This is a continuation of yesterday. Below are some of the simplified importance of research.
Research helps the world delineate the nature of new diseases and condition
How is research important to the discovery of new diseases and conditions? Through research, they can be identified and explored. Researchers can conduct experiments that will help them determine the nature of a disease, possibly identifying its cause. In turn, this would allow medical practitioners (who may be the same people) to develop treatments that can cure such diseases.
COVID-19 is an example of a new disease that we can relate to. When we got the first wave of news, there were lots of irregularities. This is because the real nature of the disease had not been discovered. However, through research, we discovered that COVID is caused by the SARS-CoV-2-virus that affects humans in all sorts of ways. It especially causes mild to lethal respiratory illness (WHO link). We also know that some of the symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, and so on.
Research bursts myths
Perhaps one of the most important things that we know about COVID-19 is the way it spreads. It is an airborne communicable disease that It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The droplets that come out of their mouth could enter the respiratory system of anyone within 6-feet. Asides from this, people would also transport the saliva of an infected person to their respiratory system if they touch their mouth or nose right after touching an infected surface. One of the stories I heard at the onset of the pandemic is that you could be infected through mere skin to skin contact. I was ready to cut off everyone because I lived with a person who is a high-risk ?. I locked my house against visitors and only shouted to them from inside. This lasted for only about a week before it became obvious that we could not keep it up.
Still on COVID-19, research into preventive measures as well as treatment strategies helped bring the world back to order. I remember buying almost buying a pack of latex gloves because people said you could suggest it. The only reason I did not buy it was because the price was ridiculously high. The pharmacist wanted to cash out of the pandemic… lol. I also thought of buying vitamin C because “people” suggested it. Thinking about all of this makes me further appreciate researchers.
Through research, prevention, treatment, and intervention strategies are monitored and evaluated for efficiency
In addition, new and more effective treatments are equally introduced. According to TRREE, research”is a central and indispensable component of improving health” (p.3). When treatments like drugs and injections are put to test, the quality ones can be singled out, backed by evidence. This allows for more credible medical resources to be pushed out into the market. In the long run, lives are saved.
Research has many ripple effects.
- For one, death could be avoided if knowledge is found. People who lived in the Medieval Era also kinda understood how washing was a preventive measure for communicable diseases.
- As new knowledge is discovered through research, more gaps emerge. Thus, they need to be filled in even more research.
- The gaps filling give room to tackle more existing problems and improve old methods of care/interventions/treatments
- Research sheds light on the truths around medical conditions. Such discoveries can help cleanse the stigma attached to certain conditions
- In developing countries, health revolutions can be made. According to TRREE, and I agree, “Wherever possible, such research should be conducted in these countries with the full involvement of the local researcher, with the goal of improving health services and alleviating suffering” (p.3).
In conclusion, research is indispensable in health concerns.
These are 500 words (or more ?)! Talk to you tomorrow!