Pandemics In History: What We Can Learn From The
Past
The 2009-10 spread of the virus A (H1N1)
“swine flu” reminds us of the serious consequences of widespread
disease. We can learn a lot from history. In this class, we will
learn about the Black Death, about the spread of smallpox, and why
so many people in the United States died of yellow fever in the late
1700s. We will conclude with a description of the 1918 Spanish
influenza in this country and the similarities between the Spanish
flu and the flu of today.
The audience will feel relieved to hear
how very far science has come in understanding the spread of
illness, yet we will learn what still keeps scientists awake at
night. A question and answer discussion will follow the
presentation.
KATE KELLY is an author of a
six-volume history of medicine.
The 2009-10 spread of the virus A (H1N1)
“swine flu” reminds us of the serious consequences of widespread
disease. We can learn a lot from history. In this class, we will
learn about the Black Death, about the spread of smallpox, and why
so many people in the United States died of yellow fever in the late
1700s. We will conclude with a description of the 1918 Spanish
influenza in this country and the similarities between the Spanish
flu and the flu of today.