50 million dead
world wide! Life expectancy in the U.S. 39 years old! Most vulnerable
population 20-40 year olds.*
Those are the
horrifying stats of the Great Influenza Epidemic also known as the Spanish Flu of 1918.
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| Masquerade Party, Twilight Zone |
In 1918, social
distancing, wearing gauze masks in public, closing schools, theaters, churches
and businesses happened. But that is about where the similarities between 1918
and 2020 end.
In 1918:
- Little to no protective equipment for healthcare workers. It was advised to wear a gauze mask in sick rooms
- No gloves for nurses. Disposable gloves were not invented until 1965
- Doctors knew viruses existed but had never seen one because there were no electron microscopes, so no vaccines could be created
- Ventilators did not exist
- Mortality rate for Influenza was 2.5% for 1918; Cuomo said New York's rate in 2020 is about .5%
Today:
- we have hope - most people believe a vaccine will be developed and the economy will open by fall if not summer
- we have sick leave, unemployment insurance, Medicare for the poor
- we have Instacart, Ubereats, and Amazon
- we also have TV and even better-NETFLIX!
To conclude, be very
happy that we are living today versus 1918.
Take care and be
safe.
Posts Tuesday and
Saturday
