Understanding the Mysteries of Coronavirus

As I was watching CNN Richard Quest’s ‘Business Traveller’ on Friday, I got an epiphany.

The program was shot in Prague, the Czech Republic.

At the time Richard was shooting, he was the only one wearing a mask.

While shooting the program, he even had to call a shrink to ask what should he do in a situation where he was the only one wearing a mask.

What’s the Point?

I need to clarify this point upfront.

I do not want anyone to misunderstand the above point, I am not suggesting people should not wear mask.

All I am doing is pointing out what I saw in the program.

But the point I wanted to make is, the coronavirus has ravaged through the US and Northern Europe.

For some reason, its impact has not been as devastating in the former Eastern bloc countries as it has been in their wealthy Northern neighbours.

Germany borders with Poland as it does with some wealthy Northern countries like Austria, France, Swiss and Holland.

Coronavirus impacted Austria, Swiss, Holland but not Poland.

What’s going on?

Why Does that Matter?

The media has rated different countries response to coronavirus based upon the numbers of infections and deaths.

But they have missed very critical data, that is, data about countries that have somehow managed to dodge the worst.

So, what is it that poorer countries are doing right that wealthy nations need to learn?

Maybe it’s not so much what they are doing right.

Maybe it’s something about the lifestyle and environment of those countries that make them inhospitable to the virus.

 The HIV Example

HIV ravaged Southern Africa and to a large extent East Africa.

But it never had the same impact in West, Central and North Africa.

Again, it followed a similar pattern as coronavirus.

It hit the wealthy part of Africa.

I am sure North Africa will disagree with the characterisation of being the less wealthy part of Africa, but that’s a debate for another article.

Stay with me for now.

Researchers concluded the high concentration of selenium in the West African diet might have contributed to the ability of West Africans to develop stronger immunity against the HIV virus.

What’s the Lesson for Understanding Coronavirus?

If you asked me personally, I think the most brilliant explanation I can come up with is, viruses seem to dislike wealthy nations.

I think that’s the most plausible explanation.

But, hey, what do I know?

All I am saying, maybe, just maybe researchers might want to look into the connection between lifestyle, environment and the spread of coronavirus.

Think about this.

The United States is the wealthiest nation in the world and it suffered the most from the virus.

The UK is the wealthiest nation in Europe and it ended up with the biggest death rate from the virus.

Maybe there is something about the lifestyle, diet or environment of the wealthy nations that make them breeding grounds for viruses.

I am just putting that out there.

I believe it’s something that is worth looking into.