.

JAKE SISKO (VOICE ONLY): Julian.

JULIAN: Jake!

JAKE (ON-SCREEN): Julian, I have news. And I’m afraid you’re not going to like it.

JULIAN: Well, that would be hardly surprising at this point. What have you discovered, my friend?

JAKE: Koval, the former head of the Tal Shiar, the man you mention earlier… Well, uh, he was forced to step down due to an illness but, apparently, he disappeared from Romulus a few days after retiring. [sighs] My sources tell me that he showed up on Cardassia, about five weeks ago. He attended a state function. You remember that dispute between the Breen? Well, it was followed by a dinner.

JULIAN: Garak? Garak!

GARAK: Yes, Julian.

JULIAN: Garak, you told me that Koval sent you a message around that time.

GARAK: So I did. [pauses] All right, the message was delivered personally. He made an appearance at the dinner following our trade negotiations. Suffice to say, he did not stay long. He managed to elude security with falsified credentials and found his way to me, posing as a waiter of all things. And he was serving delicious Aldebaron canapes. But I of course recognized him immediately.

JAKE: Did you try to expose him?

GARAK: Well, as soon as he left my side I alerted security. He must have been transported off the surface.

JULIAN: He must have infected you. It fits will all the available information. Jake, have you heard anything else?

JAKE: Yeah, just one more thing. Uh… Koval is dead.

GARAK: Oh, what a pity.

JULIAN: Garak, without Koval’s information about the pathogen our ability to develop a cure is reduced.

JAKE: If Garak was infected by eating the canapes… I mean, doesn't that help you kind of figure out anything new?

JULIAN: No. All we know is the method of distribution. It also explains why other Cardassians fell around the same time. Chances are that once attendees ingested the pathogen, they were able to infect others.

JAKE: Were Cardassian and Breen the only species in attendance?

GARAK: Well, not entirely, though we were the majority.

JAKE: Well, I haven't heard of any reports of illness on any other worlds so far.

JULIAN: Well, that's good news. It means the pathogen was likely designed for Cardassians, and hasn't mutated to infect other species yet.

GARAK: Yes, and- and while that's good news, it hardly solves our more immediate problem.

JULIAN: But Garak, don't you understand what this means? I can beam down to the planet with no danger to myself. I'll be able to do so much more-

GARAK: Julian, Julian, we've been through all this.

JULIAN: I'd be coming alone.

GARAK: And if word gets out that the Federation is able to beam to the surface, yet no one else is permitted… no, no, no, no, no… I'm sorry – you cannot come to the surface, certainly not yet.

JAKE: Well, I still haven't been able to find out who did the work on the pathogen. I still have some associates looking into it. Julian, have you figured anything out?

JULIAN: So far I've been able to destroy the bacterial sheath that contains the virus, that makes the virus susceptible to attack, but the adapted vaccine stops there. It appears that The Quickening was just a starting point for Koval. The virus itself seems to attach itself to specific areas of the brain, destructing some autonomic functions while also causing a kind of dementia.

GARAK: Well, I suggest you return to your work, Doctor. Thank you for your help, Mr Sisko.

JAKE: Yeah, I still have a few sources – I still may be able to get some more information. But you know, the odd thing is that according to my people on Romulus… I mean, Koval's condition shouldn't have deteriorated so quickly.

JULIAN: There are ways to accelerate Tuvan Syndrome, but I can't imagine Koval wouldn't want to see his final triumph over Garak.

JAKE: Tuvan Syndrome?

JULIAN: Oh Jake, Jake – that was off the record. As well as everything we're discussing.

JAKE: Yeah, I get it, Julian, but you know Koval's people, they… they reported his death as natural causes, and neither would explain the swiftness of deterioration. I don't know, a suicide seems even less likely.

GARAK: Especially considering how many species would gladly kill him in whatever manner he desired.

JAKE: Well, I'm gonna do a little bit more digging.

JULIAN: Thanks, Jake.

[Jake leaves]

GARAK: Now, Julian. Julian, Julian. Shall we return to the work please?

[cut to black]

JULIAN (ON-SCREEN): [sighs, distracted]

SOMEONE (VOICE ONLY): [a female voice, humming a tune]

JULIAN: Garak? Garak, is there someone there with you?

SOMEONE: No. Guess again, Julian.

[humming continues]

INTENDANT KIRA NERYS (ON-SCREEN): I'm already bored. [laughs]

JULIAN: Oh, what do you want? I'm in the middle of something.

KIRA: Oh, Julian, Julian. I know what you're in the middle of, exactly. Even with all the interference, I can access your mission logs. [sighs] Why do you make such an effort to avoid learning my rules? I mean, I make such an effort to be your friend, Julian, don't I? Don't you have time for an old friend?

JULIAN: Don't mistake tolerance for friendship. And you obviously know I don't have time for your usual entanglements, so get to the point.

KIRA: Oh, you know, I liked you better in the old days, Julian. Timid… hesitant… submissive.

JULIAN: Working alongside people of questionable morality tends to change a person, and not all for the better.

KIRA: [laughs] Oh, well then, I will get right to the point. We need a stable Cardassia for your stable Alpha Quadrant.

JULIAN: We’re agreed. I'm researching a cure as we speak, something I really need to get back to.

KIRA: Oh, I won't keep you, Julian.

JULIAN: Then why are we still talking?

KIRA: I miss our chats. My Julian just loved it when we chatted, when we spoke- well, when I took the gag off. [laughs] But he was never as amusing as he was and educated, articulate, attractive. Oh yes, yes, enough pleasure. Your universe is always so serious. All business. Well, let's just say I've been talking to some of our section associates, and we need to make a slight alteration to your plans.

JULIAN: My plans? I don't have a cure yet, there isn't time for alterations! People have started dying!

KIRA: Yes, a few dead Cardassians won't destabilize the quadrant, and from what I've learned from this universe’s Bajor, they won't be missed. So how is Ken, by the way?

JULIAN: Cairn. And we are not… we anymore.

KIRA: Oh, oh how delightful! I really must thank whomever told the Trill government about you two being so close.

JULIAN: Enough! Why are you here? I don't see what any of this has to do with you, unless you wanted to admit to your years of bio-engineering on the other side that I didn't know about.

KIRA: Oh, oh, oh, oh! I'm here to represent Bajor in a capacity that luscious young Mr Sisko cannot.

JULIAN: Bajor and Cardassia have made peace. It's been over two decades, Intendant.

KIRA: Deep wounds are slow to heal, Doctor. You should know that more than most.

JULIAN: Do you have a point?

KIRA: You know, the Garak I knew was always plotting behind my back, he was always looking for a way to take my life. His death was delicious. Your Garak is equally deceptive. So, we want you to let him die.

JULIAN: Look, what other agents are tasked with doing is nothing of none of my business, but I will not be responsible for a death.

KIRA: Oh, you mean directly responsible, don't you?

JULIAN: Meaning?

KIRA: Well, since joining Section 31 you've been aware of some of our less palatable but… necessary missions. By allowing them to be carried out, you played a role, however indirectly.

JULIAN: I didn't join Section 31 of my own accord, and my input has also prevented dozens of unnecessary deaths.

KIRA: Oh, Julian, however you justify your role in all of this, you still played a part. And personally, if something gives you pleasure, it's never unnecessary, Julian. Garak cannot be trusted – your Garak, my Garak, any Garak. The plots, the lies, the manipulations… Garak alone is a full-time job. We have agents on the planet. One or two of them could run for office and maintain the Cardassia that we have today without the constant need for monitoring.

JULIAN: On the contrary, history is rife with foreign governments installing political leaders who are almost as quickly corrupted as they were inaugurated. I can trust Garak more than I ever trust you.

KIRA: Yes, but you’re one man among trillions of others, and you were indirectly responsible for Koval's ascension. What a good part you've played in Section 31, Julian. But we're not done with you yet. We need more.

JULIAN: More?

KIRA: We may co-ordinate this section together, Julian, but we both have to do work for the good of the Federation that we don't necessarily agree with.

JULIAN: We can talk about Garak again later. Right now, I have work to do.

[pause]

KIRA (COLDLY): We aren't talking about this later. You have a mission. Garak has been holding back the Andorian recovery, instigating attacks from various mercenary groups. He is manipulating the Breen economy with carefully coordinated accidents, and those are just the latest problems that we can attribute to him.

JULIAN: The Andorian evidence is circumstantial at best!

[pause]

KIRA: You have your orders. Garak’s political life is over… amongst his other lives. Gone. Oh and Julian, we really must do this more often. [blows kiss] Kira out.

[Kira leaves]

JULIAN: Damn it.

[Garak reappears]

GARAK: Well, that was uh… unexpected.

JULIAN: Garak, I wasn't sure if you were able to monitor her.

GARAK: Well, her signal interfered with my visual pickup, but I could hear everything.

JULIAN: I'm sorry.

GARAK: Julian, we have no time to waste on trivial apologies. What I need to know is if you intend to carry out that mission.

JULIAN: Really?

GARAK: Yes.

JULIAN: I came here to help my friend – I’m not here to kill anyone, let alone let them die due to alleged incompetence. I do have a reputation to uphold, after all.

GARAK: Thank you. And I truly mean that. [pause] All right, and I suppose I should stick around for the simple fact that you still have so much to learn.

JULIAN: That's not to say that we aren't going to discuss Andoria and the Breen when this is all finished.

GARAK: Very well. Now actually, I have more pressing issues to deal with internally.

JULIAN: Which would be?

GARAK: My informants told me you were a member of Starfleet Intelligence.

JULIAN: Ah yes… well, I obviously couldn't confirm what you said earlier.

GARAK: But Section 31? You seemed to have detested that organisation! Was- was all that a façade just to throw me off the trail?

JULIAN: No, I had no intention of joining Section 31. I was forced to work with them during the Dominion War. In fact, I thought that Koval was their target at the time.

GARAK: Ah, I see. Well, it's a shame that he wasn't their target – it would have saved us a great deal of time, trouble and effort.

JULIAN: Of course.

[both sigh, Julian distracted by his work]

JULIAN: This is infuriating. If I could just access your diagnostic data more directly-

GARAK: Doctor…

JULIAN: The production of interferons is far lower than a pathogen of this complexity should stimulate. It appears that cytoplasmic receptors have been disrupted.

GARAK: Well, I- I don't know… [inaudible] …talk to me, Doctor, please.

JULIAN: The [uncertain] receptors should have activated an immune response as soon as the microbe passed through the blood-brain barrier. The pathogen must disrupt the natural immune response to prevent your body from affecting its own attack.

GARAK: And that means…?

JULIAN: It means I have a place to begin developing a treatment regimen. Computer, begin new biometric analysis.

COMPUTER: Standby.

JULIAN: Garak, this could be promising. We should know in a few minutes.

GARAK: You know- [sighs and devolves into coughing fit] You know, ah… Well, I never killed sub-commander Ustard – that was the Romulans! The Romulan ambassador, however- [laughs] …that was a different story! [another coughing fit]

JULIAN: Garak, are you alright?

GARAK: Julian, I- I think we'd better hurry. That was information that never should have been shared.

JULIAN: Understood. Garak, perhaps you should consider taking a sedative?

GARAK: Oh, if only it were that simple, Doctor. I can't very well allow myself the luxury of rest when my people are suffering. You're making progress – I suggest you focus on that.

JULIAN: All right, Garak. Perhaps you should get yourself something to eat.

GARAK: Oh, yes, well I'm sure I have some Delavian chocolates around here someplace.

JULIAN: Fine. And when this is all over, you can share them with me.

GARAK: Julian, when this is all over-

JULIAN: Over lunch. We will have lunch again, Garak.

GARAK: Yes, yes. Of course, we will. I have incoming calls from some of the hospitals. I'll be in touch, Julian.

JULIAN: I look forward to it, Elim. [pause] I look forward to it.

[cut to black]

[credits]

[itstoothless]

How normal people see COVID-19: A Deadly disease that is extremely infectios that can kill many people in several days at a time.

How gamers see COVID-19:

[ao3feed-klance]

Another Way Out

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2VbafCR

by MONANIK

Of all the ways he thought he would die, this was not one of them.

Lance merely stood there, once again unable to move, to think. In his mind roamed blankness, accompanied by the high-pitched ringing of bells. Loud and obnoxious and yet just out of reach, somewhere in his peripheral. Then, he truly saw it.

When an infectios disease quickly, and without warning, spreads through Arizona and its surrouding neighbours, panic erupts. What they'd only ever heard of in movies and TV-shows was staggering, lumping, dragging itself closer and closer to the puny gates which protect them.

He was living his worst nightmare. He was living a zombie apocalypse.

Words: 1924, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Voltron: Legendary Defender

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: M/M

Characters: Lance (Voltron), Lance's Family (Voltron), Keith (Voltron), Keith's Wolf (Voltron), Shiro (Voltron), Hunk (Voltron), Pidge | Katie Holt, Matt Holt, Coran (Voltron), Allura (Voltron)

Relationships: Keith/Lance (Voltron)

Additional Tags: Possible Character Death, Keep watch of tags, Tags May Change, Alternate Universe - Zombie Apocalypse, Apocalypse, Survival, Blood and Injury, Violence, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Hunter Keith (Voltron), Keith (Voltron) is Bad at Feelings, Hurt Keith (Voltron), Orphan Keith (Voltron), keith is good at survival, this is honestly canon even, Loner Keith (Voltron), Bisexual Lance (Voltron), Pining Lance (Voltron), Hurt Lance (Voltron), Homesick Lance (Voltron), Hunk & Lance (Voltron) Friendship, Keith & Pidge | Katie Holt Friendship, Panic Attacks, It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better, Serious Injuries, Infection, Disease, Survival Horror, Eventual Smut, Eventual Romance, Other Additional Tags to Be Added

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2VbafCR

[longhaulerbear]

Importantly, aspects of the biological basis of the ongoing disease have been revealed over the last 2–3 years that promise new leads towards an effective clinical diagnostic test that may have a general application. Our detailed molecular studies with a preclinical study of ME/CFS patients, along with the complementary research of others, have reported an elevation of inflammatory and immune processes, ongoing neuro-inflammation, and decreases in general metabolism and mitochondrial function for energy production in ME/CFS, which contribute to the ongoing remitting/relapsing etiology of the illness. These biological changes have generated potential molecular biomarkers for use in diagnostic ME/CFS testing.