Pandemics Global Impacts Throughout History

A pandemic is an outbreak of disease or illness that spreads easily from person to person worldwide. Infection spreads so quickly and effortlessly because it is a new illness that the majority of people don’t have built up immunity to. Pandemics are not new. The world has struggled with various outbreaks since the start of civilization. 

A career in health care can be a challenging, yet satisfying profession during the most ideal circumstances. It is a calling for most who enter into a selfless career of caring for others during their time of need and/or illness. Resources for education to enter into this essential career are becoming more readily available through the availability of online FNP programs. When facing a global pandemic, unlike first responders who are somewhat prepared for the dangers they may face daily, health care workers are finding themselves on the front lines, doing what they can to help those affected.

Effects and History

Pandemics have come and gone throughout history, the current situation with COVID-19 is relatively unique because previously the average life expectancy has never been as long as it is currently. The effects on the economic state of the global economy may take decades to recover from. 

Throughout history, every pandemic seems to leave its mark with how the world and society has evolved. The first ever incident occurred in the 6th century where the Byzantine empire was infected with Justinian’s plague. It was responsible for approximately 30-50 million deaths, half of the world’s population then, and is believed to be responsible for the cease in trade which was ultimately responsible for the fall of the Roman Empire. 

In Europe circa 1347, the bubonic plague, later known as The Black Death, changed civilization in Europe and is responsible for approximately 25 million deaths. Social classes began to evolve and more opportunities became more readily available encouraging social mobility.

With the settlement of the Americas in 1492, Europeans introduced diseases to the new land causing the next pandemic; smallpox. Smallpox is responsible for the death of about 20 million people; which was approximately 90% of the population of the New World. This led to the colonization of newly vacated areas of the Americas and the change of the global economy. With inflation brought on by silver and gold being exploited from Latin America and the New World, this pandemic is credited with bringing about the introduction of capitalism. 

Impacts

Dealing with a global pandemic has many lasting effects on society and civilization as a whole. To discount such an event as simply a global medical issue is to grossly underestimate just how great an impact it can have on all of us. Disruptions to life as you know can lead to the manifestation of certain mental illnesses. Businesses have closed, people are advised not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary and parents have now also assumed the role of teacher to their children. Such sobering times can lend themselves to people not feeling safe venturing outside their homes and developing an unhealthy fear of germs. 

Panic, stress and anxiety can become overwhelming. People have an innate fear of the unknown and when the media and world leaders constantly modify how you should react and precautions you should take, it can become very confusing. Mental health can further deteriorate by affecting your sleep patterns and evoking feelings of poor health. Perceived threats to overall health can disturb the general population and those who are already inflicted with mental disorders can feel these effects exponentially. 

In short, pay attention to the advice of health officials. Take precautions where you can and try to keep unfounded anxiety at bay.