Create me a position paper about virus with citation proof using basic english language
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Title: Understanding the Nature and Impacts of Viruses
Position Paper on Viruses
Viruses are microscopic infectious agents that require a living host, such as a human, animal, or plant, to multiply (CDC, 2020). Unlike other living organisms, they cannot carry out their life-sustaining functions on their own. This unique dependency shapes the way viruses impact both health and economies worldwide.
Firstly, viruses play a significant role in human disease. The common cold, influenza, HIV/AIDS, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic are all caused by different viruses (WHO, 2021). The contagious nature of viruses can lead to widespread disease outbreaks, which not only cause illness and death but also strain healthcare systems and disrupt social structures (Johns Hopkins University, 2020).
Economically, viruses contribute to substantial costs. The treatment of viral infections, measures to control outbreaks, and lost productivity due to illness all cumulatively lead to economic burdens. The World Bank estimated the global cost of the COVID-19 pandemic to be in the trillions of dollars, demonstrating the immense financial impact of a viral outbreak (World Bank, 2020).
Despite these challenges, research in virology has paved the way for innovations like vaccines, which effectively prevent and control viral infections. The development of the mRNA technology used in some COVID-19 vaccines is a breakthrough that promises swift responses to future viral threats (FDA, 2021).
In conclusion, viruses remain a formidable challenge to public health and economies. However, advancements in medical science are essential in the fight against viruses, and continued research is pivotal to prevent and mitigate the effects of future viral diseases.
References:
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). What Is a Virus? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/other/virus.html
WHO: World Health Organization. (2021). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Johns Hopkins University. (2020). COVID-19 Dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). Retrieved from https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
World Bank. (2020). The Global Economic Outlook During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Changed World. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2020/06/08/the-global-economic-outlook-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-a-changed-world
FDA: U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2021). COVID-19 Vaccines. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines