Assignment: What Is a Virus?

Assignment: What Is a Virus?
Assignment: What Is a Virus?
by Tracie M. Addy, Yale School of Medicine Teaching and Learning
Center, Yale University Linda M. Iadarola , Department of
Biological Sciences, Quinnipiac University Derek Dube,
Department of Biology, University of Saint Joseph
Part I –What Is a Virus? “I can’t believe I’m a college sophomore,”
thought Terry in amazement while taking the train back home for
the summer. “Te school year went by so fast, but I made it through
even though I had to change my major.”
A text popped up on Terry’s smartphone, “Terry, when r u going on
ur trip? Let’s meet up before u go.” Terry recognized that the
message was from Alex, a long-time friend from high school.
“Leaving in a week,” Terry quickly texted back. “Never been on a
trip outside of the US and can’t wait to work with doctors and
nurses to help sick people. Alex, let’s meet up Fri.”
After a week of seeing family and friends, Terry was of to the west
coast of Africa for ten weeks. Tis would be a life- changing
experience. Te agency placed Terry in a rural site where residents
had limited access to medical care. Te locals sometimes traveled
miles to be seen at their clinic. Te health care professionals on the
team were unbelievably positive and devoted to educating and
providing patients with the best care possible. Residents came in
with many types of ailments. Terry’s responsibilities included
greeting patients and their families, bandaging wounds, and
providing additional Helpance to doctors and nurses as neede