Question

Topic :SPANISH FLU AND LESSON LEARN FROM THE EPIDEMIC( how can this relate to nursing )

250 word max

Answer 1

Spanish flu and Lesson learned from the epidemic:

An acute contagious disease of the upper airways and lungs caused by a virus which rapidly spreads around the world in seasonal epidemics is called flu or influenza . Spanish flu was a deadly Influenza pandemic caused by H1N1 virus Influenza A . It affected the world from February 1918 to mid of 1920. It caused 5,00,00,000 deaths and it affected 500 million people all around the world. The first known case was reported at a military camp in Kansas . The rumours that it was originated in Spain , given the influenza, the name as  Spanish flu.

During the time this Influenza outbreak, the United States also greatly afflicted and 675, 000 people died within a span of two years. Currently the nation and all countries around the world is witnessing the dreaded attack of COVID 19 and it also claims thousands of people lives daily in the nation. As of today 189K deaths were reported within a few months and 6.29 million infected with CORONA vrus in US itself. The lessons learned from the 1918 Spanish flu attack can be useful for the nation to prevent the super spreading of COVID 19.

Nursing, as a Healthcare profession graetely involved not only in curing the disease or alleviating the suffering but also doing a wonderful role in the prevention of diseases both communicable and non - communicable diseases. During the Spanish flu time nurses in the military camp and other health care settings used the masks and encouraged the people who are in chance of contact with the patients. During the time of Spanish flu many countries including US , found success in controlling the diseases by the simple measures like shutting down the shops and markets , social distancing etc. But when the people refrained from social distancing before the appropriate time , the second wave of Spanish flu spread was so rapid .  

When comparing with the olden days of Spanish flu epidemic , the technology and medical science are so much advanced , but still the simple barrier measures can prevent the spread of current pandemic largely. Nurses can observe the hand hygiene properly and should wear the Personal Protective equipment whenever in contact with the COVID patients. She can educate the patient, family members and the public regarding the importance of Hand washing, social distancing, use of mask etc in preventing the Pandemic. Encourage people to avoid pubic gatherings especially elderly and young children and to avoid hand shakes and hugs. During the Ist World war Nurses have done a great job in caring the Spanish flu patients, especially soldiers in the military camps. Today also with the help of advanced technologies and medications, nurses can do wonderful work in caring the COVID 19 patients and preventing the pandemic spread.