Uncertainty in a Global Pandemic, No.65
Lurking, replicating, spreading; that
is the insidious power of a global pandemic. At first its only rumours, then verification,
that is when fear settles in the hearts of all nations. Measures put in place only
have meagre defences for countries unprepared. Large cities and small villages
cannot escape while travel and movement are part of daily life. Isolation is crucial
to limiting any virus or influenza epidemic though some feel untouchable and
continue to mix within society. Education, science and hygiene puts the modern
world is a far better place than those of the ancient history or the middle ages,
yet disease can still flourish. Ignorance, wether purposeful or oblivious, is
the main conduit for disease.
The ancestors were aware they needed to
isolate to some degree or they were locked in their houses by officials. A red
or black cross was painted on the doors of the sick as a warning and to ‘pray
for mercy.’ Horrendous diseases like Bubonic Plague meant people would try to
get away from clusters and spread it further as they escaped cities. There was
little help for these people by government; Doctors, Nurses, Priests and Nuns
did what they could in makeshift beds in churches, though it would never be
enough. The many died in their houses and were buried in mass graves. Some people
had natural immunity; others lived in isolated locations and a small percentage
survived the scourge. The Black Death as it was commonly called travel along
Asian trade routes to Europe and Mediterranean countries.
Historic diseases were thought to be
punishments from the gods or God, though modern science has different ways to
explain pandemics. Nearly every contagious disease comes from cross
contamination between animals and humans. Close contact within the wildlife
trade and farmed animals has wrought horrors to human populations for centuries
and while some countries have adopted practices to stop infections other
counties go unchecked. As humanity morally evolves eating meat has waned in
many countries. Unfortunately in low socio-economic countries animal
agriculture has expanded for its high profit and employment. For every
creature, river and forest to survive – human habits have to change! Valuing
animal and human lives should be an innate part of the human condition, but a
loss of connection to nature, means the abuse continues. Reconnection to animal
and plant life must be taught in every school so future generations make
informed decisions. The forms of selfish blindness that permeate society must
end.
The worldwide pandemic is an object
of emotional fear and uncertainty that few can truly imagine in educated
communities. We can no longer take the world and our lives for granted. Authorities
must be ready for these life altering viruses and halt there progress at the
first instant. Health must be put before economy in these crucial situations. Disease
brings uncertainty to the world, routines are altered and people are changed
forever. Life has no guarantees, though putting safety first is important for a
healthy existence and future. The lessons of the past must be learned,
complacency is not an option.
Sharon D Bush
Writer
Historian Artisan Sage
Instagram: @THESAGE00 or @SACRED_LIVING
Pinterest: Sacred Living
Email: sharonbush66@gmail.com
Book:
The Scrolls of Wisdom,
philosophical/spiritual self-help book finished (on the final edit – looking
for publishers).
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