Pandemics
with the covid-19 pandemic accelerating and more lockdowns and stay-home and safe-distancing measures being put in place, the world is being hit heavily by the coronavirus and has evolved and changed since this virus started. many are wondering when the vaccine will be ready, or will the pandemic even end. many accuse China and blame them for starting the virus by consuming raw and live food. others say it’s Trump for underestimating the pandemic and being complacent.
So, what are pandemics?
a pandemic is termed as an epidemic occurring and spreading worldwide, or over a very large area, crossing countries and continents.(an epidemic is a disease/virus that affects a large number of people in a community, population or region).
pandemics often start with animals that carry zoonotic diseases in them, and then, later on, spread it on to humans through some form of contact. Cattle, chickens and pigs, which can carry diseases, are often in close contact with each other, a variety of nondomestic animals and humans.in farms and in barns, the disease may be transmitted directly from animals to humans through media(such as air)(influenza),or through contact(bites and saliva)(rabies).
when a person/human has contracted the disease or virus from an animal, he or she can spread the virus by contact, or by particles through the air.the person may be unknown that they have a disease but may experience mild symptoms and feel sick.
now we are going to look at the history of some disease’s origins and analyze them. you can skip this section if you want to.
History of certain pandemics
The Black Death Origin
The black death originated in Europe and Central Africa, when 12 ships docked at the Sicilian port of Messina.Most sailors aboard the ships were dead, and those who were still alive were gravely ill, and they had blood and pus oozing out of them. Silicon authorities hastily ordered the fleet of ships out of the harbour, but it was too late.
Even before the “death ships” pulled into port at Messina, many Europeans had heard rumors about a “Great Pestilence” that was carving a deadly path across the trade routes of the Near and Far East. Indeed, in the early 1340s, the disease had struck China, India, Persia, and Egypt.
The black death was known to spread through the bites of infected fleas, as well as carried by rats which could cause bubonic plague.
Spanish Flu
the outbreak of the spanish flu began in 1918, during the final months of world war 1. On the wesetern front,soldiers living in cramped, dirty, and damp conditions became ill.this was a direct result of weakened immune systems from malnourishment.
During the summer of 1918, as troops began to return home on leave, they brought with them the undetected virus that had made them ill. The virus spread across cities, towns and villages in the soldiers’ home countries. Many of those infected, both soldiers and civilians, did not recover rapidly.
Influenza(The common flu)
the common flu is an illness that still does not have a offical vaccine until today, same goes for other illnesses such as HIV and AIDS.
Influenza is a illness(and not a virus/disease) that can spread from person to person through particles in the air.its origin was also from animals, such as birds and pigs.it is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and the lungs.
flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.(about the same as COVID-19)
Analysis
in conclusion, most viruses, diseases, and illnesses started with animals and were spread by animals. in order to prevent this, we need to have better hygiene and cleanliness in farms and barns, and we need to handle them safely and cleanly. Some are also worsened or caused by destructive nature activities, and wildlife is exposed to humans at the edge of their habitat.
How do pandemics affect us(Covid 19}
key points: economic impact, social impact
Economic impact: pandemics, such as covid-19, have affected much industries, sectors, and most prominently it will be the healthcare, economic, and social sectors. food shortage and water shortage worsen, and the pandemic has affected the entire food system.the economy and stock market has crashed, and many millions have lost their jobs, or have to adapt to a new working condition.
Social impact: the pandemic has also lead to many lockdowns, distancing measures, and a whole lot of restrictions that prohibit gahterings and physical contact. many are stressed about how they are going to continue working and about the outcome of the pandemic. these can lead to dramatic complications such as stress, anxiety and worry, and may even lead to suicidies.
covid-19 has also impacted learning considerably, and many graduates now are not able to find jobs or have more competition in the workforce. students now also are not able to return to school, and this disrupts learning and students cannot learn in a dynamic environment.
How can we prevent pandemics in the future
1.research in preventive measures and preparation
Scientists, or global health/research organizations, can research the causes of pandemics and how they usually originate and also look at the outcome of the pandemic. we need to collect data from past pandemics and then analyze them. We need to invest in surveillance programs to learn more about viruses that develop in animals and transmit to humans.
Scientists all over the world are discussing how data collection and sharing can be done more easily and effectively following COVID-19 and past outbreaks.
2.strengthen health systems worldwide
ensuring that every country around the world has the proper trained staff and equipment needed to provide quality care is crucial to preventing a pandemic.While certain countries may have handled the pandemics well, there are others who do not have the budget and workforce to treat their patients.
That’s why global organizations like the WHO, and fundraising intiatives are helping other countries respond to the pandemic, which are also vital in ensuring we’re all safer in future, as the best thing countries can do to minimize risks and spread with infectious diseases is to have strong health systems.
3.protect nature (and reduce destructive human activites)
When we destroy nature for resources, wildlife is exposed to humans at the edges of their habitat. ecosystems, like forests, have high levels of biodiversity, and with that abundance of life comes an abundance of diseases. They may expand their territories into urban areas, increasing the likelihood of contact with humans.
In the Amazon rainforest, forests are cleared to create fields for cattle to graze. if cattle contract a zoonotic( can be transmitted from animal to human) disease, they can transmit disease to the people they come in close contact with.
strategies(summary)
-strengthen and reinforce the existing international conventions and increase funding for programs to monitor wildlife trade
-ban international trade of high-risk species like bats, pangolins, civets, and rodents
-have safety and hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases in barn houses, and animals are handled properly
-prohibit the consumption of raw food, or ensure that meat, animal products must be clean before consuming
- or increase education, awareness on animal handling, sanitation, disease transmission and sustainable wildlife management
credits(sources of articles):
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/how-prevent-covid-19-pandemic-happening-again/
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/c-change/news/preventingfuturepandemics/
