That's putting it very simply for the purpose of understanding.
2/n
Let's see how the virus causes infection.
The virus enters through our respiratory tract. It needs to enter a cell to replicate. For that, it uses the SPIKE PROTEIN (nutty spikes).
Spike protein allows the virus to enter the cell and cause infection.
Sweet and simple.
3/n
The aim of vaccines is to try and prevent infection in your body.
Hence, most of the vaccines are targeting the Spike Protein (nutty spikes).
Scientists sequenced the RNA of the virus and identified the genes making the Spike Protein.
Let's see some vaccines now.
4/n
➡️Imagine if someone took away all taste and flavour of Ferrero Rocher. It is now lifeless, tasteless.
That's COVAXIN.
They killed the SARS-CoV-2 virus, took away its ability to cause infection. Body can still identify it and mount an immune response against it.
5/n
COVAXIN has been developed by Bharat Biotech.
It is the only vaccine in use right now that uses an inactivated virus.
All the other vaccines we'll see below - target only the Spike Protein (nutty spikes).
6/n
➡️What if I use the crunchy nuts of Ferrero in another chocolate? Maybe Snickers?😋
That's COVISHIELD.
The genes making the Spike protein are mixed into an adenovirus that can't cause infection in humans. It makes the Spike Protein in our body.
7/n
The vaccines SPUTNIK V and JANSSEN are similar to COVISHIELD.
COVISHIELD uses a Chimpanzee Adenovirus.
SPUTNIK V and JANSSEN use a Human Adenovirus.
The mechanism is the same - adenovirus is used as a vehicle to send the spike protein gene to our body.
8/n
➡️What if I can somehow teach my own body to make those crunchy Ferrero nuts? 😍
That's mRNA vaccines - Pfizer and Moderna.
The genes making Spike Protein are encoded into an mRNA. mRNA = messenger RNA -> makes proteins in our body. It makes the Spike Protein in our body.
9/n
A similar mechanism is also used by ZyCoVD vaccine by Zydus Cadila.
Instead of mRNA, ZyCoVD uses plasmid DNA (a free-floating piece of DNA) that contains the code for the Spike Protein.
ZyCoVD is still undergoing trials in India.
10/n
➡️What if I just want to eat the ready-made nuts of Ferrero?
That's COVOVAX.
They took the code for the Spike Protein, put it into another virus called baculovirus that infected moth cells. Spike proteins made were collected, made into nanoparticles, and used as vaccine.
11/n
In the simplest of words - they made the spike protein outside the body, in a lab - and then inject it as a vaccine.
COVOVAX is the brand name of the vaccine developed by Novavax, USA, and manufactured in India by Serum Institute - undergoing bridging trials in India.
12/n
Here's an excellent graphical presentation from Reuters that explains the approaches to making vaccines as above.
I've tried to simplify the mechanism of vaccines as much as possible - so people can understand how they work, and more importantly - they can't cause disease.
MYTH: #Lemon juice through the nose will kill the virus.
FACT:
Lemon juice is acidic. Taking undiluted lemon juice through the nose will damage the inner lining, cause irritation, and may cause bleeding as well. It will not kill the virus either. DON'T SNORT LEMON JUICE.
Psychology says humour is one of the most mature defence mechanisms. If you enjoy this humourous video depicting the state of affairs in our country right now, share this and let us know.
Wear masks, Practice Distancing.
- Dr. Devashish Palkar (@DevPalkar)
Dr. Haryax Pathak
P.S. Yeh mat bolna Yeh video Anti-MODI hai. It features RaGa and Didi too.
Basically it's anti-stupidity. 😁🙏
This is an attempt from me with the team at @icart_india and @giridar100 to answer the major queries and doubts anyone may have regarding the COVID-19 vaccines in India.