Even though the COVID pandemic is practically over, the coronavirus is still out there infecting people. However, while the SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused a lot of restrictions and panic worldwide, the sad aspect is that humanity has been through such situations before. It will probably go through other pandemics as well in the future, but let’s try to have faith that modern science will tackle any potential threats, shall we?
Historians tell us that since 1,200 BC, there have been a number of 249 pandemics in the world, including COVID. While most of them were nowhere near as deadly as The Spanish Flu, for instance, it’s time to speak about the most terrible pandemics ever recorded.
The Black Death (1347-1351):
The Black Death spanned from 1347 to 1351, and it stands as one of the most catastrophic pandemics in world history. This pandemic had its origin in Central Asia, and it swept through Europe fast enough as it was carried by fleas infesting rats. Estimations reveal that somewhere between 75 and 200 million people died because of the so-called Black Death, a bubonic plague pandemic.
The most common way of manifestation of the Black Death was the bubonic plague, as the symptoms usually included the sudden onset of fever, weakness, chills, as well as the appearance of painful, swollen lymph nodes or “buboes” in the armpit, groin, or neck. Those buboes often became black, giving the pandemic its name.
It was very easy to become infected with the so-called Black Death, as the disease could be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets.
There wasn’t any medical cure for the Black Death when it ravaged Europe, which, of course, added to its overall terrifying spread. Gladly, there is a cure for the disease today if, by some chance, it ignites again as an epidemic or even a pandemic.
The Spanish Flu (1918-1919):
Shortly after the end of World War I, the Spanish Flu, causing the H1N1 influenza A virus, appeared and infected one-third of the global population. An estimated 50 million people lost their lives because of the disease, as the Spanish Flu was able to spread fast from person to person.
The range of symptoms of the Spanish Flu was much like the seasonal flu, but what made the pandemic particularly lethal was its ability to cause severe respiratory complications. As a result, the mortality rate was high, especially for young adults.
The usual symptoms of the Spanish Flu included sudden onset of fatigue, fever, body aches, cough, as well as sore throat. Patients had to deal with trouble breathing in more severe cases, cyanosis (meaning blueish discoloration of the skin because of not getting enough oxygen), as well as pneumonia.
About a century ago, when the Spanish Flu hit, there was no specific antiviral medication to treat the influenza virus, as the medical understanding of viral infections was scarce.
HIV/AIDS Pandemic (1981-Present)
HIV/AIDS has killed more than 36 million people since it was discovered over four decades ago. The disease can be spread sexually, which is why doctors recommend so much that we should protect ourselves before sexual intercourse with another person.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). The progression from HIV to AIDS usually takes a few years, and during this time, patients may not have to deal with any symptoms or may only go through mild and flu-like symptoms.
The AIDS symptoms include weight loss, chronic diarrhea, fatigue, neurological symptoms, and more.
There is no known cure for HIV, although major advancements have been made in its management. The primary treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which can help control the virus and prevent its progression to AIDS.
Some of the most affected areas of the world by HIV/AIDS are sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Latin America.
The Third Cholera Pandemic (1852-1860):
The Third Cholera Pandemic originated in India, and it traversed Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. Cholera is known as a waterborne disease that manifests as watery diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, muscle cramps, as well as shock and coma. The disease spread globally through military movements and international trade routes, and it caused the death of hundreds of thousands or possibly even millions of people.
The most affected areas of the world by the Third Cholera Pandemic were Europe, Asia, and North America. At its time, there was no specific cure for cholera, and the medical treatment was rudimentary. Physicians often use rehydration therapy, which remains a critical aspect of cholera management nowadays.
COVID-19 Pandemic (2019-Present):
The COVID-19 pandemic is a contemporary crisis, as it affected the world in many ways. Numerous lockdowns and restrictions were imposed throughout the world to limit the spread of the new coronavirus that is able to spread easily from person to person. Almost 7 million people died worldwide because of the COVID pandemic, which, surprisingly enough, has a very low mortality rate. However given the virus’ ability to spread fast, it still represented a major health concern.
The COVID pandemic had its origin in the city of Wuhan (Hubei province), China. The symptoms are very similar to those of the flu, as the list includes cough, fever, chills, fatigue, trouble breathing, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, and more.
Hopefully, the world won’t have to deal with any more pandemics in the near future, but that is all up to all of us in one way or another.