Why Covid-19 is Spreading This Summer
Ans)
Topic Related Questions
1.Why is Covid-19 spiking in the summer of 2024 in the US?
Answer: B. New subvariants like FLiRT emerging
Explanation: The article attributes the summer spike to the emergence of new subvariants, specifically the FLiRT subvariants.
2.Which regions in the US are experiencing high Covid-19 rates this summer?
Answer: C. Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada
Explanation: These specific states are mentioned in the article as having particularly high Covid-19 rates.
3.What is the main factor driving new cases according to the article?
Answer: C. FLiRT subvariants' immune evasion and cell binding
Explanation: The FLiRT subvariants are driving new cases because of their ability to evade the immune system while still effectively binding to human cells.
4.What percentage of adults in the US are up to date on their Covid-19 vaccines as of early July?
Answer: B. 22.7%
Explanation: The article states that only 22.7% of over-18s in the US are up to date on their Covid-19 vaccines.
5.What activities are contributing to the spread of Covid-19 in the UK during the summer of 2024?
Answer: C. Crowded summer festivals and football matches
Explanation: The article notes that events like summer festivals and the Euro 2024 football tournament are contributing to the increase in Covid-19 cases.
Vocabulary Questions
6.What does "epidemiologist" mean?
Answer: C. A scientist who studies the spread and control of diseases
Explanation: An epidemiologist is defined as someone who studies the spread and control of diseases.
7.What is a "subvariant"?
Answer: B. A variation of a virus that has mutated from the original strain
Explanation: A subvariant is a variation of a virus that has mutated from the original strain.
8.What does "immunosuppressed" mean?
Answer: A. Having a weakened immune system
Explanation: Immunosuppressed individuals have a weakened immune system, making them more vulnerable to infections.
9.What are "neutralizing antibodies"?
Answer: D. Proteins in the immune system that can neutralize pathogens
Explanation: Neutralizing antibodies are proteins that can neutralize pathogens and prevent them from causing infection.
10.What does "seasonality" refer to?
Answer: C. The tendency for certain events to occur at specific times of the year
Explanation: Seasonality is the tendency for events, such as outbreaks of certain diseases, to occur at specific times of the year.
Inference Questions
11.Based on the article, why might Covid-19 not yet follow a seasonal pattern like other respiratory viruses?
Answer: B. It is still a relatively new virus with lower population immunity
Explanation: The article suggests that because Covid-19 is relatively new, population immunity is lower, which affects its seasonal pattern.
12.Why is it important to study emerging variants of Covid-19?
Answer: D. To __update vaccines and protect vulnerable populations
Explanation: The article emphasizes the need to study variants to update vaccines and protect those who are vulnerable.
13.What could be a reason for the lower percentage of people up to date on Covid-19 vaccines compared to influenza vaccines?
Answer: B. People believe they do not need the Covid-19 vaccine anymore
Explanation: The article mentions that many people do not want or think they need the Covid-19 vaccine, leading to lower vaccination rates.
14.How might air conditioning contribute to the spread of Covid-19 in summer?
Answer: D. By drying the air, which encourages viral spread
Explanation: The article states that air conditioning dries the air, which can facilitate the spread of the virus.
15.What inference can be made about the future of Covid-19 becoming a seasonal virus?
Answer: A. It may take years or even decades to become truly seasonal
Explanation: Experts suggest that it could take years or even decades for Covid-19 to establish a stable seasonal pattern.
Writing Sample
Essay
Over the past few years, Covid-19 has demonstrated a unique pattern of transmission, differing significantly from other respiratory viruses such as influenza. While some experts believe that Covid-19 will eventually set__tle into a seasonal pattern, others argue that it will continue to cause unpredictable outbreaks. This essay will discuss both perspectives and present my own opinion on the matter.
On one hand, there is a belief that Covid-19 will become a seasonal virus. This view is supported by the observation that many respiratory viruses, like influenza, exhibit clear seasonal patterns, typically peaking in the winter months when people spend more time indoors and conditions are favorable for viral transmission. Proponents of this view argue that as population immunity increases through vaccination and natural infection, the virus will face more resistance, thereby reducing its prevalence to predictable seasonal outbreaks.
On the other hand, some experts contend that Covid-19 is unlikely to follow a seasonal pattern in the near future. They point out that the virus continues to evolve rapidly, with new subvariants like the FLiRT variants emerging and driving new waves of infection. These variants have shown a remarkable ability to evade immune defenses, leading to recurrent surges at unexpected times of the year. Additionally, human behavior, such as increased gatherings during summer events and the use of air conditioning, can create conditions conducive to summer outbreaks, further complicating the establishment of a clear seasonal cycle.
In my opinion, while it is possible that Covid-19 may eventually exhibit some seasonal characteristics, it is more likely that we will continue to see irregular outbreaks for the foreseeable future. The virus’s ability to mutate and the current variability in global vaccination rates contribute to this unpredictability. Continued vigilance, regular updates to vaccines, and adaptive public health strategies will be essential in managing Covid-19 as an endemic virus.
In conclusion, while there are compelling arguments on both sides, the current evidence suggests that Covid-19 will not become a purely seasonal virus in the near term. It is important to remain prepared for both seasonal and irregular outbreaks to effectively control its spread. (words: 348)
Short answer questions
1.Answer: Because many respiratory viruses show clear seasonal patterns and increasing population immunity might reduce its prevalence to seasonal outbreaks.
2.Answer:Because the virus continues to evolve rapidly with new subvariants and human behaviors can create conditions conducive to outbreaks at unexpected times.
3.Answer:Continued vigilance, regular updates to vaccines, and adaptive public health strategies.
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