The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 can teach us many lessons. Worldwide, it took over 2 years to fully resolve. It had a beginning, a 2nd wave, and an end. In the United States, cities that took sustained action, flattened the curve. The ill and their families were quarantined, public events and public transportation were closed. Those with chronic illness fared worse. Those that lived communally, such as soldiers during wartime, despite youth, were hard hit. Poor people and those that were malnourished were at high risk. And when it was over, people quickly forgot.
Although we value our independence, a pandemic teaches us that we are all connected. Much more so now, due to widespread travel, then in 1918. We end this pandemic now by being thoughtful and prudent. That’s how we flatten the curve. Wash your hands, wear your cloth face covering, and stay home if you are sick. If you have a chronic illness, particularly obesity and diabetes, you are at highest risk of complications and must be very cautious, while simultaneously seeking to optimize your health through healthful living choices. This is how we take care of ourselves. And each other.
#covid19 #responsibility #community #humanity #patience #diabetes #obesity #history #medicineandmedia The Kidney and Hypertension Group
