Pandemic In 1918 Essay
Abstract
In 1918, the world experienced its most deadly modern pandemic, the H1N1 influenza virus named the Spanish Flu. Killing between 20 and 40 million people worldwide, the pandemic has not since been repeated on such a large scale. This paper provides a background of the 1918 virus and its effects followed by an examination of the danger represented by the H5N1 Avian Flu virus of 1997. Finally, it discusses the potential international economic impact of a modern pandemic like the Spanish Flu, should such a virus materialize again.
Thesis
The post-World War II world can be characterized by unparalleled connectivity and a shrinking of the world’s metaphoric size. In many ways, this has been useful to humanity, promoting growth, understanding, mobility, and, for the most part, prosperity. However, such an environment represents a fertile killing ground for a virus capable of being easily transmitted between humans. Since 1918, the world has not faced a worldwide pandemic on the scale represented by the Spanish Flu; when it does, the economic effects of such virus is unknowable. However, some estimates have been made, although with the world lacking such a megadeath in its recent history, it is possible that these estimates are optimistic.
The Deadly Foe
In 1918, the world’s most deadly serial killer came out of the shadows. It usually …show more content…
However, one estimate put single-city absenteeism peaks at around 10%-11% higher during such an outbreak (James & Sargent 2006). If single-city absenteeisms peaked that high and rolled throughout the world (i.e. spreading from city to city as the pandemic spreads), substantial temporary disruptions would likely occur, requiring many businesses to begin implementing their Business Continuity Plans (BCP). The degree to which such BCPs would mitigate losses due to absenteeism would depend upon the efficacy and forethought of the plans
In 1918, the world experienced its most deadly modern pandemic, the H1N1 influenza virus named the Spanish Flu. Killing between 20 and 40 million people worldwide, the pandemic has not since been repeated on such a large scale. This paper provides a background of the 1918 virus and its effects followed by an examination of the danger represented by the H5N1 Avian Flu virus of 1997. Finally, it discusses the potential international economic impact of a modern pandemic like the Spanish Flu, should such a virus materialize again.
Thesis
The post-World War II world can be characterized by unparalleled connectivity and a shrinking of the world’s metaphoric size. In many ways, this has been useful to humanity, promoting growth, understanding, mobility, and, for the most part, prosperity. However, such an environment represents a fertile killing ground for a virus capable of being easily transmitted between humans. Since 1918, the world has not faced a worldwide pandemic on the scale represented by the Spanish Flu; when it does, the economic effects of such virus is unknowable. However, some estimates have been made, although with the world lacking such a megadeath in its recent history, it is possible that these estimates are optimistic.
The Deadly Foe
In 1918, the world’s most deadly serial killer came out of the shadows. It usually …show more content…
However, one estimate put single-city absenteeism peaks at around 10%-11% higher during such an outbreak (James & Sargent 2006). If single-city absenteeisms peaked that high and rolled throughout the world (i.e. spreading from city to city as the pandemic spreads), substantial temporary disruptions would likely occur, requiring many businesses to begin implementing their Business Continuity Plans (BCP). The degree to which such BCPs would mitigate losses due to absenteeism would depend upon the efficacy and forethought of the plans