Pandemic Explained Part One - Pathogens

Intro

There are three main categories of pathogens, which means "a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease" are Viruses, Fungi and bacteria.

Viruses

Virus

There is debate over whether a virus is actually living as it only consists of some RNA and a protein coat. The RNA is activated in cells to build copies of the virus. As such a virus can only reproduce in living cells, which means any living organism can be infected by viruses.

This is a very small pathogen meaning high efficiency filters are required to filter them out if they are air borne. Remember that because of the structure viruses are vulnerable to deforming in heat, meaning that boiling water will 'kill' them.

Fungi

Fungus

Fungus grows from spores that grow under the right conditions, usually damp, hot environments. Fungi don't draw energy from light (photosynthesise), instead they absorb molecules. They are a bit like carnivore plants in this regard and this is the source of harm. Fungi secrete digestive enzymes sometimes in addition to other chemicals, for example penicillin which certain types of fungi secrete.

Why do fungi secrete these other chemicals? Well to survive, penicillin kills other fungi that are not immune. The problem is that some of the secretions are poisonous to us two and can cause many types of illnesses. Respiratory illnesses are more common, usually caused by spores and nervous system damage can also occur from airborne poisons. Digestive tract poisoning is almost always caused by eating the fungus, remember that spores are produced as part of a life cycle.

Bacteria

Bacterium

Bacteria are very common and cause injury either because of poisons they secrete or by your bodies response. Bacteria survive in your body by consuming the nutrients in your body and/or secreting digestive enzymes to eat you. Sometimes your bodies defences will go into overdrive (called a cytokine storm), this kills a lot of people during pandemics.

Boiling, UV light and copper kills bacteria. Take a look at the copper handles in hospitals and the UV lights in filter systems. Make use of these in water purification, also ensure that sanitation is as good as the situation allows.