Compare historical and current features of public health (M1)

Public health efforts are planning to protect the general health and safety of the population by taking measures to prevent or avoid the transmission of disease. Historically, measures such as quarantines were enforced, where there were no means to vaccinate or inoculate to prevent the spread of a dangerous transmissible disease. In more modern times, vaccines were developed to protect against diseases, and of course, in the case of smallpox, the disease was able to be eliminated in 1979, so there's no longer a need to vaccinate against it. In modern times, there is little reliance on quarantine, though people with multiply-antibiotic-resistant TB and other diseases may be detained and isolated. In the early 19th century, the growing towns of Britain were characterised by overcrowding, poor housing, bad water and disease.

In 1842, Edwin Chadwick argued that disease was the main reason for poverty, and that preventing disease would reduce the poor rates. In 1848, a cholera epidemic terrified the government into doing something about prevention of disease, through both public and individual health measures. Further measures included:
• In 1848 the first Public Health Act caused the setting up of a Board of Health, and gave towns the right to appoint a Medical Officer of Health.
• In 1853 vaccination against smallpox was made compulsory.
• In 1854 improvements in hospital hygiene were introduced (thanks in large part to Florence Nightingale).
• In 1875 a Public Health Act enforced laws about slum clearance, provision of sewers and clean water, and the removal of nuisances.
• In 1906 local councils were told to provide free school meals for poor children.
• In 1907 school medical examinations were ordered for all children (among these examinations were those of the 'nitty nurse').
• In 1908 Old-age pensions were introduced.
• In 1911 National Insurance (free medical treatment for workers who fell ill) was introduced.

Nineteenth century
 Chicken Pox: