Would it be realistically possible to eliminate the common flu from the Earth, and would there be any kind of adverse consequences?
In: Biology
An interesting idea that sparked due to the current pandemic, is researching a way to target all coronaviruses by means of altering our own cell functions so that the virus can’t replicate rapidly.
So, instead of targeting the virus’ DNA (which is a wild goose chase needing different drugs due to all the different types and constant mutations), we could instead use one drug that temporarily inhibits the DNA replication mechanisms in our cells. So we could deprive the virus of its reproductive mechanism for a little, while our immune system ramps up defenses.
I found this an interesting approach that if successful and properly advanced, could protect us widely from viruses (or at least, pandemics) in the future.
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