Can you even begin to imagine what it was like to be a nurse in 1350? There were many health care workers in 1350, mainly due to the Black Plague. This was the most devastating pandemic in our history to date, and it killed an estimated 175 million people throughout Europe. Although rumor has spread over the years that rats were the cause of this terrible disease, the fact is no one knows for certain what caused the condition, though it was indeed spread by rats.
Measles
Measles do still exist, however on a very limited scale. With vaccinations, this childhood disease can be eliminated. Measles can cause serious complications:
- Blindness- measles can cause permanent blindness. It is recommended that anyone with a severe case of measles avoid direct sunlight.
- Severe diarrhea-Uncontrollable diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can then cause complications. Dehydration, especially in children can potentially be a very serious condition.
- Respiratory infections can be brought on by measles and can lead to pneumonia. A child’s immune system that is not fully developed can be easily compromised.
- Encephalitis is a very serious complication of measles. This is swelling on the brain, and in some case’s swelling may not reduce in time, and could take a life.
Measles do still exist in under developed countries, however with vaccines it is pretty much eliminated in the U.S.
Mumps
With vaccinations mumps also has pretty much been eliminated. During the 60’s mumps was at an all-time high, and it was something that almost every child caught. The glands in the cheeks and jaw swell, which can be uncomfortable and cause a low-grade fever. Though rare, this disease can cause encephalitis or meningitis, and slightly more common, deafness. Children now are routinely vaccinated and receive protection from this childhood disease, however underdeveloped countries still experience outbreaks.
Related: Is Mental Illness Viewed as a Health Problem?
Polio
If you are old enough, you may remember the outbreak of the devastating polio virus. It was not only a crippling disease, but often could result in death. Polio was not understood, some people that contracted it recovered just fine, while a small percentage would be crippled or even get to the point they can no longer breath, and pass away.
Scarlet Fever
Again, not totally eradicated, but extremely rare in America. This disease is simply a very bad throat infection, essentially one that is not properly treated with antibiotics. Today we have antibiotics to combat a throat infection, however in years past this was not the case. If you ever watch old movies you may hear a reference to “the fever”, this is scarlet fever they are speaking of.
Many diseases have diminished over the years, the AIDS virus was a death sentence just 30 years ago, and today people are living normal lives with limited complications.
There are things you can do to ensure illness does not spread, or return to existence. When traveling out of the country, be cautious when you return. Avoid large gatherings for 3-4 weeks, and report any physical abnormalities to your health care provider. If you make an appointment to see your physician, be sure to inform them that you were recently out of the country.
Related: Latest Medical Breakthroughs
Make sure your children are properly vaccinated. Health departments offer free vaccinations, and schools require proper documentation of vaccines prior to admittance. There is sometimes controversy over vaccines, and the safety of them, however not getting a vaccination poses a much greater risk of serious illness of death, than taking them.
Proper hygiene is still one of the best defenses against any illness, as well as the spread of disease. If you happen to have a patient that suffers from a disease that is rare, be sure to use proper protection for yourself, especially if this is something you have not been vaccinated against. With attention to detail, no eradicated disease should return, and there should be no outbreak of nearly eradicated diseases.
Related: Registered Nurse Marie Lois Haran, RN, MSN, will be Honorably Mentioned in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare
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Measles
Measles do still exist, however on a very limited scale. With vaccinations, this childhood disease can be eliminated. Measles can cause serious complications:
- Blindness- measles can cause permanent blindness. It is recommended that anyone with a severe case of measles avoid direct sunlight.
- Severe diarrhea-Uncontrollable diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can then cause complications. Dehydration, especially in children can potentially be a very serious condition.
- Respiratory infections can be brought on by measles and can lead to pneumonia. A child’s immune system that is not fully developed can be easily compromised.
- Encephalitis is a very serious complication of measles. This is swelling on the brain, and in some case’s swelling may not reduce in time, and could take a life.
Measles do still exist in under developed countries, however with vaccines it is pretty much eliminated in the U.S.
Mumps
With vaccinations mumps also has pretty much been eliminated. During the 60’s mumps was at an all-time high, and it was something that almost every child caught. The glands in the cheeks and jaw swell, which can be uncomfortable and cause a low-grade fever. Though rare, this disease can cause encephalitis or meningitis, and slightly more common, deafness. Children now are routinely vaccinated and receive protection from this childhood disease, however underdeveloped countries still experience outbreaks.
Related: Is Mental Illness Viewed as a Health Problem?
Polio
If you are old enough, you may remember the outbreak of the devastating polio virus. It was not only a crippling disease, but often could result in death. Polio was not understood, some people that contracted it recovered just fine, while a small percentage would be crippled or even get to the point they can no longer breath, and pass away.
Scarlet Fever
Again, not totally eradicated, but extremely rare in America. This disease is simply a very bad throat infection, essentially one that is not properly treated with antibiotics. Today we have antibiotics to combat a throat infection, however in years past this was not the case. If you ever watch old movies you may hear a reference to “the fever”, this is scarlet fever they are speaking of.
Many diseases have diminished over the years, the AIDS virus was a death sentence just 30 years ago, and today people are living normal lives with limited complications.
There are things you can do to ensure illness does not spread, or return to existence. When traveling out of the country, be cautious when you return. Avoid large gatherings for 3-4 weeks, and report any physical abnormalities to your health care provider. If you make an appointment to see your physician, be sure to inform them that you were recently out of the country.
Related: Latest Medical Breakthroughs
Make sure your children are properly vaccinated. Health departments offer free vaccinations, and schools require proper documentation of vaccines prior to admittance. There is sometimes controversy over vaccines, and the safety of them, however not getting a vaccination poses a much greater risk of serious illness of death, than taking them.
Proper hygiene is still one of the best defenses against any illness, as well as the spread of disease. If you happen to have a patient that suffers from a disease that is rare, be sure to use proper protection for yourself, especially if this is something you have not been vaccinated against. With attention to detail, no eradicated disease should return, and there should be no outbreak of nearly eradicated diseases.
Related: Registered Nurse Marie Lois Haran, RN, MSN, will be Honorably Mentioned in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare
Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter
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