Allison Guo

Why is COVID-19 so deadly compared to the flu? What is the mechanism of a typical COVID-19 death? How does the body's response to SARS-CoV2 eventually lead to its own destruction?

 

To answer these heavy questions, COVID-19: Not Just the Flu utilizes cartoon pictures to aid scientific explanation, offering people of all educational backgrounds the opportunity to understand the new disease COVID-19. The objectiveness held in scientific understanding is crucial for all to make sound decisions during pandemic times: it may be used to decide whether or not to go to that party or to unbiasedly educate others. Whatever choices are made, it is important to keep in mind that, as the title suggests, COVID-19 is not just the flu in its unique ability to induce both respiratory defects and severe systemic abnormalities (most notably Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, sepsis, multi-organ failure, and blood clotting).

 

This book takes a unique angle to explain "How COVID-19 Kills" by emphasizing the often overlooked yet undeniable link between COVID-19 and sepsis. For this reason, proceeds will be donated to the Global Sepsis Alliance, a non-profit organization currently fighting to advance the knowledge of COVID-19 and sepsis's interconnection. It is also worthwhile to note that the content in this book has been peer-reviewed by Dr. Konrad Reinhart, the President of the Global Sepsis Alliance (a foreword written by him can also be found in the book). 

 

For some, gaining a deeper understanding of the biology behind COVID-19 may offer a degree of comfort during pandemic times; for others, it may offer hope that SARS-COV2 will eventually be conquered. For all, it acts as an opportunity to actively seek out the 'why' behind our current reality, unify behind the objective truth, feel sympathy for the brave doctors and scientists on the frontlines, and do everything possible to, ultimately, seize victory against the coronavirus.