module 7

Clarissa Ellwein

Prof. Andrews

16 April 2020

here is the google doc link to my essay because the blog is formatting it oddly.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DP8ce85QwmV_bro6E0QpIL-OvPA8AVguYCvVLatTf4I/edit?usp=sharing

Module 7- Pandemic Essay

All throughout the history of the world global pandemics have existed. Wherever there is a large population of humans, the possibility of pandemics arising and spreading drastically amongst a population is always in the picture. Even in the advanced society we live in today, full of technology and medical knowledge, we still are forced to face pandemics. Currently, we are in the midst of a global pandemic, something that I personally thought would never happen in my lifetime. However, we are fully submerged in this pandemic with all the signs pointing that this will be around for a while. The Corona Virus is going to leave a lasting impact on the world as we know it and it will be forever rooted in the history of the world.

In order to write an essay about global pandemics, one must first describe what exactly a pandemic is. The official definition as described by the Center for Disease Control is that: “A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease”, further  the CDC says that pandemics happen when, “a new virus emerges to infect people and can spread between people sustainably” (cdc.gov). A disease does need to effect and spread upon the whole entire globe in order to be considered a pandemic. Going off of the definition of the CDC it specifically says that pandemics are global. When diseases spread across a certain group of people, this is considered an epidemic. The official definition of an epidemic is, “an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in that area” (cdc.gov). Therefore, the example of smallpox spreading across the Native American population after contact with Europeans would be considered an epidemic.As one can clearly see the Corona Virus fits the exact definition of a pandemic. It is easily spreadable and has affected all regions of the globe. Although Covid-19 is a novel disease that nobody has ever seen before, there have been multiple pandemics throughout the history of the world that have left drastic impacts on the world. One of the most recent examples of this is  The Spanish Flu. The Spanish Flu began in January of 1918 and lasted all the way until December of 1920, so this lasted almost 3 years. Like most flu viruses, it was expected to only be deadly to the very young and the very old, however this flu virus resulted in a much higher death rate than expected in young adults. It is believed that this disease started among the soldiers during World War 1. It was very easily spread because of the extremely close quarters that the soldiers were living in. Additionally, the malnourishment of the soldiers definitely weakened their immune system, making them more susceptible to the extreme symptoms of this disease. Overall, the Spanish Flu was a very prominent and deadly pandemic. Spanish Flu infected 500 million people globally which was about 25 percent of the world's population at the time. The death toll of the flu is not exact but it is estimated to be between 17 and 50 million people.

Another prominent pandemic that has affected the world is the Black Plague. This was a bacterial infection that peaked in Europe from 1347-1351. This pandemic has been known as the most fatal pandemic in all of human history. It is said that this disease most likely originated in Central or East Asia. It was then spread on the Silk Road and then through fleas living on rats it was able to spread all across Europe, Central Asia, and Africa. This was a deadly disease that spread extremely fast through Europe  because of the poor sanitary conditions. It is estimated that the Black Plague could have killed up to 60% of the population in Europe, killing up to 50 million people. This is one of the most commonly known pandemics that people study because it left a lasting impact on the globe.

Ultimately, it can be seen that global pandemics are just a natural part of human history. My experience with the coronavirus pandemic has most likely been better than the experiences of the people who had to face the Spanish Flu and Black Plague. It is indeed a crazy time filled with so many unknowns about what the future holds, but I am lucky enough to be in a safe home with all my family and all the necessities. While people who have lived through pandemics in the past did not have technology to keep them updated with all the latest news as well as multiple platforms to interact with their friends and family, I am lucky enough to have this easily accessible. Ultimately, as we navigate through this difficult time, it is also a chance to take a step back and realize that we are fortunate to have what we do. My 2020 experience with covid-19 has been a roller coaster ride but it has truly taught me alot about life. 

Works Cited 

“Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/.

History.com Editors. “Black Death.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 17 Sept. 2010, www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/black-death.

“Principles of Epidemiology.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 May 2012, www.cdc.gov/csels/dsepd/ss1978/lesson1/section11.html.

The 1918 Influenza Pandemic, virus.stanford.edu/uda/.