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Special Issue: Emerging research on COVID-19 and other Viral Diseases

COVID-19 is caused by a virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), belongs to a family of viruses known as coronaviruses, which can cause respiratory illnesses in humans. In addition to COVID-19, there are several other viral diseases that have had significant impacts on human health. Our Special Issue is accepting manuscripts on COVID-19 and other Viral diseases.

Emerging research on COVID-19 and other viral diseases is a rapidly evolving field, with scientists worldwide investigating various aspects of these pathogens, their transmission, treatment, and prevention. Here are some key areas where significant progress has been made:

1. Long COVID and Post-Acute Sequelae:
   • Long COVID: Researchers are delving into the long-term effects of COVID-19, known as "Long COVID" or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Studies are focusing on the mechanisms causing prolonged symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and respiratory issues, which persist months after the acute infection has resolved.
   • Immune System Dysregulation: Ongoing research is examining how COVID-19 may cause long-term dysregulation of the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation and autoimmune responses.
2. Vaccine Development and Updates:
   • mRNA Vaccines: The rapid development and deployment of mRNA vaccines (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) were ground breaking. Research continues into enhancing these vaccines' efficacy against new variants, including bivalent or multivalent vaccines targeting multiple strains.
   • Next-Generation Vaccines: Scientists are working on next-generation vaccines, including nasal vaccines that aim to provide mucosal immunity, which might prevent infection at the site of viral entry.
3. Variants and Mutation Tracking:
   • SARS-CoV-2 Variants: The emergence of new variants, such as Delta, Omicron, and their subvariants, has been a focal point of research. Scientists are tracking mutations that may affect transmissibility, vaccine efficacy, and virulence.
   • Global Surveillance: Enhanced global surveillance systems are being developed to detect and respond to new variants more quickly, integrating genomic sequencing data with public health responses.
4. Antiviral Treatments:
   • Paxlovid and Molnupiravir: Antiviral drugs like Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and Molnupiravir have been approved for treating COVID-19. Ongoing studies are assessing their effectiveness against emerging variants and in different populations, including those with immunocompromised conditions.
   • Broad-Spectrum Antivirals: Research is also focusing on developing broad-spectrum antivirals that could be effective against multiple coronaviruses or other viral families, which would be critical in future pandemic preparedness.
5. Impact of COVID-19 on Other Viral Diseases:
   • Co-infections: There is increasing research into the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with other viral infections, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Studies suggest that co-infections may worsen outcomes, and researchers are looking at how COVID-19 might alter the dynamics of other viruses.
   • Vaccine Interference: Research is ongoing into how COVID-19 vaccines might interact with vaccines for other viral diseases, such as the flu shot, to optimize vaccination strategies.
6. Zoonotic Origins and Spillover Risks:
   • Viral Spillover: Research continues into the zoonotic origins of SARS-CoV-2, with studies focusing on how viruses spill over from animal populations to humans. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for predicting and preventing future pandemics.
   • Surveillance in Wildlife: There is growing emphasis on monitoring viruses in wildlife populations that could potentially jump to humans, supported by advancements in genetic sequencing technologies.
7. Immune Evasion and Escape Mechanisms:
   • Immune Escape Variants: Studies are investigating how certain SARS-CoV-2 variants can evade immune responses, particularly in people who have been vaccinated or previously infected. This research is crucial for informing booster shot development and updating vaccine formulations.
   • T-Cell Response: Research is also focusing on the role of T-cells in providing long-term immunity against COVID-19, and how viral mutations might affect T-cell recognition.
8. Global Health Impacts and Policy:
   • Pandemic Preparedness: The pandemic has highlighted the need for robust global health infrastructure. Researchers and policymakers are working on improving pandemic preparedness through better international cooperation, funding for public health, and research into universal vaccines and treatments.
   • Economic and Social Impacts: The long-term economic and social impacts of the pandemic are also a subject of study, including the effects on mental health, education, and global inequality

Kindly submit your articles on: or as an e-mail attachment to the Editorial Office at editor.jidt@eclinicalsci.com