Major Illness (1700/1800s) - Swine Flu - Essay Example

Submitted by: XXXXXXXX Number: XXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXX of XXXXXXX XX – XX – 2010 Major Illnesses 1700 – 1800 vs. Swine FluThe major illnesses that were prevalent in the 1700s and 1800s included small pox, and yellow fever. These were the two main illnesses that were present in the 18th and 19th century and were the cause of dead of many. Small pox has been one of the most dangerous and widespread illness in the world. The illness and had a mortality rate of almost 30 – 35%. The illness not only led to death but also had a major impact on the individuals in the long term as well.

The illness was widespread and had claimed a number of lives particularly in America. It was not until the 19th and 20th century that there was any strong form of solution that was found for the issue. It was only in the late 1900s that the World Health Organization led to the eradication of the illness by developing vaccines for the same (Henderson and Preston). Although the vaccine development took a number of years, once developed, the Government had focused on ensuring the vaccination became compulsory once it was introduced.

The year 1975 saw the last case of swine flu. Yellow fever was another major illness that was present in 1700s. This illness also claimed a number of lives and it was common for people to die because there were no cures for a long time. Also the lacks of facilities to assist the individuals survive for a little period was also low, thereby claiming a number of lives (Murphy). Death was the only option for many years. Yet there have not been any clear solutions or treatments that have been found.

The only improvements in the current times are the better hospitalization and improved facilities. Comparatively the newest illness was Swine Flu. The outbreak of Swine Flu impacted the world in 2009. The illness claimed a number of lives across the world, almost 25174 worldwide (Flu Count ). There have been numerous deaths and also a number of affected individuals as well with this recent outbreak. However considering and comparing the illnesses of 1700s and 1800s and the present illness, it is crucial to note that biggest difference here is the quick ability for the cure to be found and the strong awareness that the government spread throughout the world.

One of the best elements was the fact that the illness had spread during an information age, hence it allowed people to take the necessary precautions, to avoid the flu. Also, for the people who were infected with the flu, there was better and more well developed support and quarantine facilities that were developed by the government, which thereby allowed faster and stronger containment of the flu. Hence it is clear that the government efforts have always been present, however with the improved technology and improved information, illnesses and diseases are now treated in more faster and effective manners ensuring the infected person can survive (Dorrance).

Works CitedDorrance, John M. Global Time Bomb: Surviving the H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic and Other Global Health Threats. Madrona Books, 2009.Flu Count . Worldwide H1N1 (Swine Flu) Infection Data. 2009. 3 December 2010 .Henderson, D. A. and Richard Preston. Smallpox- the Death of a Disease: The Inside Story of Eradicating a Worldwide Killer. Prometheus Books, 2009.Murphy, Jim. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 . Clarion Books, 2003.