Author: Alejandra Gonzalez

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Getting Infected with COVID-19 Twice?

Whenever one comes down with a virus, their body tends to react to it right away, working hard to produce antibodies, T cells, and memory B cells to respond to the invader. After someone gets over a sickness, the body is usually stronger afterwards and will be able to fight the virus again if it ever enters the body again. However, the case with COVID-19 is a bit different. It is a virus in the way that it infects the body, however, the problem is that the world does not know all the specifics of this virus, so there lacks data whether this virus can potentially do more harm on its second round than on its first.

The good news is, that we have been able to figure out if the body is reacting the way it should when it comes into contact with COVID-19. In an article published by Harvard Health Publishing from the Harvard Medical School, it states that, “Several new studies have found that COVID-19 antibody levels decline, but then stabilize and remain in the blood even two to three months after infection. Other recent studies found COVID-specific B cells and T cells in the blood, months after people recovered. This all suggests that the immune system would be ready to react quickly and strongly if re-exposed to the COVID-19 virus.” It is reassuring to know that the body is in fact storing these antibodies to help keep COVID-19 from infecting harder the second time.

Some more reassuring news from the article states that there has already been a case that researchers have looked into regarding a second infection: “Researchers in Hong Kong recently reported the first confirmed case of reinfection with the COVID-19 virus… Scientists sequenced viral genetic material from the man’s two infections and found significant enough differences to suggest two separate infections.” What they found was: “The man had experienced mild symptoms during his first infection and had no symptoms the second time he was infected. It’s possible that while his immune system could not protect him against reinfection, it did help keep him from getting sicker during the second infection.”

So know that we know people who have been infected with COVID-19 and have gotten better could stand a chance of getting again, it is okay for these people to stop being so cautious, right? Not necessarily. First of all, it is still too early to make a general assumption that anyone who does get infected that survives can take another infection from COVID-19. Every body is different, so it will have to take thousands of cases for it to be safe to assume that the chances of those who get a second infection will be fine. Second, symptoms of COVID-19 can be asymptomatic, so we all still need to do our part in protecting ourselves, and protecting others by following the acceptable guidelines set by the CDC. We need to keep our masks on as long as this pandemic is still active.

New information is being released every single day about the number of cases, the number of deaths, what vaccines are being pushed through the stages, and much more. All we can do right now is to keep following the physical distancing rules, keep being properly hygienic, and to stay home if one feels sick.

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Air Filter that Traps and Kills COVID-19

In an article posted on Reform Austin, they reported that the University of Houston have developed an air filter that can kill 99.8% of Coronavirus particles instantly. With this discovery, it can allow for many essential business to stay open with an extra layer of protection from SARS-Cov-2 particles in the air.

The air filter they created is made with nickle foam because it meets several requirements: “It is porous, allowing the flow of air, and electrically conductive, which allows it to be heated. It is also flexible.” The article also states that SARS-CoV-2 is unable to withstand high temperature of heat, so they made sure the air filter is at a temperature that can do some damage: “The virus can remain in the air for about three hours, but it is unable to survive temperatures above 158 degrees. By making the filter temperature far hotter, researchers were able to kill the virus almost instantly.”

The only issue with this air filter is that it is difficult to raise the temperature due to the nickle foam being used, since it has low resistivity, but they were able to combat this issue by, “…folding the foam, connecting multiple compartments with electrical wires to increase the resistance high enough to raise the temperature to the necessary level.” The researchers also decided to electrically heat this air filter because by doing so, it, “minimized the amount of heat that escaped from the filter, allowing air conditioning to function with minimal strain, thus satisfying the requirements for conventional heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.”

From all the success that is being reported from this air filter, not much else is known about whether they have started implementing this system or not. It may still be undergoing some tests to see if it will be beneficial to implement everywhere, but it definitely does sound like promising technology that could serve as a solution for indoor contamination.

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Relation with Covid-19 and Blood Type?

Since SARS-CoV-2 is fairly new to all of us, many studies are being conducted to see how COVID-19 behaves, what effects it has on certain groups of people, and the possible vaccines that could work to combat it. In the midst of all this research some false news could potentially be spread, since everyone in the world is craving for updates on the latest Coronavirus news. In an article posted on the Harvard Medical School website, they have released a statement to disprove some false information related to COVID-19 and blood type. They have found that blood type definitely does not affect the severity of the virus within a person. However, they did find some interesting relations with the susceptibility of people contracting COVID-19 and blood type. This correlation should of course be taken with a grain of salt because this news should in no way affect the treatment of people with COVID-19, nor should it alarm or relieve anyone who is more or less susceptible of the virus. Everyone still needs to do their part in protecting themselves and others.

Essentially, what this article states is that, “The large retrospective review showed no significant connection between blood type and worsening of the disease, between blood type and the need for hospitalization, positioning requirements for patients during intubation, or any inflammatory markers.”, debunking any ideas that anyone with a certain blood type is more likely to die from COVID-19. What they did find was that, “…there appeared to be a greater chance of people with blood types B and AB who were Rh positive testing positive for the virus. Even stronger evidence was assembled by the team that symptomatic people with blood type O were less likely to test positive.” The study that this information was reported from can be found here.

Although not much research is done on this subject, it is something that can help keep people aware of their health. This is the same case as being informed of the diseases one might be more prone to get based on the type of blood they have. Nothing is ever set in stone for one’s health, but it can be useful to know what lifestyle best suits one’s health and prevent them from getting a disease that they do not want to live with.

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Russia Cuts Corners on COVID-19 Vaccine

The world we live in today seems to be heavily political in almost every aspect of life, and the world of medicine is no different. Right now, there is this unwritten, unofficial race to find the vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, and many countries are working towards being the first to find a cure. Russia in particular has seemed to have claimed that they have created the best vaccine to combat SARS-CoV-2, and plan to start allowing people to get this vaccination later within this year. However, they were only to advance this far into process because they have cut some corners.

In an article by Zahra Ullah and Zamira Rahim on the CNN, the authors claim that “Russia enacted a law in April which eliminated the requirement for crucial Phase 3 trials to be conducted before approval. This has allowed researchers to fast track the vaccine development process.” This is is not exactly the news you would want to hear. It is important that no corners are cut when making a vaccine to cure a global pandemic. A vaccine that goes through without the proper phases of testing could result in more harm than good.


The final phase is crucial because it is when we can truly known if a certain vaccine will work on a wider scale. Andrew E. Kramer wrote in The New York Times, “That final phase, however, is the only way to know with statistical certainty whether a vaccine can prevent an infection, and how effective it is. And because it tests a much larger group of people, a Phase 3 trial can also detect more subtle adverse effects of a vaccine that earlier trials could not.”

Once again, we are given false hope through the media that a vaccine now exists for COVID-19. It is worth it to look into what people have found, but vaccines need to be evaluated properly.

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3D Printed Filtering Masks

While some people are making mask modifications for their face mask, others are diving into making reusable 3D printed filtering masks (1) (2) that can be disinfected frequently instead of being disposed of after a couple of uses. These masks could be useful in reducing the amount of waste that is being made, however, these masks are not suitable for a clinical setting, and should only be used by the public in case there is any shortage of PPE during this global pandemic.

These kind of masks would take a bit longer to make compared to the mask modifications out there, but it could serve as a replacement for any of the masks we are using in our day to day lives. They are easy to disinfect, and the only parts that would need to be disposed of are the elastic straps, the filter material, and the nose bridge piece. Filter material is generally available, with coffee filters being the most common, but one should be careful in the type of filter they choose in case it contains any harmful substance that one should not be breathing in.

In fact, the CDC actually recommends that no one should use masks with any sort of opening because the user could still potentially spread the virus if not filtered sufficiently: “This type of mask does not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID-19 to others. Therefore, CDC does not recommend using masks for source control if they have an exhalation valve or vent.” Therefore, if one does not take the proper precautions in preparing this mask, such as disinfecting it regularly and making sure the filter does its job, then one should just stick with using double-layered fabric masks because it will provide better protection.

Another issue that comes with these type of 3D printed masks is the sizing options available for everyone. Not every one has the same sized facial features, so if the sizing is limited, the availability for the public to use this mask will also be limited.

Whether one decides to use this model or not, it is important that they do their research first to see if these masks would be suitable for them. It is best to refer back to the CDC to see any suggestions they make for mask wearing etiquette and mask making instructions.

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3D Printable Mask Modifications

As society continues to get accustomed to wearing their mask out everyday, there have been some minor issues that have arisen from wearing these masks so often. From ear fatigue to poor sizing, there have been people out there finding ways to modify their face masks to solve these minor issues. Those with access to 3D printing have created models such as the comfort strap and the face fitter that drastically improve the wearability and safety of a face mask.

The comfort strap is a small device that attached to a face mask by it’s straps. It wraps around the back of one’s head, while it levitates the tension the elastics create on the ears: “…longer lifespan for surgical masks by allowing the user to adjust tension as the elastic strap wear down and makes for a more comfortable fit by relieving the user’s ears from the elastic bands.” It is also very cost efficient since it does not take up much time or material to print. This device essentially eases the experience of wearing a mask. It might be small, but over time has a long term effect for daily wear.

The face fitter is similar device that also does not take much time or material to print, but instead helps with sizing. This device takes into account the variety of face shapes out there. The way that it is produced is by using a face scanning app to shape the mold of the face fitter to accurately press down on a mask. This allows for one’s face mask to securely seal any potential gaps that may form, making it safer from any wandering particles capable of entering or leaving someone’s mask. These face fitters were even tested and approved by a university: “The Loma Linda University School of Dentistry has worked with us on the development and testing of the Mask Fitter and found that it enhances the peripheral seal of a mask.”

There are many more mask modifications out there that serve a similar purpose, but these are just two examples of 3D models that are easy to print and mass produce. Whether it may be to improve the comfort, or to make one’s mask safer, it is reassuring to see people come up with solutions and making the information open to the public so that anyone with a 3D printer could give back and help their local community.