Viruses and pandemics: Are we prepared?

Abstract

Diseases caused by viruses have been known for many years, some of the oldest diseases known to mankind, such as smallpox and polio, are caused by viruses. These tiny microorganisms are infectious agents that need a host cell to reproduce, causing a wide variety of illnesses ranging from a common cold to more serious illnesses such as the Ebola virus. These viruses spread rapidly and can affect many people from different geographical areas of the world and when they get out of control they produce a pandemic. Throughout history, we have faced numerous pandemics that have left a deep mark on society and public health. However, we are not fully prepared to deal with this type of disease caused by viruses. Despite the important achievements made during the Covid19 pandemic, science continues to advance to overcome existing limitations and find answers to the challenges that these diseases still pose.