Open AccessPast and Present Viral Pandemics: Lessons Learnt and Future Recommendations
Author(s) -
Kenneth Bitrus David,
Cynthia Chioma Ozuluoha
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of health and life sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2383-4382
pISSN - 2383-4390
DOI - 10.5812/ijhls.108965
Subject(s) - pandemic , preparedness , outbreak , influenza pandemic , public health , smallpox , disease , natural disaster , pandemic influenza , virology , geography , infectious disease (medical specialty) , medicine , covid-19 , political science , vaccination , nursing , pathology , meteorology , law
: Human populations throughout history have been affected by major disease outbreaks such as endemics, epidemics, pandemics etc. However, unlike the others, pandemics have their own distinct natural history which is generally of global and public health importance. An in-depth analysis of past pandemics has the potential of strengthening emergency preparedness and tactical responses that are essential in preventing the incidences of future disease outbreaks. This review aims to identify lapses in preparedness and highlight the lessons learnt from past pandemics such as smallpox, tuberculosis, Black Death, influenza pandemic (Spanish flu), H2N2 virus, H3N2 pandemic, H1N1 pandemic, HIV/AIDS and the present COVID-19 pandemic.