[Initial Perspective] Unprecedented Pandemic Must Be Overcome Through Science

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] "The Jews poisoned the wells." During the Middle Ages in Europe, when the Black Death was rampant, this one rumor thrown into a terrified society led to the massacre of millions. The Black Death began in Europe in the 13th to 14th centuries and caused more than 100 major outbreaks until the 17th century, killing one-third of the European population. At that time, humanity's science and medical knowledge were far weaker than today, and the existence of viruses was unknown. Social leaders of the time regarded it as a punishment from God, and clergy or high-ranking nobles performed self-flagellation rituals. Even the extraordinary genius scientist Isaac Newton, who discovered the law of universal gravitation, is said to have claimed that "applying toad vomit can cure it." The end of pandemics after the 17th century was due to improved human cognition in dealing with infectious diseases, along with improved nutrition from increased agricultural production and cleaner hygiene conditions. Concepts of hygiene and immunity were established, and medical and scientific advances were made, such as discovering that vinegar has sterilizing effects. It was 'science,' not fear, that overcame the pandemic.

What about the COVID-19 virus pandemic that entered Korea last January? Despite having advanced cutting-edge medicine and science incomparable to the 17th century, and a highly organized social hygiene, health, and medical system, it is still struggling. As of the 1st of this month, about 262 million people have been infected, and about 5.2 million have died. Science is playing its role. A representative example is the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, with the world's first vaccination occurring on December 8 last year, just one year ago. Although it was less than a year after the pandemic began, basic sciences such as chemistry, medicine, and biology, as well as advanced fields like computing, converged to enable development at a much faster pace than before. In the past, it took years to test tens of thousands of candidate drugs one by one before entering clinical trials, but nowadays, computing allows effective drugs to be selected in just a few days, immediately followed by animal testing to verify safety. In particular, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines instruct the immune system to produce proteins designed as antibodies against specific viruses or diseases once injected into the human body. It is the pinnacle of advanced science and technology created by humanity, incorporating concepts like 'robots.' After obtaining the virus's genetic map, it was possible to produce a first-phase clinical trial vaccine in less than a month, demonstrating the rapid development speed.

The obstacles lie rather in 'humans' themselves. The spread of all kinds of rumors and fears, such as vaccine distrust, hinders scientific quarantine measures. Of course, thorough investigation and compensation for those who have died or suffer aftereffects from vaccine side effects must be ensured. However, excessive fearmongering is entirely harmful. Do young people think they won't get infected? Although the probability is low, cases of infection and death without vaccination are increasing. Breakthrough infections? Some degree is inevitable with any vaccine, and vaccination is essential to prevent severe deterioration. Vaccination for teenagers and additional doses (booster shots) have not shown significant risks according to statistics and clinical results.

Nevertheless, 'appeals' posted by individuals on the Blue House bulletin board are broadcast live every day. While embracing victims through investigation and compensation, excessive confusion should be avoided. The 'politicization' intertwined with the presidential election situation is also serious. Excessive self-praise should be avoided, and failures such as the lack of expansion of severe care beds should be pointed out. However, excessive political attacks claiming 'everything has collapsed' only demoralize frontline quarantine and medical personnel and heighten distrust, increasing harm. The only way to overcome an infectious disease pandemic is not by inciting fear but by trusting science.