2306: Common Cold - Revision history

82.132.245.228: /* Explanation */ Missing word added. Further contectualising words added.

2025-08-01T16:18:54Z

‎Explanation: Missing word added. Further contectualising words added.

82.132.245.228: /* Explanation */ Rejiggling a bit more, past-tensing some bits and adding further references.

2025-08-01T16:15:52Z

‎Explanation: Rejiggling a bit more, past-tensing some bits and adding further references.

FaviFake: /* Explanation */

2025-08-01T15:21:14Z

‎Explanation

2600:4040:99D4:8B00:7D29:2F8D:148F:10A7: /* Explanation */ Add mention of influenza B/Yamagata.

2025-08-01T03:59:52Z

‎Explanation: Add mention of influenza B/Yamagata.

PDesbeginner at 01:44, 8 July 2024

2024-07-08T01:44:43Z

PDesbeginner at 01:43, 8 July 2024

2024-07-08T01:43:34Z

141.101.77.48: Undo revision 324661 by 162.158.167.31 (talk) Not funny. Can't be serious.

2023-09-30T20:36:32Z

Undo revision 324661 by 162.158.167.31 (talk) Not funny. Can't be serious.

162.158.167.31: /* Explanation */

2023-09-30T18:01:34Z

‎Explanation

FaviFake: Fixed broken link (was a redirect)

2023-05-22T08:27:55Z

Fixed broken link (was a redirect)

172.70.86.105: /* Explanation */ Don't hedge. If you think it should be said, then say it... (May be unnecessary, but certainly doesn't belong in ()s in any sane prose.)

2023-01-02T13:33:13Z

‎Explanation: Don't hedge. If you think it should be said, then say it... (May be unnecessary, but certainly doesn't belong in ()s in any sane prose.)

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 This comic is yet another in a [[:Category:COVID-19|series of comics]] related to the {{w|COVID-19 pandemic}}. The appearance here of talking viruses was followed by a comic classifying whether viruses are [[Alive Or Not]], and this is at least the second comic featuring pathogens as characters; prior to this was [[2287: Pathogen Resistance]].
-Many of the measures humans had undertaken to fight SARS-CoV-2, such as careful hand-washing, sanitizing of frequently-touched surfaces and social distancing, were also effective barriers against the transmission most pathogens. Hence, one of the ironic potential silver linings of the coronavirus pandemic was that the aggressive implementation of these measures would be likely to slow the spread not only of SARS-CoV-2, but of many other common illnesses. If these measures had become long-term social expectations, they may have improved public health long after the current pandemic had passed.
+Many of the measures humans had undertaken to fight SARS-CoV-2, such as careful hand-washing, sanitizing of frequently-touched surfaces and social distancing, were also effective barriers against the transmission of most pathogens. Hence, one of the ironic potential silver linings of the coronavirus pandemic was that the aggressive implementation of these measures would be simultaneously likely to slow the spread not only of SARS-CoV-2, but of many other common illnesses. If these measures had become long-term social expectations, they may have improved public health long after the current pandemic had passed.
 Hand-washing with soap is a particularly effective way to disable coronaviruses and influenza viruses, which have a {{w|viral envelope}}.

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 ==Explanation==
-This comic is yet another in a [[:Category:COVID-19|series of comics]] related to the {{w|COVID-19 pandemic}}. This comic with talking viruses was followed by a comic debating if viruses are [[Alive Or Not]]? Many of the measures humans have undertaken to fight SARS-CoV-2, such as careful hand-washing and sanitizing of frequently-touched surfaces, are effective against most pathogens. Hence, one of the ironic silver linings of the coronavirus pandemic is that the aggressive implementation of these measures is likely to slow the spread, not only of SARS-CoV-2 but of many common illnesses. If these measures become long-term social expectations, they may improve public health long after the current pandemic has passed.
+This comic is yet another in a [[:Category:COVID-19|series of comics]] related to the {{w|COVID-19 pandemic}}. The appearance here of talking viruses was followed by a comic classifying whether viruses are [[Alive Or Not]], and this is at least the second comic featuring pathogens as characters; prior to this was [[2287: Pathogen Resistance]].
 Hand-washing with soap is a particularly effective way to disable coronaviruses and influenza viruses, which have a {{w|viral envelope}}.
 Most common colds are caused by a {{w|rhinovirus}}, a non-encapsulated virus that is not as sensitive to soap. Nonetheless, proper and frequent hand-washing appears to reduce the spread of most viruses, by removing biological residue which harbors the virus. Hence, more aggressive hygiene is likely to have at least some impact on most easily transmissible diseases. Handwashing was a major emphasis of anti-COVID measures in mid-2020 when this comic was written, though as more was learned about the disease (in particular its airborne transmission) the focus shifted more towards masking.
-In this strip, [[Randall]] addresses the matter from the point of view of viruses. Specifically, those that cause the {{w|common cold}}, imagining them as sentient entities, with spreading infection as their conscious goal. Much like in [[2287: Pathogen Resistance]], the humor comes from the perspective flip, where health measures intend to protect us are seen by the pathogens as terrifying attacks. In this strip, the cold viruses become aware that more aggressive hygiene measures are putting them at risk, and hope to negotiate with humanity, on the grounds that, unlike SARS-CoV-2, they are rarely fatal. Their hope seems to be that, once the current pandemic is brought under control, humanity will abandon these measures, and allow them to freely spread, once again.
+In this strip, [[Randall]] addresses the matter from the point of view of viruses. Specifically, those that cause the {{w|common cold}}, imagining them as sentient entities, with spreading infection as their conscious goal. Much like in their prior appearance, the humor comes from the perspective flip, where health measures intend to protect us are seen by the pathogens as terrifying attacks. In this strip, the cold viruses become aware that more aggressive hygiene measures are putting their own existance at risk, and hope to negotiate with humanity, on the grounds that, unlike SARS-CoV-2, they are rarely fatal. Their hope seems to be that, once the current pandemic is brought under control, humanity will abandon these measures, and allow them to freely spread, once again.
 Cueball's adamant refusal likely reflects Randall's hope that this pandemic will result in lasting changes, slowing the spread of all diseases, including those which are merely very unpleasant, as opposed to actually fatal. By treating this as a conscious battle, people may be more inclined to be vigilant, and not allow the enemy any opportunity to recover. While colds are unlikely to kill otherwise healthy humans, they still cause symptoms that can be painful, even debilitating, in the short term. Previous strips made reference to the miserable nature of the disease.  In December 2015, Randall released both [[1612: Colds]] and [[1618: Cold Medicine]].
-The ''[[What If? (book)|What If?]]'' book previously dealt with the plausibility of eliminating the common cold through aggressive physical distancing alone. The section in that book concluded that total elimination would be impractical. However, the current situation suggests that minimizing the spread of disease by careful hygiene measures is realistic.
+The ''[[What If? (book)|What If?]]'' book previously dealt with the plausibility of eliminating the common cold through aggressive physical distancing alone. The section in that book concluded that total elimination would be impractical. However, the current situation suggests that minimizing the spread of disease by careful hygiene measures is not unrealistic.
 In the title text, Randall mentions a virus with the name {{w|Human metapneumovirus|metapneumovirus}}. He states that this is easily the common cold virus with the coolest name. But that does not mean it warrants our sympathy (as it is present in up to 40% of colds, and can be deadly in vulnerable populations). And he finishes by stating that "Colds suck. No mercy." So Randall would not be sorry to see the common cold eliminated, or at least substantially contained, by our coronavirus precautions.
-In reality, unfortunately, anti-COVID measures would indeed lapse a few years later, leading to a [https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2022/10/27/23421344/covid-19-flu-rsv-symptoms-vaccines-2022 resurgence of several diseases], including the common cold. The influenza (a.k.a. flu) variant B/Yamagata has become extremely rare since COVID, possibly as a result of anti-COVID public health measures, and scientists are debating whether it's been eradicated - see e.g. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X24011320 here]. This is at least the second comic featuring pathogens as a characters. The (at least) first was [[2287: Pathogen Resistance]].
+In reality, unfortunately, anti-COVID measures would indeed lapse within a short time, leading to a [https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2022/10/27/23421344/covid-19-flu-rsv-symptoms-vaccines-2022 resurgence of several diseases], including the common cold, and [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10811157/ various] [https://www.bmj.com/content/385/bmj.q1348 studies] identified both subsequent increases in non-COVID infections and probable reasons for these rises. On the other hand, the influenza (a.k.a. 'flu') variant {{w|Influenza B virus|B/Yamagata}} has become extremely rare since COVID, possibly as a result of anti-COVID public health measures at the time, and scientists are [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X24011320 debating whether it has been eradicated].
 ==Transcript==

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 ==Explanation==
-This comic is yet another in a [[:Category:COVID-19|series of comics]] related to the {{w|COVID-19 pandemic}}.
+This comic is yet another in a [[:Category:COVID-19|series of comics]] related to the {{w|COVID-19 pandemic}}. This comic with talking viruses was followed by a comic debating if viruses are [[Alive Or Not]]? Many of the measures humans have undertaken to fight SARS-CoV-2, such as careful hand-washing and sanitizing of frequently-touched surfaces, are effective against most pathogens. Hence, one of the ironic silver linings of the coronavirus pandemic is that the aggressive implementation of these measures is likely to slow the spread, not only of SARS-CoV-2 but of many common illnesses. If these measures become long-term social expectations, they may improve public health long after the current pandemic has passed.
 Hand-washing with soap is a particularly effective way to disable coronaviruses and influenza viruses, which have a {{w|viral envelope}}.
@@ Line 19: / Line 15: @@
 In this strip, [[Randall]] addresses the matter from the point of view of viruses. Specifically, those that cause the {{w|common cold}}, imagining them as sentient entities, with spreading infection as their conscious goal. Much like in [[2287: Pathogen Resistance]], the humor comes from the perspective flip, where health measures intend to protect us are seen by the pathogens as terrifying attacks. In this strip, the cold viruses become aware that more aggressive hygiene measures are putting them at risk, and hope to negotiate with humanity, on the grounds that, unlike SARS-CoV-2, they are rarely fatal. Their hope seems to be that, once the current pandemic is brought under control, humanity will abandon these measures, and allow them to freely spread, once again.
-Cueball's adamant refusal likely reflects Randall's hope that this pandemic will result in lasting changes, slowing the spread of all diseases, including those which are merely very unpleasant, as opposed to actually fatal. By treating this as a conscious battle, people may be more inclined to be vigilant, and not allow the enemy any opportunity to recover.
+Cueball's adamant refusal likely reflects Randall's hope that this pandemic will result in lasting changes, slowing the spread of all diseases, including those which are merely very unpleasant, as opposed to actually fatal. By treating this as a conscious battle, people may be more inclined to be vigilant, and not allow the enemy any opportunity to recover. While colds are unlikely to kill otherwise healthy humans, they still cause symptoms that can be painful, even debilitating, in the short term. Previous strips made reference to the miserable nature of the disease.  In December 2015, Randall released both [[1612: Colds]] and [[1618: Cold Medicine]].
 The ''[[What If? (book)|What If?]]'' book previously dealt with the plausibility of eliminating the common cold through aggressive physical distancing alone. The section in that book concluded that total elimination would be impractical. However, the current situation suggests that minimizing the spread of disease by careful hygiene measures is realistic.
@@ Line 27: / Line 21: @@
 In the title text, Randall mentions a virus with the name {{w|Human metapneumovirus|metapneumovirus}}. He states that this is easily the common cold virus with the coolest name. But that does not mean it warrants our sympathy (as it is present in up to 40% of colds, and can be deadly in vulnerable populations). And he finishes by stating that "Colds suck. No mercy." So Randall would not be sorry to see the common cold eliminated, or at least substantially contained, by our coronavirus precautions.
-In reality, unfortunately, anti-COVID measures would indeed lapse a few years later, leading to a [https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2022/10/27/23421344/covid-19-flu-rsv-symptoms-vaccines-2022 resurgence of several diseases], including the common cold. The influenza (a.k.a. flu) variant B/Yamagata has become extremely rare since COVID, possibly as a result of anti-COVID public health measures, and scientists are debating whether it's been eradicated - see e.g. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X24011320 here].
+In reality, unfortunately, anti-COVID measures would indeed lapse a few years later, leading to a [https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2022/10/27/23421344/covid-19-flu-rsv-symptoms-vaccines-2022 resurgence of several diseases], including the common cold. The influenza (a.k.a. flu) variant B/Yamagata has become extremely rare since COVID, possibly as a result of anti-COVID public health measures, and scientists are debating whether it's been eradicated - see e.g. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X24011320 here]. This is at least the second comic featuring pathogens as a characters. The (at least) first was [[2287: Pathogen Resistance]].
 ==Transcript==

@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 In the title text, Randall mentions a virus with the name {{w|Human metapneumovirus|metapneumovirus}}. He states that this is easily the common cold virus with the coolest name. But that does not mean it warrants our sympathy (as it is present in up to 40% of colds, and can be deadly in vulnerable populations). And he finishes by stating that "Colds suck. No mercy." So Randall would not be sorry to see the common cold eliminated, or at least substantially contained, by our coronavirus precautions.
-In reality, unfortunately, anti-COVID measures would indeed lapse a few years later, leading to a [https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2022/10/27/23421344/covid-19-flu-rsv-symptoms-vaccines-2022 resurgence of several diseases], including the common cold.
+In reality, unfortunately, anti-COVID measures would indeed lapse a few years later, leading to a [https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2022/10/27/23421344/covid-19-flu-rsv-symptoms-vaccines-2022 resurgence of several diseases], including the common cold. The influenza (a.k.a. flu) variant B/Yamagata has become extremely rare since COVID, possibly as a result of anti-COVID public health measures, and scientists are debating whether it's been eradicated - see e.g. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X24011320 here].
 This is at least the second comic featuring pathogens as a characters. The (at least) first was [[2287: Pathogen Resistance]].

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 In reality, unfortunately, anti-COVID measures would indeed lapse a few years later, leading to a [https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2022/10/27/23421344/covid-19-flu-rsv-symptoms-vaccines-2022 resurgence of several diseases], including the common cold.
-This is at least the second comic featuring viruses as a character. The (at least) first was [[2287: Pathogen Resistance]].
+This is at least the second comic featuring pathogens as a characters. The (at least) first was [[2287: Pathogen Resistance]].
 ==Transcript==

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:43, 8 July 2024
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	In reality, unfortunately, anti-COVID measures would indeed lapse a few years later, leading to a [https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2022/10/27/23421344/covid-19-flu-rsv-symptoms-vaccines-2022 resurgence of several diseases], including the common cold.		In reality, unfortunately, anti-COVID measures would indeed lapse a few years later, leading to a [https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2022/10/27/23421344/covid-19-flu-rsv-symptoms-vaccines-2022 resurgence of several diseases], including the common cold.
		+
		+	This is at least the second comic featuring viruses as a character. The (at least) first was [[2287: Pathogen Resistance]].

	==Transcript==		==Transcript==